2025 Hampton Classic Horse Show: 50th Anniversary Grand Prix Preview

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Olympians, past champions, and international stars return to Bridgehampton as the Hampton Classic celebrates 50 years with its biggest Grand Prix yet.

By Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, aka HorseDoc®

Longines Horse. Photo by GBeroza.

The 2025 Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton, Long Island, from August 24–31, marking the 50th anniversary of one of the world’s premier equestrian events. The week-long competition will culminate on Sunday, August 31, with the $400,000 Longines 5 Grand Prix*, an internationally renowned show jumping highlight that consistently attracts Olympic-caliber riders and global stars.

This milestone edition promises to be the most competitive yet, with 13 Olympians, riders representing 22 nations, and all three podium finishers from 2024 returning to contest the intricate courses designed by Nick Granat (USA).

Kent Farrington (USA) winning the Hampton Classic Grand Prix in 2013. Photo by ESI.

A Stellar Field of Champions

Reigning champion Rene Dittmer (GER) will attempt to defend his 2024 Hampton Classic Grand Prix title. Standing in his way is a formidable roster of rivals, including:

  • Kent Farrington (USA), World #1 and two-time Hampton Classic Grand Prix winner (2012, 2013). Farrington is a two-time Olympian with a silver Olympic team medal (2016), a World Championship bronze (2014), and Pan American Games gold (2011) and bronze (2015).

  • McLain Ward (USA), a six-time Olympian and seven-time Hampton Classic Grand Prix winner. Currently ranked #8 in the world, Ward has collected five Olympic medals, was the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Champion, and last year secured his second Hampton Classic Longines Rider Challenge victory.

  • Daniel Bluman (ISR), three-time Olympian and three-time Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion. Ranked #21 in the world, Bluman will look to reclaim the title after his 2023 triumph.

  • Mario Deslauriers (CAN), four-time Olympian and 2019 Hampton Classic Grand Prix winner.

Daniel Bluman’s 2023 win on Ladriano Z. Photo by Kind Media.

Other top contenders include Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam (World #22), Darragh Kenny (World #11), 2021 Olympians Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Uma O’Neill (NZL), 2024 Olympians Thaisa Erwin (AUS), Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN), and Isabella Russekoff (ISR), as well as past Hampton Classic champion Karen Polle (JPN). Rounding out the field are 2024 podium finishers Mimi Gochman (USA) and Alex Matz (USA), who finished second and third behind Dittmer last year.

More Than Just the Grand Prix

While the Longines 5* Grand Prix serves as the crown jewel, the Hampton Classic week offers much more:

  • Over 200 competitions across six rings, including FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter divisions.

  • More than $1 million in prize money on the line.

  • The Agneta Currey Boutique Garden, featuring 70+ luxury vendors, diverse dining, and entertainment for all ages.

  • Spectacular showgrounds enhanced with extensive landscaping and amenities, welcoming 50,000+ spectators, including celebrities and equestrian enthusiasts.

Photo by GBeroza

Media Coverage

The ‘Talking Horses’® YouTube Channel, hosted by Dr. Gregory Beroza (HorseDoc®), will feature previews and recaps of the Grand Prix, including highlights of past winners and coverage of this year’s competition. Dr. Beroza will also provide special reporting on the 50th Anniversary Grand Prix Finale in partnership with Dan’s Papers, Long Island’s premier East End publication.

For full schedules, ticketing, and updates, visit www.HamptonClassic.com. Fans worldwide can also follow the action via ‘Talking Horses’® on YouTube at YouTube.com/@TalkingHorses/videos.

Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, DVM, DACVS, DABVP has been a practicing veterinarian and consultant for 42 years; and HorseDoc® ‘Talking Horses’® media host, author, and consultant since 2007. Dr. Beroza is a multimedia host and broadcasts his productions, including a new Podcast, via his WuzUpDoc Media website: www.WuzUpDoc.com. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media sources.

Thanks to ‘HorseDoc’ Sponsors:  Alex Nichols Agency; BMB IT Solutions, Chestnut Vale Feed, Cosequin Joint Health Supplement, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Great American Insurance-Equine Division; Hopscotch Air Taxi; Jaguar; JSR Farriers-Equine Transport; Land Rover; Nutrena; Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate; Ramard Nutraceuticals; Range Rover; Supporting Strategies; Ultravet Medical Devices; Dan’s Papers