The 2023 Hampton Classic Horse Show, which returns to its beautiful Bridgehampton showgrounds August 27-September 3, will once again feature a full schedule of world-class equestrian competition, offering more than $1 million in prize money.
Each year approximately 50,000 people – including many A-list celebrities – come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. Rated USEF ‘Premier-6’ for hunters and jumpers with designated FEI 2* and 5* classes, the Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre showgrounds.
The Hampton Classic returns with many familiar highlights on its weeklong schedule. Opening Day activities kick off Sunday, August 27, with a full schedule for Long Island competitors in what is commonly referred to as “Local Day.” Familiar highlights include the Long Island Sportsmanship Award presentation, Leadline classes for children ages 2-7 and the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby.
On Monday, August 28, the Hampton Classic will once again host the Long Island Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LISSRD) Finals Presented by Dime Bank. Several animal rescue groups will be on hand that day for the Classic’s annual Adoption Day Sponsored by Gotham Enterprizes in the Kids Area from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The EQUUS Foundation will once again showcase rescued and adoptable horses from some of the rescues highlighted in their Guardian program. Horses will include off-track Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, mini horses, and more – in Hunter Ring 2 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
FEI competition begins Thursday, August 31, with the $10,000 Citarella Open Jumper CSI2* and $39,000 Flecha Azul 5* Speed Stake and continues throughout the weekend with eight 2*/5* classes featuring courses designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. FEI competition also includes Friday’s $39,000 Wölffer Estate 2* Jumper Classic, $78,000 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier, Saturday’s $39,000 Open Speed Class CSI2*, and the $78,000 The Agency 5* Speed Stake, and culminating with the $78,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix and $425,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 3.
Other competition highlights include the $30,000 Open Jumper Challenge, $25,000 Hunter Classic sponsored by Green River Farm, $10,000 Stomp Capital 1.40m Open Jumper, $10,000 Lugano Diamonds Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake, $10,000 Hermès Equitation Championship, $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, $25,000 Agneta & Brownlee Currey High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge and the final leg in the $5,000 Mane ’n Tail Hunter Rider Challenge, following its initial two legs at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows in May.
Outside of the show rings, families can enjoy unique shopping in the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden and Stable Row; hands-on activities, pony rides and petting zoo animals at the Kids Exhibition Tent; and many more fun activities during News 12 Long Island Kids Day (Saturday, September 2).
Stargazing is always a favorite activity at the Hampton Classic with many celebrities on hand. Among those who have been spotted around the grounds are Sofia Vergara, Beth Stern, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jimmy Fallon, Mariska Hargitay, Bobby Flay, Julianne Moore, Aida Tuturro, Billy Joel, Brooke Shields, and Bruce Springsteen.
“This year’s Hampton Classic is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Classic’s Executive Director. “So many of the sport’s biggest names have already filed entries and we will again be hosting all our usual activities, offering something for everyone. Everyone who comes is sure to enjoy!”
WVVH-TV will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights locally each day, while a livestream of the Grand Prix Ring and Aspinall rings can be found on the Hampton Classic website courtesy of ClipMyHorse and Longines.
For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.