As the end of summer approaches, one of the horse world’s favorite Labor Day traditions, the Hampton Classic, is set to get underway in Bridgehampton, New York.

A longtime magnet for top hunter/jumper pairs, the show originally known as the Annual Horse Show in Southampton has run for over a century, with a few pauses here and there, including time off for World Wars I and II. In 2009, it became the second show to receive the “Heritage Competition” designation from USEF, a special status recognizing its contributions toward development and promotion of the sport over its many years in existence. Fierce leadline competition, local hunters, luxe shopping and competitive jumper classes, featuring the $410,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI5* await 2022 exhibitors and spectators.

Daniel Bluman, who won the 2021 $300,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix aboard Gemma W, will return this year to defend his title. Kind Media Photo

Along with more than $1 million total in prize money and the new FEI five-star ranking for the show-closing Sept. 4 grand prix, exhibitors also have a new grand prix arena with all-weather footing to look forward to. The show has added several new divisions this year, including low adult and children’s hunters, low child/adult jumpers, and 3’3” and 3’6” performance hunters.

The show has benefited the local Stony Brook Southampton Hospital since 1977, among other local charities. This year the show also features a pledge from the Koenigsberg family in support of the Kevin Babington Foundation, providing a $5,000 donation (minimum $25,000 guaranteed) for every clear round jumped in the first round of the $410,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sep. 4, whose contestants this year will include 2021 winner Daniel Bluman and seven-time winner McLain Ward. Overall, an estimated 50,000 spectators are expected to visit the show’s 60-acre grounds throughout the week.

Where: Bridgehampton, New York.

When: Aug. 28-Sept. 4. The show kicked off Sunday with leadline and local hunter classes, including the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby. Monday serves as the finals for the Long Island Show Series for Riders With Disabilities, while Tuesday through Thursday see green hunter and jumper classes and various junior and amateur divisions. The end of the week features the top-tier hunter classics and championships along with major grand prix ring events.

Don’t Miss: Here are some of the week’s competitive highlights:

• FEI competition starts Sept. 1 with the $10,000 Citarella Open Jumper CSI2* and $37,000 Hampton Classic Speed Stake CSI5*

• The $74,000 Douglas Elliman CSI5* Grand Prix Qualifier and the $10,000 Lugano Diamonds Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake on Sept. 2

• The $74,000 Hampton Classic CSI2* and the $74,000 Longines Cup CSI5* on Sept. 3.

• The $10,000 Hermès Equitation Championship at 8 a.m. Sept. 4, followed by the $25,000 1.40-meter Agneta & Brownlee Currey High Junior/Amateur Classic, and finishing with the $410,000 Hampton Classic CSI5* Grand Prix

For those attending the horse show, Monday is “Animal Adoption Day,” sponsored by show jumper Georgina Bloomberg’s Gotham Enterprizes and benefitting the EQUUS Foundation. Gently used riding apparel donations will also be accepted to benefit riders in need (mail-in donations are accepted, too). General admission is $20 per car daily and provides access to all events except for the Sept. 4 grand prix, for which tickets can be purchased here.

Important links: Complete schedule of classes, The Hampton Classic official website, orders of go and results

How You Can Follow Along: 

• The Hampton Classic is on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
• The show will be livestreamed by ClipMyHorse TV and, for those in the area, broadcast locally and online on WVVH-TV, Hamptons Television, with four hours of daily coverage.