Hampton Classic Horse Show Ready to Welcome Nation’s Top Horses and Riders for 43rd Annual Event

The Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the country’s biggest and most prestigious equestrian events, is ready to welcome top jumping competitors, equestrian enthusiasts and A-list celebrities back to its pristine 60-acre showgrounds in Bridgehampton, NY, for its 43rd annual event, August 26 – September 2.

A highlighted event on both the equestrian competition and Hamptons social calendars, the Hampton Classic is the place to see and be seen. The world-class event showcases more than 1,600 horses competing in 200 hunter, jumper and equitation classes in six show rings. The schedule features competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities, ranging from children’s leadline classes all the way up to the grand prix show jumping with Olympic veterans that come from all across the U.S. and abroad. The Classic, which also hosts classes for riders with disabilities, offers four FEI (International Equestrian Federation ) classes, culminating in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4*!

Photo by The Book LLC

“The Hampton Classic offers something for everyone,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Classic’s Executive Director. “We feature the nation’s best horses and riders and a full array of attractions for every member of the family, whether fans of the sport of not. We are so excited to welcome everyone back this year as we celebrate the Classic’s 43rd annual event.”

The Hampton Classic is a feast for the eyes both in and out of the show rings. The phenomenal Boutique Garden features more than 70 vendors with a diverse selection of wares and there is a wide variety of gourmet dining options. There are also kid-friendly activities including pony rides, petting zoo animals, daily special attractions and more!

In addition to its world-class equestrian competition, the Hampton Classic is also famous for its celebrity sightings throughout the week. Among those who have attended the Classic in recent years are Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez, Jerry Seinfeld, Mariska Hargitay, Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Brooke Shields.

Show Schedule
Sunday, August 26 – Leadline classes, Harmony Home Concierge Opening Day Ceremonies and dressage exhibition, the $30,000 Boar’s Head Jumper Challenge, and $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby highlight Opening Day at the Hampton Classic. Local hunter classes take place in other rings throughout the day as well as Children’s and Adult Equitation classes.
Monday, August 27 – The Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Presented by Bridgehampton National Bank highlight Monday’s competition. Spectators are also invited to shop in the Boutique Garden or visit the Exhibition Tent. The Hampton Classic will host the 7th annual Animal Adoption Day, another highlight of the day. Adoptable cats and dogs will be in the Kid’s area from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. and adoptable horses, curated by the EQUUS Foundation, will be showcased in Hunter Ring 2 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. There is no admission charge on Monday. Competition begins at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 28 – Tuesday’s events include the $10,000 Open Jumper class, the $10,000 Brown Harris Stevens 7 & Under Jumper classPlatinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumpers, Green Working and High Performance Hunters, and Children’s Hunters. Short-Stirrup divisions will take place in the Annex Ring.

Wednesday, August 29 – Competition continues in Amateur-Owner, Junior, and Open Jumpers including the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Open Jumper class, $10,000 Palm Beach Masters Open Jumper and $10,000 Bruno Delgrange 7 & Under Jumpers. Amateur-Owner, Junior, and Adult Amateur Hunter classes are also featured, as are the Green and High Performance Hunters and Children’s Hunter Classics.

Thursday, August 30 – The week’s jumper competition continues with $40,000 Speed Stake, the first of the Classic’s four FEI classes, as well as Amateur-Owner, Junior, and Children’s Jumper classes including the Washington International Equitation Classic, Jumper Phase. Hunter classes include Small and Large Junior Hunters, Adult Amateur Hunter Championships, and the $2,500 Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. USEF Adult Equitation and the Dover Saddlery/U.S. Hunter Seat Medal Qualifying class also take place.

Friday, August 31 – Friday features exciting events in the Grand Prix Ring starting at 8:00 a.m. including the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake, $10,000 SHF Enterprises 7 & Under Jumpers Championship, and the $15,000 Speed Derby. The $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier, scheduled for 2:00 p.m., will set the participant list for Sunday’s $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix. The schedule also includes Adult-Amateur, Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumper Championships. In the other rings, Hunter classes will take place for Amateur-Owners, Juniors, and Ponies, featuring Small and Large Junior Hunter Championships.

Saturday, September 1 – Kids Day will feature plenty of activities for the entire family from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Children under 12 are admitted free and receive a free pony ride. The Grand Prix ring will host both phases of the $10,000 Equitation Championship and the $15,000 Carolex Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic followed at 2:00 p.m. by the big event of the day, the $70,000 LONGINES Cup. Jumper 2 Ring will host the $12,500 Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, $12,500 Junior Jumper Classic, $5,000 Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, and $5,000 Children’s Jumper Classic. The other rings will host Hunter championship classes for Amateur-Owners, Juniors and the $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic.

Sunday, September 2 – The $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic is among the featured competitions on Grand Prix Sunday. Festivities in the Grand Prix Ring begin with the $25,000 Jumping Derby followed by the awarding of the Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumper Championships. These events lead up to the grand finale at 1:00 p.m. — the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix. The winner of the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge will also be presented.