The Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 28 – September 4, for its 36^th year of bringing world-class equestrian competition, shopping and entertainment to the eastern end of Long Island. The horse show's scope, however, extends far beyond the Hamptons, attracting masses of spectators, socialites and celebrity riders from across the world, who turn out to see and be seen at this iconic end-of-summer event.   

The Hampton Classic features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic's top-notch equestrian competition attracts many of the nation's top professional and amateur riders, and its chic Hamptons charm and full schedule of family attractions make it the perfect destination for anybody looking to add some style to their summer.

"We encourage everybody to visit the Hampton Classic this summer," said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's Executive Director. "Whether you come for the competition, the shopping, or any of our great family activities, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time!"

Highlighting this year's Hampton Classic Horse Show is the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier on Sunday, September 4, which is open to horses that successfully complete Friday's $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier. This exciting class features Olympians, World Champions and USET veterans.

For the first time, The Hampton Classic will be hosting a $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday afternoon, September 3.  “We are pleased to be able to give our top hunter riders the opportunity to compete for such a prestigious title at this year’s Classic,” said Cohen.  “The addition of the Hunter Derby in our Main Hunter Ring will make Saturday an even more exhilarating day of competition, as it will run simultaneously with the $30,000 Open Jumper Challenge in the Grand Prix Ring.”

Also new this year is the addition of a VIP Tent by Jumper Ring II, which hosts premier jumper and equitation classes all week.  Further enhancing the experience for riders and spectators alike will be the inclusion of new electronic scoreboards in both Jumper Ring II and Hunter Ring I.  Also, Sunday morning’s Hermès Hunter Classic will now be open to Junior and Amateur-Owner competitors jumping 3’6” as well as Amateur-Owner competitors jumping 3’3”, allowing all of the horse show’s amateur competitors competing in rated hunter divisions to be part of this prestigious classic competition.

Besides the exciting equestrian competition, there are many other activities at the Classic that should be on everybody's summer agenda. One such highlight is Cablevision Kids’ Day, which returns on Saturday, September 3, featuring children’s activities throughout the day.  Kids under 12 are admitted free and receive a complimentary pony ride. There will be also drawings held throughout the day for exciting prizes. 

Due to the popularity and success of last year’s inaugural event, the Hampton Classic is happy to announce the return of ASPCA Adoption Day, Monday, August 29.  ASPCA Adoption Day will host local dog and cat shelters as well as horse rescue groups, which will showcase animals that are available for adoption.  Celebrity VIP hosts for the event will include international Grand Prix rider Georgina Bloomberg, and Jill Rappaport, the “Today” show’s Animal Welfare Correspondent and best-selling author.  In addition to Adoption Day, ASPCA will conducting seminars and other fun activities at the ASPCA Patio throughout the Classic. 

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic.  These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv. 

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Opening Day, Sunday, August 28:

• Opening Day Ceremonies will take place in the Grand Prix Ring
• $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge

Monday, August 29:

• Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities 
• ASPCA Adoption Day at the Hampton Classic
• ASPCA Animal Behavior Clinic

Tuesday, August 30:

• $30,000 7 & 8 Year old Young Jumper Championship
• Newsday Open Jumper Class
• Brown Harris Stevens Open Jumper Class

Wednesday, August 31:

• SHF Enterprises 5-year-old & Split Rock Farm 6-year-old Young Jumper Championships
• Pilatus Open Jumper Class

Thursday, September 1:

• $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Hunter Classic
• $10,000 Sam Edelman Equitation Championship
• Prudential Douglas Elliman Open Jumper Class

Friday, September 2:

• $10,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Welcome Stake
• $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier
• Exhibitor Party and “horseless horse show” to benefit JustWorld International

Cablevision’s Kids Day, Saturday, September 3:

• Children’s Activities & Performers (10am – 2pm)
• $20,000 SHF Enterprises 5-year-old Young Jumper Championship – Finals
• $30,000 Split Rock Farm 6-year-old Young Jumper Championship – Finals
• $30,000 Open Jumper Challenge
• $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Grand Prix “Super Sunday,” Sunday, September 4

• $30,000 7- & 8-year-old Young Jumper Championship – Finals
• $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby
• $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic
• $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.  Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.