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First organized in early 1920s (then in
Southampton)...discontinued during First World War...revived in the
1900s...discontinued during the Second World War...revived 1952-58...in 1959
became known as the Southampton Horse Show...the show was dormant from
1964-1970...revived in 1971 and held at the Topping Riding Club in
Sagaponack. The true beginning of what is now known as the Hampton Classic was in 1976, when it expanded from a local to a five-day show and was moved to Dune Alpin Farm in East Hampton. That year a hurricane hit and all the tents were blown down. They were re-erected and the show started a day and a half late. In 1977, it was first run for the benefit of the Southampton Hospital...in 1978 the name was changed to The Hampton Classic...in 1982 it was moved to its present location on Snake Hollow Road...in 1993 Calvin Klein introduced the $10,000 CK Equitation Classic, a two-phased competition for riders under 21...in 1994 Newsday introduced Kid's Day. Also in 1994 an all weather schooling ring was created and the ground in the Grand Prix Patrons Tent was raised 18". Today, The Hampton Classic is the country's largest hunter/jumper horse show. With more than 1,200 horses exhibited, the Classic is not only a sporting event of major proportions, but also one of the most extravagant social events of the summer. Thousands of spectators arrive daily to watch competition in four show rings and to catch a glimpse of the many celebrity riders and fellow spectators. Among the participants are some of the finest Olympic show jumping athletes in North America. In all, about 60,000 spectators will attend the Classic this year. With ample parking and grandstand seating, as well as dozens of shops and restaurants on site to choose from, there is plenty to do for every member of the family. A special exhibition tent houses horses, ponies, llamas and alpacas that participate in the Opening Day "World of the Horse" exhibition and features our "Kids Teaching Kids" program. A select group of 2,000 guests are seated in one of the largest VIP patrons' tents at any sporting event in America. These VIPs include the heads of many of the country's top corporations, as well as celebrity guests from television, the music industry, the fashion world and Hollywood. This mix of writers, artists, entertainers and business people produces one of the most exciting parties of the Hamptons's Summer Season. As a result the Hampton Classic is featured regularly in top regional and national publications such as The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaaar, Town & Country, Vogue, People, Newsday, The New York Times, In-Style, W and Womens' Wear Daily. Dozens of corporations use the Hampton Classic as an opportunity to entertain clients and promote their products to this exciting, affluent group of Hamptons residents. Regional network and cable televsion programming as well as the Classic's national Prime/Sports Channel telecast and BBC (England) Television's international coverage results in millions of Hampton Classic viewers worldwide. A variety of radio stations feature updated reports daily. You and your family can be part of this great Long Island tradition. Come to the show and buy your tickets at the gate or for more information:
PO Box 3013 Bridgehampton, New York 11932
tel. 631.537.3177 |
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