The Hampton Classic Horse Show - it’s the nationally renowned, premier show jumping competition in Bridgehampton, New York. And of the more than 5,000 horse shows each year in the United States, experienced equestrians say The Hampton Classic is the most glamorous and excessive.

Held the week just prior to Labor Day, the Classic has 40,000 spectators and features eight days of competitions from junior levels up to the pinnacle of the sport - grand prix show jumping. And for a sport that just screams money, there is a lot of it at stake - this year the prize money is said to total $600,000.

The Classic is also one of the biggest social bashes in the Hamptons and signals the finale of the summer season.

And oh what a social bash it is! The poshest of the posh (Christie Brinkley, Alec Baldwin, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, et al) promenade the grounds - some with their pure-bred dogs - showing off their elaborate hats and fine designer duds. Eventually, they make their way to the VIP Tent where they drink the finest champagne and eat the fine gourmet food that is served by white-coated waiters. And just like everything else at The Hampton Classic, the dining tables here ain’t your ordinary ant-laden picnic tables. Nope, these tables are laden with fine china and fresh flower topiaries, and buzz surrounds the table that gets the most attention.

Of course, in between the fine dining and socializing, spectators do occasionally look up to get a glimpse at some of the finest jumpers the sport has to offer - some of whom are the offspring of quite notable personalities: Jessica Springsteen (daughter of Bruce), Georgina Bloomberg (daughter of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg), and Destry Spielberg, (daughter of Steven). Ahhh, ain’t it all just so grand…

But if you think The Hampton Classic is only for the hoity-toity, do, however, think again.

General admission to the event is actually quite inexpensive - a mere $10 per person. (What would Donald Trump say?!)

And dressing up is definitelynot a requirement. As The Hampton Classic website says, “’country casual’ is just fine,” but comfortable walking shoes are a good idea, since there is a lot of grass and gravel. (Of course, all the beautiful people seem to ignore this idea, as they’re just simply too perfect to even think of stumbling and falling!)

Food-wise, while the socialites are downing caviar and champagne in their separate-from-the-masses tent, there is actually quite a variety of food for the rest of us. Everything from hot dogs to hamburgers to fresh sweet corn on the cob (which Long Island is actually famous for!) can be found here at fairly reasonable prices.

As for events, there’s quite a lot going on this year at The Hampton Classic that’s sure to interest the “blue bloods” and common folks among us:

Opening Day - Opening Day Ceremonies at The Hampton Classic are all pomp & circumstance and fun. There’s everything from the excitement of the National Anthem Singing Contest to the pageantry of the Leadline Competition in the Grand Prix ring, where 100 youngsters under the age of eight hold center stage.

Cablevision’s Kids Day - Family-friendly Kids Day is on Saturday, August 30th, and there’ll be everything from face-painting to circus performers to pony rides. Kids under the age of 12 will be admitted free on this day.

Shopping - Where there’s money, there’s shopping; and when the socialites aren’t drinking champagne or comparing diamonds, they can usually be found shopping at the Hampton Classic Boutique Gardens. Here you can find everything from a $25 Hampton Classic t-shirt to a $5,000 Hermes Saddle!

The ASPCA, a major sponsor of The Hampton Classic, will be holding several events during the week that will surely delight and entertain everyone:

• Appearances by ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas of Animal Precinct and other ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers for autograph signings and question-and-answer sessions;
• Tours of the ASPCA’s CSI unit, the country’s first custom-made mobile animal crime scene vehicle;
• Chats with animal-loving Sopranos actress Aida Turturro, who’ll be hanging out at the ASPCA Patio with her chocolate Lab, Buddy;
• The unveiling of the new ASPCA I Love Horses pins and organic plush horses - some of which will be autographed by celebs. (Proceeds from each pin and plush horse purchased will go to support the ASPCA Equine Fund, which aids equine rescue groups across the country.); and
• A question-and-answer session with ASPCA animal behaviorists, including a demonstration on teaching horse tricks.

So just think - a mere two-hour ride out of New York City and you too can rub elbows with the rich and famous, buy an Hermes saddle, feel like a kid again, and maybe even learn a few horse facts as well.

(The 33rd Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show runs from August 24th through August 31st; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (approximately) in Bridgehampton, New York (off Montauk Highway, Route 27 – at 240 Snake Hollow Road), Daily: $10/person (under six free) or $20/carload. Seniors free: Tuesday – Thursday; Kids free on Saturday. For more information, visit the Hampton Classic website: www.hamptonclassic.com)

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