83 Young Equestrians Inaugurate Hampton Classic Horse Show

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A beloved tradition began Sunday as the Hampton Classic Horse Show unfolded in Bridgehampton.

The 49th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show kicked off a week of world-class equestrian competition with a strong performance from young athletes — 83 riders in the 2-to-4 and 5-to-7 age groups gathered in the Grand Prix Arena for the Leadline segment presented by Brennan's Bit and Bridle, with three-time Olympian Joe Fargis judging, organizers said.

The Hampton Classic, held from August 25th to September 1st, is a world-renowned horse show featuring competitors from top-line juniors to Olympic, World and World Cup champions. Rated USEF Premier-6 with designated FEI 5* and 2* classes, the Classic also has events for disabled riders.

Double Olympic gold medalist and Show Jumping Hall of Famer Joe Fargis of Middleburg, VA, returned as the division judge, taking time with each line champion. He also emphasized the importance of being part of the Classic and having fun while in a competitive environment.

“It's important to me (to participate in the Hampton Classic) because it's a lot of fun. I've been consistent with it for a long, long time and it's just enjoyable for the day,” Fargis said. “The kids love it, the parents love it, and it's a nice low-key part of the whole show. It's just great. That's what sports are all about: competing and having fun without taking it too seriously. Everything these kids and parents are great sports.”

Section Champions of Leadline 2 to 4 years presented by Brennan's Bit and Bridle:

1. Zoe Bensimon of Bayville, NY, with batteries not included

1. Esmeralda Sanampudi of Sagaponack, NY, riding CMS Brother Bear

1. Lenox Rottenstreich of Greenvale, NY, riding Carousel's First Steps

Esmeralda Sanampudi and CMS Brother Bear won their division in the 2 to 4 year old Leadline presented by Brennan's Bit and Bridle © KindMedia.

Section Champions of Leadline 5 to 7 years presented by Brennan's Bit and Bridle:

1. Piper Goldberg of Medford, NY, riding Caramel & Cookies

1. Hailey Romeo of Flanders, NY, riding Oopsie Daisy

1. Aine' Bykov of Flanders, New York, riding Oopsie Daisy

1. Scarlett Calame of Greenvale, NY, riding Pixie Dust

Hailey Romeo and Oopsie Daisy won their division in the 5 to 7 year old Leadline presented by Brennan's Bit and Bridle © KindMedia.

Official Opening Day ceremonies followed in the afternoon with the introduction of officials and special guests before the afternoon highlights began, the $30,000 Hampton Classic Open Jumper Challenge presented by BrainJuice, LLC and the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby.

The official community partner of the Hampton Classic, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, was brought onto the field to kick off the festivities. Partnering with the Hampton Classic since the show's inception in 1976, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has received more than $2 million in contributions from the show during that time.

Heidi Earle of Southampton, NY, received the 17th annual Long Island Sportsmanship Award.

Other festivities included a showcase of horses participating in Monday's Hampton Classic Adoption Day. Sponsored by Georgina Bloomberg and the EQUUS Foundation. EQUUS Foundation representatives included animal welfare advocate, media personality and best-selling author Jill Rappaport.

The EQUUS Foundation, founded in 2002 to keep America's horses safe at all stages of their lives, was endowed with a $5,000 donation from Connect One Bank Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer Tara Fordham. Also joining the EQUUS Foundation are Superhero Rescue Horses of Goshen, NY, and Rising Starr Horse Rescue of Wilton, CT.

For live broadcast results, click here.

Each year, approximately 50,000 people come to watch equestrian athletes compete in the Hampton Classic. The Hampton Classic features more than 200 contests across six shows, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors and a wide variety of dining options, all on its 60-acre show grounds.

FEI competition begins on Thursday, August 29, with the $10,000 Citarella Open Jumper CSI2* and the $32,000 Speed ​​Stake CSI5* and continues throughout the weekend with eight 2*/5* courses featuring courses designed by Nick Granat.

FEI competition also includes the $32,000 Wölffer Estate 2* Jumper Classic and $70,000 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix qualifier, Saturday's $32,000 Open Speed ​​Class CSI2* and $70,000 CSI5* victory lap. The Classic culminates with the $75,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix and the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1.

Families can enjoy their shopping. hands-on activities, pony rides and petting zoo animals in the children's exhibition tent. and other kid-friendly activities on Saturday, August 31.

Daily admission to the Classic is $20 per load. Admission is free on Mondays. Seniors and military are admitted free on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as are those who bring three or more non-perishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry. Grandstand tickets for the Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1, are $60 per person (including fees) for reserved bucket seats. Grandstand tickets are online only.

For those unable to make it to the show grounds, free live broadcasts of all Grand Prix and Aspinall Ring competitions are broadcast on the Hampton Classic website.