My son (who is taking riding lessons) and I attended the opening day of the Hampton Classic this past Sunday. We were rewarded with a beautiful day, good food, lots of fun fashion and amazing riding. There was so much to feature, I wasn’t sure where to begin, but my son inspired me to feature the family-friendliness and diverse activities of the Classic. If anyone thinks that this show is just for the extremely horsey set, or that it would be too boring for kids, is simply wrong.
There was just so much to do. After a long drive, my son was hungry, so we grabbed a pizza at Pizza Luca by Stable Row. I’ll get into more detailed food reviews later, but we gobbled it up! Any kid can easily find something to eat, but I truly recommend the pizza (side note to Pizza Luca: please add more of your delicious mozzarella and basil to the margherita!!!).
Pizza Luca – Margherita (Napolitano)
Off to the practice/warm up rings for an up close and personal with the competitors. The mounts were absolutely gorgeous, as were the riders; I was so jealous that I wasn’t competing or at least simply sitting on a horse. We also caught some of the short stirrup classes (soooo cute).
She did so well!
We then toured the swanky VIP tent, but my son was anxious to get to the kid’s area, so I was only allowed to pretend to be a VIP for 5 minutes. Long enough, however, for a quick glass of Wolffer Estate’s white – yum!
Dane – Too Cool for Schooling (VIP)
The kids area was (is) fabulous! There is a full size play ground, petting zoo (with very CLEAN and friendly animals), a cookie decorating station (thanks Citarella!), and an art station. The little kids can also join in the horse action with an adorable pony ride. We loved the gallery of children’s art – some was truly amazing. We can’t be there on Optimum Kids’ Day, but no matter, we had plenty to do anyway.
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This takes me to the short walk over to the boutique gallery. Even if you don’t want to tack up and jump an oxer, you can find some amazing fashions, fun crafts, quality bags and farmer’s market specialties (I’ll get into the farmer’s market in my food review yet to come).
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We then watched the main event of the day, the $50,000 Clear Channel Hunter Derby. I love watching the hunters – I know many people love the thrill of the jumpers, but the smoothness and grace of the hunter horses really is something to see. Congrats to Patricia Griffith, on Black Label, who won the Derby!
Patricia Griffith on Black Label – Photo Courtesy of Chornicle of the Horse
Enjoy my pictures – fashion and food reviews to come!
I’m excited for this year’s Hampton Classic (August 24-31 in Bridgehampton, NY). I feel like I know the drill this time, no longer such a greeny. I’ll be taking my son this year, he’s really getting into riding and horses; it will be great for him to see that many of the top riders are men.
This year, I’m skipping the Grand Prix Sunday and will attend the opening day of the show. It certainly was exciting photo-bombing celebrities, but I’m taking a different focus. According to the press release below, this year the classic will feature a more diverse food scene, with a focus on gourmet food and local farmers with the inclusion of a farmer’s market right on the grounds.
Haute cuisine with haute jumping? RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. I’ll bring my appetite this year and instead of worrying about what I’ll wear, I’ll just throw on a bib and dig in while I watch those amazing athletes. Get ready for my report on food, fillies and fun!
I can’t wait!!
xo
l
Hampton Classic June, 26, 2014:
Hampton Classic Horse Show Cooking Something Great
Equestrians and Foodies Unite at This Year’s Show
Bridgehampton, NY – June 26, 2014 – The Hampton Classic Horse Show is pleased to announce new and varied food options for horse show attendees this summer. In addition to the veteran food vendors from previous years, the Classic is adding a number of new vendors, and a fresh twist on a New York tradition: a Farmers Market located right on the showgrounds.
The Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, 2014 for its 39th year of world-class equestrian competition. The Hampton Classic features more than 100 classes of competition including jumper, hunter, equitation, short stirrup and leadline classes, as well as competitions for riders with disabilities.
This year’s Classic will feature over 15 gourmet food choices scattered throughout the show grounds for attendees. “We are thrilled with the new additions to our food court and around the grounds,” said Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “There is truly something for everyone, and we hope nobody will be disappointed.”
Mister Softee at the Hampton Classic
The food court will feature the likes of sweet and savory waffles from Wafel & Dinges, a New York City favorite, as well as Noodle Lane, who will offer a unique twist on noodle bowls and dumplings. RSA Catering, LLC will be crafting a wide array of culinary creations ranging from breakfast sandwiches, to vegetable hibachi and fried chicken. All three vendors are new to the food court for 2014.
Traditional favorites like Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Juices, and gourmet coffees and smoothies from Hampton Coffee Co. are also returning to this year’s show in the Food Court, as well as Magdalena’s Mexican Food, providing authentic Mexican fare, and Luke’s Lobster will be back at their old post.
On Stable Row by the entrance to the Hunter Rings will sit Burgess & Clark Coffee, offering gourmet and frozen coffee drinks. Further down on Stable Row, Pizza Luca will be offering classic Napoletana pizzas from their mobile wood burning oven, and Whole Le Crepe, Inc. will be crafting handmade sweet and savory crepes for a midday snack. And, for a Greek specialty, G & L Gyro Concessions will be next to the horse show office.
By the Kids’ Area, Crabman will have crab cakes and a variety of shrimp items, and Hampton Classic newcomer Kona Ice of Long Island will have flavored shaved ice for a refreshing summer afternoon treat.
Between the hunter rings will be a new satellite location of Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Juices, as well as Mr. Softee ice cream. “We are thrilled to be returning to the Hampton Classic again this year,” said Marco Floro owner of the classic ice cream truck. “This show is one of our favorites!” David’s World Famous will also be offering a satellite location on the walkway between the hunter fields, and will be offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. David’s World Famous primary location will continue to cater the Grooms Kitchen with classic American and Mexican dishes.
Headlining the food options at the Classic this year will be the daily Farmer’s Market, located at the main Food Court. “We were inspired by Taste of NY, the New York state program that showcases New York’s farms and produce,” said Cohen. “Taste of NY came to the Classic last year, and it was a huge success.”
The Farmers Market will feature six different vendors each day, including offerings from Hampton Classic sponsors Wölffer Estate and the Milk Pail. “The new Farmers Market is a great idea,” said Max Rohn, general manager of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which will be a part of the inaugural market, featuring Wölffer wines and ciders. “The market will allow exhibitors, riders and spectators at the Classic to literally taste another dimension of the Hamptons.”
In addition to Wölffer Estate, the following vendors will also be included at the Farmers Market:
A Taste of the North Fork, jarred pickled products, dips and spreads
Captain Neck & Co., low-calorie flavored sodas
Dolce & Gelato Catering, gelato
Hampton Chocolate Factory, gourmet chocolates
Milk Pail, fresh produce
Monty Breads, handmade stuffed breads
Next Generation Cookie, energy bars, cookies, and granola
Tanya Tracy, LLC, baked goods and chutneys
Victoria Amory & Co. condiments
Toasted Chicks, original S’mores kits
Salt Crafts, pink Himalayan salt licks for horses
Snacks 5th Avenchew, horse and dog treats
The Hampton Classic Horse Show features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic’s world-class equestrian competition attracts many of the nation’s top professional and amateur riders including Olympic medalists.
The Hampton Classic’s world-class field of Grand Prix riders competes daily in the open jumper competition, which features an FEI-recognized Grand Prix on three consecutive days, Friday through Sunday, August 29-31 – the $50,000 Grand Prix Qualifier Presented by Longines on Friday, the $40,000 Longines Cup on Saturday, and Sunday’s $250,000 Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier, presented by Land Rover, a qualifying competition for the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas next April. The rider who accumulates the most points in the horse show’s Open Jumper division wins the $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge.
The Hampton Classic also features ASPCA Adoption and Animal Welfare Day on Monday, August 25, an event that helps find permanent homes for rescued, horses, dogs, cats, and pigs.
Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or by calling 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.”
I love their shirts – I want one for my daughter and me.
It was an amazing day at the Hamptons Classic yesterday. It was a little crazy to go as a show virgin on Grand Prix day, but it was so worth it. The weather held out and last year’s winner, Kent Farrington, won again. This time, his mount was Zafira. It was so amazing to see such steeds soar. I was happy just getting over a low jump last week; it surely was inspirational.
I have so many pictures and stories I’m weeding through, but I thought I would get some of the more fun pictures up for everyone to see. Please forgive my celebrity pictures – I’m not exactly paparazzi, being on the shy side, so I just took silly pictures from behind the pros. I was more interested in what people were wearing and what they were eating and the HORSES, of course!
My attempt at shooting the fashionable and famous:
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Les Enfants: the Fashionable Small-Set at the show:
I love their shirts – I want one for my daughter and I as well.
Oh, and thank you guys for voting on what I should wear! I have to give props to Haute Hippie for sending me my size in the Paprika Onesie in time for the classic. It was perfect: comfortable, chic and got noticed. They rock!!
I probably don’t have to tell you this, but Hermes makes some of the most beautiful items in the world. I think their bags are amazing, but as an equestrian, I cannot help but drool over more horsey items. In celebration of this week’s horse show in Bridgehampton (the Classic), I am listing some of my “if I had tons of money I would get these” items.
I cannot wait to see and feel their saddles in person when I got to their booth later this week.
Hermes Horse Blanket
Hermes Women’s Puffy Coat
Hermes Women’s Riding Breeches
Hermes Riding Vest
Hermes Saddle Pad
Hermes produced a video named (in English) “Hearts and Crafts”. It’s a beautifully made short featuring the Hermes artisans and their craft. It helped me understand why their goods are so beautiful, durable and expensive.
of my favorite things – food, fashion and fun (mostly in the form of horse riding). It seems a strange combination, but at events like the upcoming Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY, all three are on display. The chef in me is dying to sample the foods from local providers specializing in local farm fare, the fashionista in me wants to go to view the summer duds and amazing equestrian styles on the fabulous Hamptons hotties, and the rider in me dreams that it is I, an equestrian novice, out on the course with enough talent to compete.
Tack and Tweed Equestrian: The Love of Horses 