Detour
Horse
Power
Saddle up for the
Hampton Classic
B Y CATHIE GANDEL
t
For many people, the Hamptons—
100 miles from New York City on Long
Island’s East End—conjures images of
sun, sand, sea and movie stars. That’s
all here, but every summer a di;erent
kind of celebrity comes to town—the
four-legged variety.
For eight days in August, regardless of
he economic climate, handsome horses
and pint-sized ponies vie for top honors
at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, one
of the premier hunter/jumper events
in the country. Oh, and let’s not forget
the riders: Olympic champions as well
as tiny tots in big hair ribbons who are
competing for the first time.
The 34th Hampton Classic starts
Aug. 23 and runs through Aug. 30 on
Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton.
In the weeks leading up to opening
day, a mini village gradually appears in
the bare, 65-acre former potato field.
It takes the labor of Hercules to install
the grandstands, corporate chalets, two
acres of VIP tents, five dusty schooling rings paired with five grassy show
rings, 17 stabling tents and the 50-shop
Boutique Garden.
Between 300 and 400 separate
classes take place during the eight days
of the event, including the Long Island
Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities, held Aug. 24, a special event
that gives riders with disabilities the
For many people, the Hamptons—
100 miles from New York City on Long
Island’s East End—conjures images of
sun, sand, sea and movie stars. That’s
all here, but every summer a di;erent
kind of celebrity comes to town—the
four-legged variety.
