Hampton Classic and Riders with Disabilities

Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Celebrates Its 5^th Anniversary at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 31, 2010 – It was hard to tell who was having more fun at the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities on Monday, the riders or their parents.

This year the program celebrated its 5th anniversary at the Hampton Classic Horse Show and a number of riders have competed all five years, but it is the first year for Brittny Bocchino of Nesconset, NY, who was named Champion of the Equitation Beginner Spotter/Independent division.She was bursting with pride of her accomplishment.

“I love riding so much; it makes me so happy that I smile all day.”

Brittny’s parents, Michele and Vincent, were also beaming as they took photos of their daughter with the gigantic Championship trophy that she received as Champion.

“This program has done wonders for Brittny,” said Michele.”I recommend it highly for any parents that have children with disabilities. It’s like her second home.”

The show series, founded by Katie McGowan of HorseAbility, Inc., was created to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other equestrians enjoy. Riders are judged on Equitation, Demonstration and Knowledge of riding skills. The LIHSSRD competition at the Hampton Classic is the culmination of the organization’s eight-show series that started in the fall of 2009 and continued through the spring and summer of 2010.

“It’s truly exciting to have the Riders with Disabilities competition here,” said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen.”It’s such a worthwhile program.When Katie and I first talked about the program five years ago we didn’t know it would become a fixture on the calendar at the Hampton Classic and for the Long Island Horse Show community.It’s one of the things I am most proud of in my role of Executive Director at the Hampton Classic.”

Theprogram has expanded since its debut in 2006.In its first year, the show only had one barn participating in the Finals, but this year five barns were represented.A third division has also been added, the Advanced Spotter/Independent to supplement the Equitation with Aides Division and theEquitation Beginner Spotter/Independent Division, which makes HorseAbility Program DirectorMcGowan very happy.

“The program has grown through the years, which is terrific,” said McGowan.”We want to spread the word that there is equal opportunity for all riders out there. We would like to reach out to many different barns and riders to have them compete.”

This is good news for Brittny, “I want to keep riding forever!”

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is one of the most prestigious horse shows in the nation and features competitors at every level from young children in leadline to Olympic veterans.The Classic continues through Sunday when it culminates with the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEIWorld Cup Qualifier.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic.These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation. It benefits Southampton Hospital and has contributed more than $1 million to the hospital since it began.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.