Summer 2012 Preview: Changes at the Hampton Classic

One of the Hamptons most highly anticipated seasonal events, the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, is making a few changes in 2012. The event had some trouble last year related to Tropical Storm Irene, which caused power outages, and organizers were forced to take down tents and make radical schedule changes.

This year, some of those changes will be sticking. The $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge will be held on the morning of Opening Day, though it was held during the afternoon in previous years. Following that event, there will be the Opening Ceremonies. Then, the show has scheduled the $50,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association’s International Hunter Derby. This event will give hunter exhibitors the opportunity to compete in the Grand Prix ring. Lead Line classes and the short- stirrup competition, both of which have long been held on Opening Day, will now be held on Grand Prix Sunday and on Wednesday, respectively.

The changes are being made mainly because the derby has become more popular, according to the Hampton Classic‘s director, Shanette Barth Cohen.

The Hampton Classic will be held August 26 through September 2.