Hampton Classic Horse Show To Open With Boar’s Head Open Jumper Challenge

Elite equestrians will compete against the best in the world during The Hampton Classic Horse Show this summer. From Sunday, August 28th through Sunday, September 4th, you can watch the exciting action as horses and riders of all ages and abilities showcase their talents in six show rings.

Offering nearly 200 classes, a variety of hunter, jumper and equitation classes can be seen, ranging from leadline to grand prix level. Classes for riders with disabilities will also be featured. The annual event always brings out a notable gathering of guests, like Jennifer Lopez, New York Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani, Mary Kate Olsen, Katie Couric, Ashley Olsen, Matt Lauer, Brooke Shields, Martha Stewart, Marla Maples, The Real Housewives of New York City star Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Jill Zarin and Kelly Bensimon.

An Opening Day highlight is the $30,000 Boar’s Head Open Jumper Challenge (which will follow the opening ceremonies) taking place at 2 p.m. in the Hampton Classic’s famed Grand Prix Field. The opener will also include charming leadline classes that showcase riders as young as 2-years-old. Classes will start at 9 a.m., and Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis will serve as the competition’s judge.

This year’s Long Island Sportsmanship Award will be presented to Noël Love Gross, an esteemed orse owner and Hampton Classic Board of Directors member. The annual honor celebrates a Long Island based horseperson who is dedicated to the horse world and continually shows sportsmanship. “Horses have always come first with Noël,” Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Cohen explained. “As an owner, nothing has ever come before the well-being of her horses.”

The 41st annual Hampton Classic Horse Show will debut its inaugural Jump for Charity program, presented by Noelle Floyd.com. For the competition, ten riders have been randomly matched with ten charities that were selected by the Hampton Classic staff. The rider with the best finish in the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier, presented by Longines, on Friday, September 2nd will win their charity 100 percent of the proceeds raised from the sale of autographed Jump for Charity baseball hats.

Jennifer Lopez attracted a mob of fans when she attended. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

“It’s tradition for The Hampton Classic to give back to the community and this year we are really excited to have the opportunity to partner with multiple organizations and to have spectators and exhibitors involved in the cause,” said Cohen. “Not only will this raise money for charity, but it will also generate even more excitement around one of our featured classes!”

The week-long event will also highlight exhibitions, games, activities and music that will entertain children of all ages. The Kids’ Area will present a few extra special happenings during the Classic’s annual Kids’ Day, presented by iHeartMEDIA. Taking place on Saturday, September 3rd, youth can explore unique, exciting educational happenings, as well as free pony rides for the first 500 kids, and a performance from the Bellini Family Circus. The Long Island Livestock Co. will bring several extraordinary guests, including llamas, alpaca, sheep, goats and, of course, Pansy & Pigety the pigs, daily (with the exception of Monday).

You’re bound to work up an appetite at the all-day affair, so make sure to visit one of the gourmet food choices that are located throughout the grounds. The Classic also offers an amazing shopping experience that covers everything from jewelry to equestrian goods to clothing to artwork.

The Hampton Classic is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hampton Classic will be held at 240 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.hamptonclassic.com.