For the fourth consecutive year, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will sponsor the 35th Hampton Classic Horse Show, held in Bridgehampton, N.Y., from Sunday, August 29 to Sunday, September 5.  

On Monday, August 30, the ASPCA will host its first annual Adoption Day at the Classic focusing on the issue of homeless horses at risk.   Four local animal shelters and four local horse rescue groups will have rescued animals available for adoption.  Celebrity VIP Hosts for this event include Georgina Bloomberg, top rider and the ASPCA’s Equine Welfare Ambassador, and Jill Rappaport, “Today” show animal welfare correspondent and best-selling author.  Top riders and medalists such as Brianne Goutal will also be stopping by to meet and ride a rescued horse.  Dr. Emily Weiss, the ASPCA’s Animal Behaviorist, will present her interactive equine behavior workshop, “How to Think Like a Horse!”  Other ASPCA resident experts, such as Dr. Pamela Corey, Director of Equine Veterinary Services, will be on hand to answer equine health and wellness questions, and Jacque Schultz, ASPCA Equine Grants Officer, will address how the ASPCA Equine Fund helps rescues and sanctuaries across the country sustain their lifesaving programs.  In addition, there will be a special appearance by Warriors Way, a former racehorse who now enjoys a successful career as a winning show horse.

“We are proud to support the tradition of excellence in humane and responsible horsemanship,” said Valerie Angeli, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Equine Events.  “The ASPCA has a deep-rooted commitment to promote equine welfare and rescue efforts since the mid-19th century, and this event gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these noble and hardworking animals together with the equestrian community.”

Other highlights during the week-long event include the presentation of the ASPCA Maclay Award with ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres and Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo.  The prestigious ASPCA Maclay Championship was established in 1933 by former ASPCA Board member and horseman, Alfred B. Maclay, to encourage junior riders to excel in the art of responsible and humane horsemanship.  It is the most coveted award in the U.S. for junior riders under 18 years of age.

Visiting animal-loving celebrities and top riders will make appearances at the “ASPCA Patio” located near VIP parking and across from the public grandstand of the Grand Prix Ring (please see schedule included below).  For more information on the Hampton Classic, please visit www.aspca.org/horse or www.hamptonclassic.com0.

The Hampton Classic is one of the country’s largest and most prestigious horse shows and draws many of the world’s top horses and riders, including Olympic, World Cup, and World Championship veterans.