The Hampton Classic 2021
The Hampton Classic 2021 has long set itself apart as one of the largest horse shows in the United States. Every year for over the last 40 years, the event has top equestrians from around the world compete for more than $800,000 in prize money.
“What’s new is that we’re trying to make it the same as it’s always been. We want people to feel like we’re back full-steam ahead and we didn’t miss a stride,” says Shanette Barth Cohen, Hampton Classic executive director for the past 16 years.
But unfortunately, due to the pandemic last year, the Hampton Classic couldn’t make its grand appearance.
This year, the horse show promises to thrill equestrians from around the world with the biggest Hampton Classic ever.
The 45th edition of the Hampton Classic will take place off Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton from August 26th to September 5th. As is normal for the event, National champion hunter competitors, Olympic medalists, and scores of children and adult amateurs make up the field riding approximately 1,500 horses entered each year in 200+ separate competitions. This is in addition to over 50, 000 people in attendance.
More than 80 vendors are expected at the venue, offering, along with the poster, horse-related items such as jewelry and clothing, an abundance of foods, and activities for children.
As far as COVID-19 precautions, Cohen says the show has partnered with Health Rover months ago to be the official COVID testing partner of the Hampton Classic.
“They’re a mobile health unit that has testing equipment,” Cohen says, “At the time we made the arrangement we figured we’d at least need to have our staff be tested on a regular basis,” She explained that although most of the events staff are already vaccinated, Health Rover will still be on-site during the event.
Unlike in previous times when the Hampton Classic tickets were available by June, this year’s tickets were only available by August 1st.
“We modified because there were so many unknowns,” Cohen says.
While some still worry if the horse show will truly make it this year, all indications say that the Hampton Classic is here to stay for 2021 and is ready for a big return.
Not to forget that the horse show starts right after the Olympics for 2021. This means that every top rider will be in attendance.
Check back for my coverage of this year’s event on social media!
Get your tickets HERE.
Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.
