1. 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 Daniels
Lane) 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 barns
participate in creating a wonderful event, featuring Hunter and Equitation divisions, with both
professional and amateur riders. And the location makes it easier for many local riders’ friends and
family to attend, while professional photography coverage provided by Digital Hoof Prints allows
competitors to be able to capture some of the memories.
During the summer show season, many East End riders either compete at HITS in Saugerties, New
York or “local” shows, which are primarily located mid-to-up-Island, making a Hamptons show
location a travel gift.
From a rider’s perspective, it is a treat to ride in the large grass field of Topping Riding Club, which
has grown to be a staple of the show. The field provides a change from conventional dirt rings, giving
both horses and riders great preparation for the famous grass rings at The Hampton Classic later in
August.
Over the years the show has retained its staff, which gives it a real sense of community. Secretaries
Troy Powell and Liz and Kate Soroka, Manager Brian Kutner and Steward Lisa Levy work hard to
make the show run smoothly and create a personable and enjoyable environment. On the other
hand, 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 The
Hampton Classic
SAGAPONACK HORSE SHOW, PHOTO: BRETT LIEB
AUGUST 10, 2013 BY BRETT LIEB

2. 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 has
been working with the Sagaponack Horse Show for about 15 years, and she lit up when asked about
it. “There is just something special about this show,” Levy said. “One thing is that it gives local camp
kids a chance to show locally besides the Hampton Classic. It is also unique because there are no
Jumper divisions, only Equitation and Hunter,” she added, noting, “This year it is one of only two
local shows, the other being the Hampton Classic. Numbers were up in entries today (August 7) from
that of the July 17 show, but that can also largely be attributed to the weather, as the July show fell
during the heat wave.”
Out on the grounds, Mary Katherine Shaughnessy, who was champion of the Older Adult Amateur
Hunters division on her horse Special K, was kind enough to share her take on the Sagaponack
show. Shaughnessy has been showing for the past nine years, and has even competed in the FTI
Winter Equestrian Festival in her hometown of Wellington, FL. Recently committed to summering in
the Hamptons, Shaughnessy said she “ likes the Sagaponack show because it is well run and a
convenient 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 for
Digital Hoof Prints. Asch is also a competitive rider with her horse Man Of The Hour, aka “Lefty,” in
the Younger Adult Amateur Hunters, though she was not competing at the Sagaponack Horse Show
because she had just returned from HITS in Saugerties, the weekend before. “I do love this horse
show and I actually first started riding here at Topping Riding Club,” Asch said, explaining that she
now rides at CW Post and how Sagaponack is good prep for the Hampton Classic, especially for
people who only have dirt footing at their barns. It’s good to get out and practice on the grass, she
said.
Along with spectators and competitors, trainers also enjoy the Sagaponack Horse Show. “I do like
this horse show, especially when the weather is good. I find it to be very well run and good
preparation for the Hampton Classic because of the grass footing and realistic jumps,” said Jen
Bowery, 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 its
course. The facility, staff, competitors and spectators help make this local horse show one that
shouldn’t be missed. sagaponackhorseshow.com
See More photos by Brett Lieb here.

3. 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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