Considered “the perfect end to the perfect summer,” the Hampton Classic is THE social event to cap off the seasonal whirl on the East End. From August 25th to September 1st, devotees of equestrian pursuits will canter to the crème de la crème of the sport.
This year’s excitement is enhanced by riders arriving fresh from the jumps in Versailles at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Defending Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion Daniel Bluman is one of eight riders entered in the Classic who took part in the games.
Champion McClain Ward will also be returning to The Classic. Watch the round where he clinched the Silver Medal in Equestrian Team Jumping.
On its way to becoming one of the largest outdoor equestrian events in the country, the 60-acre show grounds have endured many trials and tribulations — hurricanes, twisters, tornadoes and torrential rainfall — which leveled the tents and grounds. The unflinching spirit of the founders, patrons, and scores of volunteers prevailed after each disaster. And the show went on!
In addition to watching world class equestrian sport, spectators will enjoy 80 onsite shops, International food options, daily activities in the kids’ area, and Monday’s annual Animal Adoption Day featuring rescued dogs, cats, and horses in search of a forever home.
The event is a treat for horse people and spectators alike with its high-end shopping options at boutique vendors, fine food vendors, and famous celebrity sightings.
For what to wear to the Hampton Classic, THE most stylish horse show around, we recommend keeping it chic, whether in the stands, strolling the grounds, or under the tent.
Shopping at this time of year, we look for transitional styles that will take us to the next season. The Alice + Olivia stunning pattern suits in an August through autumn palette. A great white shirt is top of the list for each season and this one in faux leather is very special indeed, especially if you pair it with a must-have slip skirt. We shopped at some of the vendors and went to Krewe for shades, snagged a tote at Kelly Bhopale, and hit KC Signature for some lovely hoops.
Riding High
Here’s some other vendor’s items that we fancy for fall. For a list and description of all vendors, click here.
Hilary’s stylish selection is a tribute. “I turned to Veronica Beard for classic looks that can carry me through the end of summer into the fall. Keeping it chic and simple while getting the last wear out of summer whites. And nothing is better than red white and blue, especially now in honor of our amazing olympians.”
Tribute to the Olympians
The show opens at 8:30 daily with admission $20 per carload, except on Monday when it is free. Seniors and military are admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as are those who bring 3 or more non-perishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry.
The mission of The Classic is twofold:
1. To put on a world class horse show
2. To support other charities in the community
To that end, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Guild Hall, EQUUS Foundation, HEART Equine Ambulance, The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation, SOFO Museum, Stony Brook Medical, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, Bridgehampton Child Care Center, and Long Island Professional Horsemen’s Association are among the many who have received funds to support the organizational mission. Now that deserves a Blue Ribbon!
Grandstand tickets for the Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1st, are $60 per person for reserved bucket seating. Grandstand tickets are electronic only. You can purchase them here.
To reserve a table under the spacious ring side tent, for either Opening Day or for the weeklong excitement in the ring, click here.
In her column last summer for NYSD, Lee Fryd reported on the fierce tablescape competition under the tent on the final Sunday. The visual excitement of the napery and floral designs adds another layer of enjoyment to the final day of celebration and spectating.
For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix and Aspinall Ring competitions airs on the Hampton Classic website.
