48th annual Hampton Classic to host 2 major events this weekend
Saturday will feature an event tailored for kids, while Sunday will feature the Longines Grand Prix.
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The 48th annual Hampton Classic is in its final stretch, and the excitement is building for two major events at the premiere equestrian show this weekend.
Thousands of spectators come to see majestic horsemanship in the show rings at the event - but for the children, the magic of the classic is at the kids' tent.
"News 12 Kids Day at the Hampton Classic is one of our favorite days of the year," says Marty Bauman, Hampton Classic spokesperson. "There's face painting. We have a petting zoo, we have pony rides and they're free pony rides for the kids on Saturday."
"It's a beautiful thing. We're trying to put smiles on everyone," says Mike Haleiko, of Steppin' Out Ponies.
Those who attend Sunday's event will see the highlight of the Hampton Classic. It's the Longines Grand Prix, where the world's best equestrians compete for $425,000 in prize money and a chance to be selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Equestrian team.
Peter Leone won a silver medal in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Games. He says an Olympic coach will be scouting for team members for the Barcelona and Pan American Games, which are the qualifying events for the Olympic Games in Paris.
"He'll be looking at our top potential horse rider combinations to see who's in the best form to secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics Games," Leone says.
Admission to the event is $20 per carload.
Attendees heading to the News 12 Kids Day event can pick up a voucher for a free pony ride at the entrance.
Reserved tickets are required for Sunday's Grand Prix event.
For information on purchasing tickets, you can visit Hampton Classic Horse Show website.
