Isaiah Forte won the LIHSSRD Walk With Aids Academy Class at the 40th annual Hampton Classic. (Classic Communications)
The 40th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show runs Aug. 23-30, in Bridgehampton, N.Y. The Hampton Classic features world-class equestrian competition, with more than 100 classes of competition including jumper, hunter, equitation, short stirrup and leadline classes, as well as competitions for riders with disabilities.
Bridgehampton National Bank sponsored the day of competition for riders with disabilities, and James Manseau, the bank's executive vice president, handed out the ribbons and trophies. Hermes provided commemorative coolers to the champions, and Priscilla Smith-Gremillion presented them.
Prior to the start of competition, the riders and their families and friends enjoyed a breakfast in a ringside chalet. There, international jumper riders McLain Ward and Quentin Judge presented the LIHSSRD high-point ribbons to the riders.
USEF-licensed judge Gary Duffy awarded the following championships:
LIHSSRD Walk-Trot Equitation Academy Class-Lauren Fisher of New York City, riding Just Keep Swimming. Todd Pritscher of Yaphank, N.Y., riding White Diamond, won the reserve championship.
Jumper riders McLain Ward (left) and Quentin Judge presented LIHSSRD year-end high-score awards during a breakfast at the Hampton Classic. (Classic Communications)
LIHSSRD Walk With Aids Academy Class-Isaiah Forte of West Hempstead, N.Y., riding White Diamond. Justine Wallace of Dix Hills, N.Y., won the reserve championship on Knight In Shining Armor.
LIHSSRD classes are held at five USEF-recognized competitions throughout Long Island each year and are open to all junior and adult riders with a documented disability. Riders compete for points at each show to qualify for the Series Finals at the Hampton Classic. Ten riders in each divisionare invited to compete each year at the Hampton Classic.
The series, founded by Katie McGowan of HorseAbility, Inc., was created to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other equestrians enjoy. Riders are judged on equitation, as well as demonstration and knowledge of riding skills.
"We're proud to highlight these championships as part of the Hampton Classic schedule," said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Hampton Classic executive director. "The Championships are the culmination of the LIHSSRD's eight-show series, and what better place to host the grand finale than here at the Classic?"
More About the Classic
Judge Gary Duffy presented the LIHSSRD Walk-Trot Equitation Academy Class championship to Emily McGowan at the 40th annual Hampton Classic. (Classic Communications)
The Hampton Classic features six show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options and a Farmer's Market, all on its 60-acre show grounds. With its top competition and pristine setting, The Hampton Classic is not just a place to see, it's also a place to be seen. Just in the last two years, A-list celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Kelly Ripa, Julianne Moore, Sofia Vergara and Mary-Kate Olsen have been in attendance.
The Hampton Classic hosts more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. A wide range of hunter, jumper and equitation classes are offered from leadline classes all the way up to the grand prix level. The Classic culminates on Sunday, August 30, "Grand Prix Sunday," with an impressive schedule of classes including three finals - the $30,000 7-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, the $25,000 Campbell Stables Show Jumping Derby, and the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix Presented by LONGINES - in the Grand Prix Ring, as well as the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic in the Anne Aspinall Ring.
For those who can't make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring classes are shown on the Hampton Classic website, produced by ShowNet and courtesy of LONGINES, the official timekeeper of the Hampton Classic. They are also shown on the USEF Network. In addition, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen on line at www.wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic's other classes are also available on ShowNet.biz.
Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or by calling 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.