- Full Schedule of Competition and Activities Back After Last Year’s Cancelation
The Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the country’s most prestigious hunter-jumper horse shows and a culminating event of the Hamptons’ summer season, is set to return, August 29-September 5. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancelation of last year’s show, this year’s 45th edition of the Classic is ready to welcome back the nation’s best horses and riders who will compete for prestigious titles and more than $800,000 in prize money.
Each year approximately 50,000 people – including many A-list celebrities – come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. The world-class event showcases more than 1,500 horses competing in 200 hunter, jumper and equitation classes. There are classes for horses and riders of all ages and abilities ranging from leadline all the way up to grand prix show jumping. The Hampton Classic also hosts classes for riders with disabilities.
This year’s event will feature five FEI classes in the Classic’s grass Grand Prix ring that will showcase elite riders from around the world, including Olympic veterans, some of whom will be making their first appearance following this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. The line-up of FEI classes will include the $75,000 Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, the $73,000 LONGINES Cup on Saturday, and the Classic’s culminating event, the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix Presented by Land Rover on Sunday, September 5. The Classic will also present the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge. The Hampton Classic is proud to have LONGINES as its official timekeeper.
As part of a continued effort to “go green,” the Hampton Classic prize list is only available electronically this year. It can be found on the Hampton Classic website at this link.
The Classic’s 65-acre venue boasts six show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with approximately 80 vendors, international food options as well as the Classic’s high-end VIP areas. There are also kid-friendly activities throughout the week including pony rides, petting farm animals, daily special attractions and more.
After last year’s cancelation, there is an added sense of anticipation about this year,”
said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Classic’s Executive Director.
The competitors are going to be thrilled with our grass Grand Prix field which is in ideal condition after having had two full years to mature. We will also have all our usual activities that have made the Classic a popular event for everyone, whether they’re horse fans or not!”
Some of the Classic’s highlights include the Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Presented by Dime Bank and the Classic’s 10th annual Animal Adoption Day, which will feature horse rescues that are part of the EQUUS Foundation’s guardian program and many dog and cat rescues as well. Both of these activities take place on Monday, August 30. News 12 Long Island’s Kids Day is moving to Thursday from its traditional Saturday date, and will once again feature activities for the entire family. Children under 12 receive a free pony ride.
Daily admission to the Classic is $20 per carload. Admission is free on Monday, and seniors are admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Grandstand tickets for the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 5, are $45 per person for reserved bucket seating, which will be available for purchase on the Hampton Classic website beginning August 1.
The Hampton Classic is famous for its celebrity guests throughout the week. Among those who have attended the Classic in recent years are Jerry Seinfeld, Sofia Vergara, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Jimmy Fallon, Mariska Hargitay, Julianne Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Brooke Shields, and Jennifer Lopez.
For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website, produced by ClipMyHorseTV and courtesy of LONGINES.
Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available at the Hampton Classic website at Hampton Classic.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.