Bridgehampton, NY–February 26, 2014–With deep appreciation for his 30 years of service, The Hampton Classic Horse Show announces that Steve Stephens is retiring as horse show manager. While Stephens will continue to be associated with the horse show as a member of its Horseman’s Advisory Committee, his retirement as horse show manager is effective immediately.

“Steve has played an integral role in the growth of the Hampton Classic into one of the world’s most highly regarded horse shows and no words can express the credit he is due,” said Dennis Suskind, president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors. “His efforts have helped the Classic achieve a position of prominence in the horse show world and we all owe him an incredible debt of gratitude.”

Stephens, who became manager of the Hampton Classic in 1984, competed in Grand Prix show jumping from 1968 through 1986, winning such major events as the American Gold Cup and American Grandprix Association (AGA) Championships. He is one of the world’s most respected course designers and, in addition to designing courses at many of this country’s biggest horse shows, served as course designer at the 1987 Pan American Games and 2008 Olympic Games. He has also been Technical Delegate at four FEI World Cup Finals.

Stephens has also been manager of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show.  In 1992, he established Stephens Equestrian Designs, a company that designs, builds and provides jumps to horse shows across the nation. It is regarded as one of the world’s most successful jump companies. In 2013, Stephens was honored with the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“For three decades the Hampton Classic has been a cherished part of my life,” Stephens said.  “There is no question that it will always hold a dear place in my heart but there comes a time in life when you know it is time for a change. I am proud of all we have accomplished with the Hampton Classic and the respect it commands as one of the world’s finest horse shows. My commitment to the Hampton Classic will remain forever and I want to express my thanks for the opportunity I had to be part of it.”

Succeeding Stephens as horse show manager is Allen Rheinheimer who previously served as the horse show’s Assistant Manager. Rheinheimer has extensive experience as manager of such major horse shows as the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Traders Point Charity Horse Show and the Gulf Coast Winter Series. He has also been part of the management team of the Washington International Horse Show and the highly acclaimed FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas and is Operations Director of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, for its 39th year of world-class equestrian competition. The Classic features more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages. A wide range of jumper, hunter, equitation, short stirrup and leadline classes are part of the Classic’s schedule, as well as competitions for riders with disabilities.

The Hampton Classic features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic’s world-class equestrian competition attracts many of the nation’s top professional and amateur riders, and its Hamptons charm and schedule of family attractions make it the perfect destination for anybody looking to add some style to their summer.

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.