The prestigious Hampton Classic Horse Show, a spectacular equestrian event like no other, will feature a wide range of exciting competition and attractions, including a new dressage exhibition, when the 42nd annual event returns to its world-class venue in Bridgehampton, NY, August 27-September 3.

The showcase will be lead by East Hampton native Stephanie Brown Beamer, owner of Hampton Dressage at Pinnacle Farm in Watermill, NY. An active FEI competitor and trainer, Brown Beamer is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist and a USDF “L” judges graduate. She will be riding “Gryphon Z,” a Friesian cross-breed that she purchased as a 3 year-old, who has competed through the levels and is now schooling Grand Prix. Their demonstration at this year’s Hampton Classic will include a number of upper-level dressage movements along with a shortened Grand Prix Musical Freestyle that will be narrated by Anne Howard, a fellow FEI competitor and trainer.

Stephanie Brown Beamer

“Opening Day at the Hampton Classic is always exciting and this year will be even moreso,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s Executive Director. “Six busy rings of competition with thrilling jumping classes at all levels, plus Stephanie Brown Beamer’s Dressage Exhibition will make this year’s Opening Day fun and interesting for everyone.”

Opening Day, Sunday, August 27, will feature competition in six rings starting at 8:00 a.m. Tiny children riding immaculately groomed ponies will be the first to compete in the Grand Prix ring in the ever-popular Leadline classes followed by the Classic’s Opening Day Ceremonies. The second annual $30,000 Boar’s Head Jumper Challenge presented by Dan’s Papers, will be the Opening Day’s highlight class in the famed arena. This open jumper class offers a course of 1.40 meter jumps against the clock.

Leadline at the Hampton Classic. ©Shawn McMillen

Local Hunter classes for Juniors, Amateur-Owners, and Professionals take place in other rings throughout the day, as well as Children’s and Adult Equitation classes and various Medal classes. All local hunter competition features horses based on Long Island. The Anne Aspinall Ring, the Hampton Classic’s premier hunter ring, will feature the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby, a two-round 3’3″ class that is returning for the second year.

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is one of the most spectacular events in the nation and showcases the highest levels of equestrian show jumping competition. The world-class event hosts hundreds of top riders and horses from all over the nation and world.

The 60-acre Hampton Classic show grounds is also a shopping and dining mecca. There is a wide variety of food choices, daily kids’ activities, and the luxurious Boutique Garden and Stable Row feature more than 80 vendors, so you can shop ’til you drop.

Located near the Hamptons’ famous beaches, nightclubs, restaurants, and boutiques, the Hampton Classic is a celebrity hot-spot. Among those who have attended in recent years are many A-listers including Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Sean Hurley, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Julianne Moore and Michael Bloomberg.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website, courtesy of Longines. For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website.