83 Young Equestrians Launch Hampton Classic Horse Show

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

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

The Hampton Classic, held August 25 through September 1, is a world-renowned horse show, featuring competitors from young children in leadline to Olympic, World, and World Cup Champions. Rated USEF Premier-6 with designated FEI 5* and 2* show jumping classes, the Classic also has competitions for riders with disabilities.

Olympic double gold medalist and Show Jumping Hall of Famer Joe Fargis of Middleburg, VA, returned as the division’s judge, taking time with each leadline competitor. He also highlighted the importance of being part of the Classic and having fun while in a competitive setting.

"It’s important to me (to participate at the Hampton Classic) because it’s a lot of fun. I’ve been consistent with this for a long, long time, and it’s just enjoyable for the day," said Fargis. "The kids love it, the parents love it, and it’s a nice part of the whole show that’s low-keyed. It’s just wonderful. This is what sports are about: competing and having a good time, not taking it too seriously. All 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, riding 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 section of the Leadline 2 to 4 years 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, NY, riding Oopsie Daisy

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

Hailey Romeo and Oopsie Daisy won their section of the Leadline 5 to 7 years presented by Brennan’s Bit and Bridle © KindMedia.

The official Opening Day ceremonies followed in the afternoon with the introduction of officials and special guests before moving into the afternoon’s highlight classes, the $30,000 Hampton Classic Open Jumper Challenge presented by BrainJuice, LLC, and the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby.

The Hampton Classic’s official community partner, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, was brought to the field to kick off the festivities. Partnered 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 presented with a $5,000 donation from vice resident and Business Development Officer of Connect One Bank Tara Fordham. The EQUUS Foundation was also joined by Superhero Rescue Horses of Goshen, NY, and Rising Starr Horse Rescue of Wilton, CT.

For live show results,click here.

Each year, about 50,000 people come to watch equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. The Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its 60-acre showgrounds.

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

FEI competition also includes Friday’s $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* Winning Round. 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 shopping; hands-on activities, pony rides and petting zoo animals at the Kids Exhibition Tent; and other kid-friendly activities on Saturday, August 31.

Daily admission to the Classic is $20 per carload. Admission is free on Monday. Seniors and military are admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 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 seating. Grandstand tickets are electronic only.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix and Aspinall Ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website.