3/3/2015 Sagaponack Horse Show: Local Fave Is Great Prep for Hampton Classic

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Each year in July and August, the Sagaponack Horse Show at Topping Riding Club (58 DanielsLane) is a favorite for local riders and spectators alike. Set in “south of the highway” Sagaponack,the B-rated LIHSSA horse show is as unique as its locale, which couldn’t be more scenic if it tried.

The country roads and open fields create a picturesque show environment. Long Island barnsparticipate in creating a wonderful event, featuring Hunter and Equitation divisions, with bothprofessional and amateur riders. And the location makes it easier for many local riders’ friends andfamily to attend, while professional photography coverage provided by Digital Hoof Prints allowscompetitors to be able to capture some of the memories.

During the summer show season, many East End riders either compete at HITS in Saugerties, NewYork or “local” shows, which are primarily located mid-to-up-Island, making a Hamptons showlocation a travel gift.

From a rider’s perspective, it is a treat to ride in the large grass field of Topping Riding Club, whichhas grown to be a staple of the show. The field provides a change from conventional dirt rings, givingboth horses and riders great preparation for the famous grass rings at The Hampton Classic later inAugust.

Over the years the show has retained its staff, which gives it a real sense of community. SecretariesTroy Powell and Liz and Kate Soroka, Manager Brian Kutner and Steward Lisa Levy work hard tomake the show run smoothly and create a personable and enjoyable environment. On the otherhand, Judges fairly rotate. On August 7, show judges included Timmy Kees from Norwalk, CT,Jennifer Hinman from North Salem, NY and Claudine Libertore from Jackson, NJ.

Sagaponack Horse Show: Local Favorite Is Great Prep for TheHampton Classic

SAGAPONACK HORSE SHOW, PHOTO: BRETT LIEBAUGUST 10, 2013 BY BRETT LIEB

3/3/2015 Sagaponack Horse Show: Local Fave Is Great Prep for Hampton Classic

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As show steward, Levy is tasked with upholding ethical standards and rules of competition. She hasbeen working with the Sagaponack Horse Show for about 15 years, and she lit up when asked aboutit. “There is just something special about this show,” Levy said. “One thing is that it gives local campkids a chance to show locally besides the Hampton Classic. It is also unique because there are noJumper divisions, only Equitation and Hunter,” she added, noting, “This year it is one of only twolocal shows, the other being the Hampton Classic. Numbers were up in entries today (August 7) fromthat of the July 17 show, but that can also largely be attributed to the weather, as the July show fellduring the heat wave.”

Out on the grounds, Mary Katherine Shaughnessy, who was champion of the Older Adult AmateurHunters division on her horse Special K, was kind enough to share her take on the Sagaponackshow. Shaughnessy has been showing for the past nine years, and has even competed in the FTIWinter Equestrian Festival in her hometown of Wellington, FL. Recently committed to summering inthe Hamptons, Shaughnessy said she “ likes the Sagaponack show because it is well run and aconvenient location,” adding, “It’s much easier than trekking up-Island to compete.”

Posted on the sidelines of the hunter field with a large camera was Alexis Asch, a photographer forDigital Hoof Prints. Asch is also a competitive rider with her horse Man Of The Hour, aka “Lefty,” inthe Younger Adult Amateur Hunters, though she was not competing at the Sagaponack Horse Showbecause she had just returned from HITS in Saugerties, the weekend before. “I do love this horseshow and I actually first started riding here at Topping Riding Club,” Asch said, explaining that shenow rides at CW Post and how Sagaponack is good prep for the Hampton Classic, especially forpeople who only have dirt footing at their barns. It’s good to get out and practice on the grass, shesaid.

Along with spectators and competitors, trainers also enjoy the Sagaponack Horse Show. “I do likethis horse show, especially when the weather is good. I find it to be very well run and goodpreparation for the Hampton Classic because of the grass footing and realistic jumps,” said JenBowery, a trainer from Twin Oaks Stable, LLC.

Even as a spectator it’s great to walk around enjoying the scenery and watching each division run itscourse. The facility, staff, competitors and spectators help make this local horse show one thatshouldn’t be missed. sagaponackhorseshow.com

See More photos by Brett Lieb here.

3/3/2015 Sagaponack Horse Show: Local Fave Is Great Prep for Hampton Classic

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Ribbons at the Sagaponack Horse Show, Photo: Brett Lieb

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