For nearly five decades, the Hampton Classic Horse Show has been one of the defining traditions of the East End. Each August, Bridgehampton becomes home to one of the nation’s premier equestrian competitions, welcoming world-class riders, devoted spectators, and generations of families who return year after year. While the excitement of championship competition remains at its heart, the Hampton Classic’s enduring legacy is equally defined by the extraordinary women whose leadership, passion, and vision have shaped the event into one of the Hamptons’ most treasured institutions.
Equestrian sport has long stood apart as one of the few athletic disciplines where women and men compete on equal footing. Success is measured not by gender, but by discipline, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Nowhere is that spirit more evident than at the Hampton Classic, where generations of women have influenced not only the competition inside the ring but also the culture, philanthropy, and community that surround it.
Today, that tradition continues under the leadership of Shanette Barth Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Charged with preserving one of the Hamptons’ most iconic annual events while guiding its future, Cohen has helped ensure that the Classic remains both internationally respected and deeply rooted in the East End community.
In a statement, the Hampton Classic executive team notes: “While the horses and competition remain at the heart of the Hampton Classic, it is ultimately the people—and especially the women whose leadership, dedication, and stewardship sustain the event—who continue to shape its future.”
These words capture what has made the Hampton Classic endure. Beyond the competition is a remarkable network of women whose work often takes place quietly but whose influence is felt throughout every aspect of the event.
Among the Hampton Classic’s most recognizable ambassadors is Georgina Bloomberg, whose longstanding connection to the show extends well beyond competition. An accomplished rider and dedicated philanthropist, Bloomberg has become a leading advocate for equine welfare, therapeutic riding programs, and expanding opportunities for young equestrians. Her commitment reflects a broader philosophy embraced throughout the Hampton Classic community—that leadership is measured not only by victories, but by the ability to create lasting opportunities for others.
Equally synonymous with the Hampton Classic is Margie Goldstein-Engle, whose decades of success have made her one of the most respected figures in American show jumping. Alongside accomplished competitors including Anne Kursinski and Molly Ashe Cawley, she represents the extraordinary level of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship that has become synonymous with the Hampton Classic. Together, these women have inspired generations of young riders while reinforcing the values of dedication and partnership that define the sport.
Yet the Hampton Classic’s greatest strength may lie beyond the riders who enter the Grand Prix Ring. Months before the first fence is jumped, women are working behind the scenes to bring the event to life. They oversee operations, sponsorships, hospitality, communications, volunteer coordination, and guest experiences. They manage barns, care for elite equine athletes, operate training facilities, and lead equestrian businesses throughout the East End. Many are entrepreneurs who have built careers rooted in agriculture, horsemanship, and small business, contributing to the unique character and economy of the Hamptons.
Their influence extends beyond the show grounds. Through charitable partnerships and community initiatives, the Hampton Classic has become an important platform for giving back to the East End. Women have been instrumental in fostering these relationships, strengthening local organizations while ensuring that the event remains deeply connected to the community that has embraced it for generations.
For the countless young girls lining the rails each Summer, the Hampton Classic offers more than an opportunity to watch extraordinary horsewomen compete. They witness women leading organizations, mentoring future champions, building successful businesses, and preserving one of the Hamptons’ most enduring traditions. It is a powerful reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that excellence is built through dedication, resilience, and service.
The blue ribbons awarded each year celebrate remarkable performances in the arena. But behind every championship round is a community of women whose vision, generosity, and quiet determination have helped transform the Hampton Classic into far more than a world-class horse show. They have made it a defining symbol of the Hamptons itself—where tradition is honored, community is celebrated, and the next generation is inspired to lead with purpose, grace, and unwavering passion.
The Hamptons Classic Horse Show runs from August 23-30 at the Hampton Classic Showgrounds, 240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton.
Eric Viner
