The Hampton Classic Returns to Bridgehampton August 24-31

Photo: Liz Soroka/Hampton Classic

The 39th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show will be at the 60-acre show grounds off Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton from August 24 to 31. The show, which is steeped in tradition, is as much of a draw for seasoned equestrians as it is for those who don’t know the difference between an English and a Western saddle.

The grounds of the show are almost as much of a draw as the competitions that take place in the event’s six beautiful rings. There is a shopping concourse with more than 80 vendors selling chic items that aren’t just for the horsey-set. There are handmade one-of-a-kind handbags from custom saddle-makers, unique and chic peasant blouses, tack and gear for hunting, and 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 nation’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 leadline classes all the way up to the grand prix level with riders ranging from young children to Olympic medalists. The Classic also has classes for riders with disabilities.

The Hampton Classic is famous not only for its world-class equestrian competition, but also for its celebrity sightings throughout the week. Among those who attended in recent years are Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld and Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, L.A. Reid, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Christie Brinkley.

The horse show kicks off with The Atlantic Opening Day on Sunday, August 24. The day starts out with the leadline classes, showcasing riders who are as young as two years old, and are just beginning their equestrian career. Later in the day, the show’s top hunter riders take on the $50,000 Hampton Classic Hunter Derby, presented by MeadowView Farms.

The final day of the Hampton Classic, Sunday, August 31, features the $30,000 7 & 8 Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, 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 complete itinerary of activities at the show this year see the schedule posted online.

General admission costs $10 a person or $20 a car. For the Grand Prix tickets start at $25 a person. They can be purchased online.