The Hamptons

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is taking down all tents and horse stabling in anticipation of Hurricane Henri, expected to hit the Hamptons early Sunday morning. With Opening Day of the Classic just nine days away, 18 tents with 1600 stalls as well as 40 other large tents housing the chalets, VIP seating, and boutiques, plus dozens of other small tents are already in place. They will be taken down Friday with a plan to put them all back up as soon as possible after the storm.

“With the hurricane set to hit, we really have no choice but to take down everything” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “Safety concerns trump all and we are initiating this plan immediately and will then regroup to get everything back in place for our opening next weekend. I’m so appreciative of the amazing staff and crew who have been building our ‘mini-city’ since late July, who are now dismantling everything, and are at the ready to rebuild.

“It is somewhat ironic that this is happening as we mark the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Irene,” Cohen continued. “In 2011, we had to do the same thing except that Irene came on our Opening weekend and caused us to start three days late, the only time we’ve ever delayed the start of the Classic. Fortunately, this year’s timing is a little better.”

The Hampton Classic, August 29 – September 5, 2021, is one of the country’s most prestigious hunter-jumper horse shows. Offering more than $800,000 in prize money, the Classic features the nation’s best horses and riders in addition to more than 80 vendors, international food options as well as the Classic’s high-end VIP areas and kid-friendly activities. The world-class event attracts approximately 50,000 spectators and 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 Classic also hosts classes for riders with disabilities. hamptonclassic.com

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the hamptons