New Class to be Classic’s First Competition Held on Monday’s Traditional Off Day
Bridgehampton, NY—As the Hampton Classic Horse Show begins its fourth decade, it is breaking with its tradition of holding Monday as an open day with no competition by hosting a very special class.
The Hampton Classic is pleased to host the Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD), a series created by HorseAbility. For the first time on Long Island, USEF rated Long Island Hunter/Jumper shows are offering classes for riders with disabilities. LIHSSRD was founded to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other riders enjoy.
The Hampton Classic, one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions, returns to Bridgehampton, Long Island, NY on August 27 – September 3. It culminates with the excitement of the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix, one of the sport’s most sought after titles.
The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities includes five Long Island horse shows. The top 15 riders from the LIHSSRD will be invited to compete in the series finals at the Hampton Classic on Monday, August 28.
During the regular show series, riders will be awarded points according to USEF rules for equitation classes. These classes include walk, walk/trot and walk/trot/figure 8.
LIHSSRD is offering three equitation classes at the following horse shows:
April 15 – Thomas School of Horsemanship Horse Show (Melville)
May 14 – Long Island PHA Horse Show (Yaphank)
June 11 – Smithtown Hunt Horse Show (Old Westbury)
July 23 – Salt River Farms Horse Show (Center Moriches)
August 8 – Glen Head Horse Show (Muttontown)
August 28 – Finals: Hampton Classic (Bridgehampton)
“We’re pleased to host the finals for this new Series created by HorseAbility,” said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth. “The Hampton Classic has traditionally not had competition on the Monday of the horse show. With this new series finals, spectators will now have some exciting competition to watch in addition to the fantastic shopping we offer. And, as always, there will still be no admission charge on Monday!”
HorseAbility began in 1993 when its founder, Kathleen (Katie) Kilcommons McGowan, lent her horse to a friend and physical therapist who used therapeutic riding as a treatment modality for a child with cerebral palsy. When she saw the child’s physical and emotional connection with the animal and how his treatment accelerated, Katie knew she had found her calling. Combining her education, her love of children, and her life-long relationship with horses, she forged her own trail to start this wonderful organization.
The organization converted to a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) status in 2001. Since that time, HorseAbility has significantly increased its operations and expanded its organizational structure. HorseAbility is one of only a few “Premier Centers” on Long Island as accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).
HorseAbility’s mission is to offer a wide range of horse-related programs to children, adults, and families with special needs to promote the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of its participants. The personal attention that each participant receives from the wonderful staff and volunteers is unparalleled. Consultation with participants, their families, and staff takes place on a regular basis to ensure that the appropriate level of service and programs are being utilized to optimize the impact of our programs.
The population HorseAbility serves ranges from those who are physically challenged (e.g. people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and visual impairments), developmentally and cognitively disabled (e.g. people with Down Syndrome, Autism, and learning disabilities), emotionally disabled (e.g. people with interpersonal difficulties and psychological impairments), and those who have had traumatic brain injuries.
Other featured competitions at the Hampton Classic Horse Show include the $50,000 GREY GOOSE Vodka World Cup Qualifier, the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship, the $25,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Challenge Cup, the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby, the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic and the Hampton Classic Horse Show’s grand finale — the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix.
Competition runs from Sunday, August 27 through Sunday, September 3. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under 6 admitted free. Admission is free for all on Monday, seniors are free on Thursday and kids are free on Saturday. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 3 is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week.
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