Photo: Liz Soroka/Hampton Classic
The 39th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show will be at the 60-acre fairgrounds on Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton from August 24-31. The show, which is steeped in tradition, is so appealing to experienced riders who don't know the difference between English and Western saddles.
The show courts are almost as much of a draw as the races that take place in the event's six beautiful rings. There is a mall with over 80 vendors selling stylish items that are not just for the horse. There are handmade one-of-a-kind bags from specialist saddle makers, unique and stylish farm tops, hunting accessories and gear, antique textiles and original art. “The Hampton Classic offers something for everyone,” explains Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's executive director.
The Classic attracts many of the country's top professional and amateur riders. There will be more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. A wide range of hunter, jumper and equitation classes are offered, from elite classes to grand prix level with riders ranging from toddlers to Olympians. The Classic also has classes for riders with special needs.
The Hampton Classic is famous not only for its world-renowned equestrian competition, but also for its celebrity appearances throughout the week. Among those who have attended in recent years are Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld and Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, LA Reid, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. New York Andrew Cuomo and Christie Brinkley.
The horse show begins with The Atlantic Opening Day on Sunday, August 24. The day begins with the top classes, featuring riders who are as young as two years old and just starting their riding careers. Later in the day, the show's top hunter jockeys will square off in the $50,000 Hampton Classic Hunter Derby, presented by MeadowView Farms.
The final day of the Hampton Classic, Sunday, August 31, features the finals of the $30,000 7 & 8-year-old Jumper Championship, the $25,000 Hampton Classic Jumping Derby and the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic. The week of competition culminates with the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix & FEI World CupTM Qualifier presented by Land Rover. The Grand Prix features Olympians, World Champions and show jumping veterans and helps riders earn coveted points for the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas next April. For a full itinerary of this year's fair activities, see the program posted online.
General admission is $10 per person or $20 per car. For the Grand Prix, tickets start at $25 per person. They can be purchased online.
