Dan's Papers - August 24, 2007 -

Hampton Classic Horse Show to Host Finals for Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities on Monday, August 27

Equestrians who compete in the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) will once again have the opportunity to ride for ribbons at The Hampton Classic Horse Show on Monday, August 27.

The LIHSSRD made its debut at the Hampton Classic last year, marking the first time in the horse show's three-decade history that competition was held on Monday. The show series, created by HorseAbility, was founded to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other equestrians enjoy.

"The LIHSSRD championships proved to be a very successful addition to our Hampton Classic schedule," said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen. "The rain almost forced us to cancel, but the resilience and determination of the riders to go on was the ultimate factor in our decision to continue as scheduled."

The LIHSSRD competition at the Hampton Classic will be the culmination of the organization's five-show series, which were held at select horse shows on Long Island during the spring and summer of 2007. Qualifying shows included:

April 21-Thomas School of Horsemanship Horse Show (Melville)

June 10 - Glen Head Horse Show (Muttontown)

June 24 - Salt River Farms Horse Show (Center Moriches)

July 29 - Salt River Farms Horse Show (Center Moriches)

August 14 - Glen Head Horse Show (Muttontown)

Riders compete in classes such as walk, walk/trot, and walk/trot/figure 8 and are awarded points according to USEF rules for equitation classes. The top 10 competitors in each division, assisted riders and independent riders, will qualify for the finals at the Hampton Classic.

Last year, Danielle Jacobs, 22, of Nesconset, NY rode away with top honors in the Equitation "Independent" Division and Victoria Natale, 14, of Bayville, NY won the championship in the Equitation "With Aides" Division.

HorseAbility was founded in 1993 by Kathleen (Katie) Kilcommons McGowan when she lent her horse to a friend and physical therapist who used therapeutic riding as a method of treatment for a child with cerebral palsy. When Ms. McGowan saw the child's physical and emotional connection with the animal and subsequent acceleration in his treatment, she knew she had found her calling. Combining her education, love of children, and long-standing relationship with horses, she founded HorseAbility.

Since then, the organization has became a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation and is one of only two "premier centers" on Long Island as accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Its mission is to offer a wide range of horse-related programs to those with special needs in order to promote their physical and spiritual well-being.

"We are thrilled to have our Finals at the Hampton Classic," said McGowan. "We couldn't think of a better place, it's the Hampton Classic! Shanette welcomed us with open arms last year and it was such a great experience. We hope to have even more riders participating this year!"

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. For more information about HorseAbility or the LIHSSRD, please visit www.horseability.org or call (631) 367-1646.