BRIDGEHAMPTON, New York – The annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions, will open its 27th year at Bridgehampton, New York.

The show, which begins on Sunday, August 25, will conclude its weeklong schedule of competition, special events, and social activities with the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1.

The Classic benefits the Southampton Hospital and hosts hunter/jumper competition from junior levels up to the pinnacle of the sport – grand prix show jumping. As always at the Classic, many of the world’s best equestrians will be competing, riding some of the finest horses in the nation.

Expected to be at the 2002 Classic are members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Nona Garson, Margie Goldstein-Engle, Lauren Hough, and Laura Kraut, as well as Olympians Norman Dello Joio (1992), Anne Kursinski (1988, 1992 and 1996), Joe Fargis (1984), Leslie Burr Howard (1984 and 1996) and Peter Leone (1996).

Seven Days

The seven days of competition and special events of the Hampton Classic will begin with The Manhattan Mortgage Company Opening Day and The World Of The Horse, presented by Distinction Magazine & L.I. Parents and Children.

Opening day will pay tribute to the Sag Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary. The Grand Prix ring festivities will include a parade of Icelandic, miniature, and Spanish Paso Fino horses as well as an exciting dog agility demonstration and competition.  

Seniors Day

It will be Seniors Day at the Hampton Classic on Thursday, August 29. The event is presented by 50 Plus Senior News, the greater New York monthly devoted to the area’s half-million senior residents.  Senior citizens will be admitted free to the Classic and can enter the Classic’s free drawings for great prizes donated by Seniors Day sponsors and many of the Classic’s other sponsors and boutique vendors.

Thursday will also feature a new event at the Classic – “An Evening of Shopping in the Boutique Garden,” from 5 to 7 pm. Guests will be invited to enjoy music and refreshments while browsing and shopping in the Classic’s unique marketplace showcasing over fifty, shops, artists, and craftsmen.