Hampton Classic Horse Show Returns for the 39th Year

Hampton Classic Horse Show Returns for the 39th Year  Bridgehampton, NY-June 18, 2014 -The 39th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, to showcase the highest levels of equestrian show jumping competition.  The Hampton Classic features six show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, and a new Farmer's Market, all on its 60-acre show grounds. "The Hampton Classic offers something for everyone," explains Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's Executive Director. "From our world-class equestrian competition, to our distinguished high-end shopping boutiques and gourmet cuisine, the Hampton Classic provides spectators and exhibitors alike with a bounty of activity and excitement." The Hampton Classic hosts 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 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. Kent Farrington, winner of the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix in 2013  The following day, Monday, August 25, features  the  fifth annual ASPCA Adoption & Animal  Welfare Day  which presents rescued horses, cats  and dogs available  for adoption. In addition to its  adoption day programs, the ASPCA also  conducts seminars  and other fun activities at the  ASPCA Patio frequently  throughout the Hampton  Classic. Also occurring on  Monday is the Long  Island Horse Show Series for  Riders with  Disabilities Finals. Tuesday, August 26 sees the start of the Classic's jumper divisions, including some big opportunities for prize money with the $20,000 Hampton Classic Jumper Challenge and the $10,000 Newsday Open Jumper class.Wednesday, August 27 also features the $10,000 Wolffer Estate Open Jumper class and the start of the Young Jumper Championship Finals.  On Thursday, August 28, the Grand Prix  Ring hosts the $10,000 Douglas Elliman  Open Jumper class, followed by the  $10,000 Sam Edelman Equitation  Championship. The highlights of Friday  include the $50,000 Grand Prix Qualifier  presented by Longines and the $15,000  Speed Derby presented by Sotheby's  International Realty. The opening of the weekend competition on Saturday, August 30 showcases the $40,000 Longines Cup, the $20,000 SHF Enterprises 5-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, the $30,000 6-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals and the $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. In addition, Saturday is the longstanding favorite Optimum®Kids' Day which features children's activities throughout the day. Kids under the age of 12 receive a complimentary pony ride. There are also circus performers, face painting and a magician. 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.   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 were present in recent years were TV personalities Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld and Kelly Ripa, actors Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen and Julianne Moore, musicians Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and L.A. Reid, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, hoteliers Rick and Kathy Hilton, and supermodel Christie Brinkley. For those who are not able to make it to the show grounds, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, airs a daily 4-hour telecast live from the Hampton Classic. Additionally, ShowNet vision offers webcasts of all Grand Prix Ring competition at no charge on the Hampton Classic website.  For a link to this coverage and for more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.   #fineartmagazine