The Hamptons

Celebrating 51 years of equestrian tradition, the Hampton Classic, August 23-30, is one of the world’s most prestigious horse shows and features competitors at every level from young children to Olympic, World, and World Cup Champions. The Classic also has competitions for riders with disabilities (Monday, August 24). The Hampton Classic features more than 200 classes in six show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, a Kids Area, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre showgrounds.

Highlighting the Hampton Classic is the Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, August 30. In addition to winning the Grand Prix, which awards $400,000 in prize money, the world-class field of riders will be looking to win the Longines Rider Challenges, which award $30,000 to the riders who accumulate the most points throughout the week in the horse show’s FEI 5* and FEI 2* divisions.

Located near The Hamptons’ famous beaches, nightclubs, restaurants, and boutiques, the Hampton Classic is a celebrity hotspot. Among those who have attended in recent years are many A-listers including Robert DeNiro, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bon Jovi, Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Downey, Jr., Mariska Hargitay, Bobby Flay, Brooke Shields, Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore and Michael Bloomberg.

Following is an overview of the Classic’s schedule:

Sunday, August 23 – Local classes for Long Island competitors, including the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby and the Atlantic Equine Local Junior Hunter division, highlight Opening Day. Also featured are Leadline classes for riders aged 2-7, Opening Day Ceremonies with the presentation of the Long Island Sportsmanship Award, and the $30,000 1.40m Jumper Challenge benefitting the Kevin Babington Foundation.

Monday, August 24 – The Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Presented by Dime Commercial Bank highlight the competition. Spectators are invited to shop in the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden. The Classic will host its 15th annual Animal Adoption Day presented by Georgina Bloomberg where adoptable cats and dogs will be in the Kids Area from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and adoptable horses will be showcased in the Aspinall Ring from 2:30 -3:30 p.m. Admission is free on Monday.

Tuesday-Thursday, August 25-27 – A wide variety of jumper and hunter competitions will take place, as well as special family-oriented activities in the Kids Area. Admission on Tue., Wed. and Thu. is free for seniors, members of the military, and those who bring 3 or more non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

Thursday, August 27 – FEI classes begin in the Grand Prix Arena with the $5,000 Citarella 2* Open Jumper and $32,000 BrainJuice 5* Two-Phase. Other highlights include the $10,000 Hunt & Go Stake Sponsored by The Baran in the Aspinall Ring (3:30 p.m.) and various other hunter and jumper competitions.

Friday, August 28 – Friday features the $10,000 Harrods Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake and $32,000 Wölffer Estate 2* Grand Prix Qualifier. The $116,100 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier will set the line-up for Sunday’s $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix. The schedule also includes a wide variety of other jumper and hunter competitions.

Saturday, August 29 – Kids Day will feature plenty of free activities from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Smaller children receive a free pony ride. The Grand Prix Arena will host the $10,000 Hermès Equitation Championship and $62,500 FEI 5* Winning Round. Several hunter and jumper championship classes for Amateurs, Juniors and Ponies will round out the schedule.

Sunday, August 30 – Grand Prix Sunday features the $30,000 Agneta & Brownlee Currey Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, the $70,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix, and other competitions prior to the week’s feature, the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix. The VIP Tent is packed with a “who’s who” of Hamptons notables and other celebrities. Winners of the Hamptons Cottages & Gardens VIP Table Décor contest are announced.

Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.

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 Horse Show. Rated USEF ‘Premier-6’ for hunters and jumpers with designated FEI 2* and 5* jumping classes, the Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre show grounds. For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please call 631.537.3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. hamptonclassic.com

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the hamptons