riding S&L Appear-Al, claimed the ‘A’ section while Truffle emerged victorious with rider Tania Hack of New York, NY in the ‘B’ section of the BET/United States Equestrian Team (USET) Show Jumping Rider Talent Search presented by Sooner Trailers at the 2002 Hampton Classic Horse Show.

An equitation competition designed for riders aged 21 and under, competitors were first judged strictly on the flat, without jumps, for their position, control of the horse and riding style. The top riders then advanced to the jumping phase of the Talent Search where they were judged on their form over fences.

Due to high entries in the BET/USET Show Jumping Rider Talent Search, the competition was divided into two sections, ‘A’ and ‘B.’

The premise of the BET/USET Talent Search is to prepare the nation’s up-and-coming riders for the grand prix ranks and, hopefully, international competition representing the United States Equestrian Team.

The Hampton Classic is one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions. Many of the world’s best equestrians compete for more than $250,000 in prize money during the Classic, which benefits the Southampton Hospital. Each day of the show is devoted to special events and social activities, culminating with the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix on Sunday, September 1. This year, the Hampton Classic features:

Third Annual Seniors Day, Thursday, Aug. 29: Senior citizens will be admitted free on Seniors Day, Thursday, Aug. 29, presented by 50 Plus Senior News. Festivities include “An Evening of Shopping” from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Boutiques Garden. The Evening of Shopping is a new addition to the Classic this year and promises to be a real hit!

Fiesta Day, Friday Aug. 30: A tribute to Long Island’s growing Hispanic community, Fiesta Day presented by Avis celebrates the culture and traditions of more than 23 Spanish-speaking countries and regions worldwide. Hispanic food, music, and dancing will be highlighted as a tribute to diversity in work and play. A new bilingual horse coloring book will be given to all children under 12, along with a box of crayons, so kids can color on the spot!

Cablevision’s Kids Day, Saturday, Aug. 31: Sure to delight kids of all ages, Cablevision’s Kids Day will feature the National Circus Project, an opportunity for youngsters to try out their circus skills. The day also includes face painting, balloon sculpting, pony rides, and magic acts. A visit to the petting zoo is included in the fun, along with the chance to win some great prizes. Kids can even brush up on their horse grooming skills.

The week-long competition runs from Sunday, August 25 through Sunday, September 1, with a break in competition on Monday, August 26. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per carload per day, with children under 6 admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 1, is $15 per person (in addition to $5/person or $15/carload admission) or $25 per person for premium front-row seating. Parking throughout the show is free.

For more information about the Hampton Classic and complete competition results, visit www.hamptonclassic.com or call 631-537-3177.