Hampton Classic 2025: A 50-Year Legacy of Triumph, Elegance, and Resilience

As the curtain rises on the 50th anniversary of the Hampton Classic Horse Show, from August 24 to August 31, 2025, Bridgehampton will once again become the epicenter of elite show jumping, timeless traditions, and uplifting human stories that mark half a century of equestrian excellence. This golden milestone—aptly dubbed Hampton Classic 2025—celebrates not just a competition, but a legacy of resilience, passion, and unforgettable moments.

At the heart of the Classic’s enduring glamour is its roster of prestigious sponsors:

• Longines, the official timekeeper and sponsor of the Longines Rider Challenge, ensures seamless timing, stunning awards, and high-tech live streaming of Grand Prix competitions.

• Douglas Elliman Real Estate, celebrating its 25th season as a title sponsor, continues to anchor the event’s luxury appeal..Other enduring sponsors from 2024—Hermès, Wölffer Estate Vineyard & Stables, and Land Rover & Jaguar—promise to return in 2025 with their signature hospitality and branding presence, including Rider Welcome Parties, elegant displays, and vehicle showcases.

Additional support comes from a considerable lineup of corporate backers and partners featured in the 2024 sponsor report—ranging from CME Group, Pernod Ricard USA, UBS, to Sotheby’s International Realty, Citarella, EQUESTRIANCLUB, and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Their invaluable backing fuels the Classic’s philanthropic efforts, competitive excellence, and luxurious environment.

1. From Town Roots to Global Prestige

The Hampton Classic’s modern chapter began in 1971 as a humble one-day event by the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack. By 1976, it had grown into a five-day rated show, and in 1978 it adopted the name “Hampton Classic.” Its enduring home on Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton was established in 1982. Today, it’s not just a premier show—it’s a Hamptons social institution that blends sport, society, and philanthropy.

2. Legendary Riders & Resilient Performances

Over five decades, some of the sport’s greatest champions have shone under the limelight of the Classic:

• Margie Goldstein‑Engle carved her name in history as the first rider ever to win the featured Grand Prix three consecutive years—2000, 2001, and 2002—including riding her Olympic mount, Perin, through challenging, rain‑soaked courses to secure victory.

• McLain Ward then continued the tradition of dominance. By 2003, he’d joined the elite as the third rider ever to win the Grand Prix three times; by 2009, he made history again—winning the Grand Prix three straight days and ultimately becoming the first to achieve the feat five times aboard his Olympic champion, Sapphire.

• Joe Fargis, an Olympic veteran from Southampton, delivered a defining moment in 2005—electrifying a packed audience of 12,000 with a razor-tight win in the Grand Prix, edging out teammate Anne Kursinski by just 0.13 seconds.

3. Battling the Elements: A Testament to Determination

The Classic’s schedule is no stranger to Mother Nature. In 1976, a devastating storm flattened the tents just before showtime—but organizers rallied and opened with hardly a day’s delay. 

In 2011, Hurricane Irene forced a three-day postponement. Still, crews rebuilt tents and stalls tirelessly to salvage nearly the full competition schedule—with McLain Ward delivering a thrilling win through the compressed event. These moments of triumph over adversity have become woven into the Classic’s resilient spirit.

4. Visual Storytelling: “Beneath the Painted Sky”

Commemorating five decades, the Classic unveiled its 2025 poster, “Beneath the Painted Sky,” by acclaimed Southampton artist Michael “Mickey” Paraskevas. With serene tones and reflective equestrian imagery, the piece captures the quiet moments before competition under a vast summer sky. Paraskevas, a longtime attendee since 1984, has previously been chosen to create four other posters for the event (1987, 1992, 1998, and 2008).

5. Why the 50th Anniversary Matters

• Historic Prestige: Five decades of elite competition—from grassroots beginnings to an internationally revered show.

• Emotional Storytelling: Tales of triumph, grit, and elegant recovery—from Fargis’ thrilling sprint to Ward’s record-making streaks, from Engle’s rain-soaked jump-offs to heroic storm recovery scenes.

• Visual & Cultural Significance: Paraskevas’s iconic poster ties past to present, turning fifth-decade reflection into collectible art

On a personal note, I’m counting the days until this year’s Classic kicks off.