Hampton Classic Horse Show Canters Its Way To The Hamptons

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is returning to Bridgehampton starting Sunday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 30th, for its 40th year of world-class equestrian competition in the Hamptons. This year’s show will feature an impressive line-up of horses and riders, showcasing some of the world’s top jumper and hunter riders, including Olympic and Pan American Games medalists, who are coming from across the country and beyond to compete.

Two-time Olympic team Gold Medalists McLain Ward and Beezie Madden are among those to watch at the 2015 Classic. Ward has taken home the Hampton Classic Grand Prix a record six times and is entered on Rothchild, the horse on whom he won the individual Gold Medal at the XVII Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada earlier this summer. Madden, who has also won the individual Bronze Medal in 2008 and the FEI World Cup Championship in 2013, has been named the USEF Equestrian of the Year four times. She will ride Cortez “C,” the horse on whom she just won the Longines King George V Gold Cup in Hickstead, England for the second consecutive year. Other top U.S. riders expected to compete include Olympic veterans Margie Engle, Peter Leone, Peter Wylde, Chris Kappler and Mario Deslauriers, as well as crowd favorite Georgina Bloomberg, Ward’s teammate on the U.S.’s Bronze Medal team at this summer’s Pan Am Games.

Jennifer Lopez attracted a mob of fans as she exited last year’s Hampton Classic. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

The Classic will debut with The Atlantic Opening Day on Sunday, August 23rd. Make sure not to miss the afternoon’s highlight, the $50,000 iHeartMedia Hunter Derby, presented by Ghurka, at 12 p.m. in the Classic’s famed Grand Prix Field. Riders will compete for top honors in three FEI Grand Prix events throughout the Classic, culminating with the featured event, the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by Longines, on Sunday, August 30th. Qualifications for Sunday’s event take place on Friday, with the $50,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4*, presented by Longines.

Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) is celebrating a special milestone this year, its 10th anniversary at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. The LIHSSRD championship classes, sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank, are held for qualifying adult and junior riders from the 2014-2015 Show Series with a documented disability and will run on Monday, August 24th.

Rider Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z won the $40,000 Longines Cup in 2013. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com) /p>

The Hampton Classic features six show rings, hosting over 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. The 60-acre show grounds include a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options and a Farmer’s Market. Each year, the prestigious equestrian event brings out a who’s who of A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Kelly Ripa, Julianne Moore, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mary-Kate Olsen.

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is located at 240 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.hamptonclassic.com.