2022 Hampton Classic Horse Show Hosts Animal Adoption Day

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A beloved tradition designed to help homeless pets in need continued in Bridgehampton Monday as the 11th annual "Animal Welfare and Adoption Day" unfolded at the 2022 Hampton Classic Horse Show.

The event, presented by Gotham Enterprizes, aims to find homes for dogs, cats and horses from rescues organizations on Long Island and beyond.

Animal Welfare and Adoption Day hosted seven dog-cat rescue groups from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kids Area while the horses and mini donkeys of the EQUUS Foundation Guardian Program were spotlighted in one of the main hunter rings from noon to 1 p.m.

The Rider’s Closet also offered visitors a Donation Trunk where they could drop off equestrian apparel to provide to riders in need, organizers said.

Participating rescues and shelters included the Animal Rescue Foundation of the Hamptons, the Nassau County SPCA, the Mustang Heritage Foundation, New England Equine Rescue North, No Dogs Left Behind, Retired Racehorse Project, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, Ruff House Rescue, Second Chance Rescue, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and Tyler’s Rescue Inc.

Grand Prix rider Georgina Bloomberg, EQUUS Foundation “EQUUStar” and Sponsor of Animal Welfare and Adoption Day, was on hand greeting visitors and spending time with the animals. She was joined by fellow Grand Prix rider Brianne Goutal-Marteau, Clementine Goutal and Jill Rappaport of the EQUUS Foundation, Hampton Classic organizers said.

“I love coming to the Hampton Classic every year, and Adoption Day is probably my favorite day of the week,” Bloomberg said. “It’s so important for these animals to find good homes. We’re only here because of our horses, and we should always find ways of giving back to them, including doing what we can to help the ones in need.”

Jill Rappaport of the EQUUS Foundation and Grand Prix riders Brianne Goutal-Marteau and Georgina Bloomberg continued their onsite support of Animal Welfare and Adoption Day.
© KindMedia.

The EQUUS Foundation also returned with its $35,000 donation matching campaign through September 4 for America’s at-risk horses with prize money won by EQUUS Equine Ambassador Lafitte De Muze, one of the nation’s leading hunter horses owned by Cheryl Olsten and ridden by Amanda Steege. EQUUS equine ambassadors are sport horses whose owners donate a portion of their winnings in equestrian sport competitions to help ensure that all horses are safe, healthy and treated with dignity as partners.

“Animal Welfare and Adoption Day is a staple for the Hampton Classic every year,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic. “We are always so thrilled to support participating rescues and shelters in finding these animals forever homes, and we greatly appreciate the help of Georgina Bloomberg and the EQUUS Foundation in achieving that goal.”

The 46th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show takes place through September 4 with a full schedule of world-class equestrian competition offering more than $1 million in prize money. For live show results, click here.

Each year, about 50,000 people come to watch some of the most accomplished equestrian athletes in the nation compete at the Hampton Classic.

The Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six show rings, more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its 60-acre show grounds. Offering more than $1 million in prize money, the Classic is highlighted by the $410,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4.

The Hampton Classic also supports several local charitable organizations including Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, the Kevin Babington Foundation and Sag Harbor Food Pantry. Everyone who comes to the Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday with three or more non-perishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry will have their entire car admitted free.

Daily admission to the Classic cost $20 per carload; cash at the gate only. Admission is free on Monday; seniors and military are also admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Grandstand tickets for the $410,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4, are $55 per person for reserved bucket seating. Grandstand tickets are electronic only; e-tickets are provided due to support by Green is the New Blue.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website here.

For a full schedule and additional information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, click her or call 631-537-3177. The Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.