Dan's Papers - August 29, 2008 - Advice and Tips for Would-Be Riders

Beyond the whirling circus tents and stylish boutiques, past the VIP tents and the pure bred puppies, there lies the equestrian event of the summer...the Hampton Classic. And while Grande Prix tent waiters dance, silver plates flat against their palms, with grace and composure, the riders maintain that same elegance while mounted upon massive, galloping animals. From a spot on the bleachers, all the bystanders can see are the smooth transitions from a rhythmic trot to a rolling canter, a strong dappled back soaring from fence to fence. A bead of sweat and flushed cheeks, the only indications of their strenuous athleticism, remain hidden beneath their velvet caps and thick jackets. And even though the riders that swarm the Hampton Classic may seem more like ballerinas on horseback, they are in fact closer to closet cowgirls.

The pressure is on at the Hampton Classic. The big, fancy jumps, the photographers, the mass of competitive riders and the hectic warm-up rings all contribute to the pressure that goes along with an A-rated horse show. With the crowds watching the ring and all of those relatives who came out to take pictures of their favorite niece on her new pony, it's hard to not feel nervous. It is important, however, to get those nerves under control. Morgan White, a rider for Clearview Farms in Southampton who has competed in 15 Hampton Classics, stresses the importance of staying in the moment. "Take in the beautiful surroundings and remember to connect with your horse," White said.

White, along with other Hampton Classic regulars, knows the ins and outs of the show world. They have sat on top of a horse with their back to the judge during line up as well as coached their peers and siblings from the sidelines. White's sister, Brittan, a seasoned Hampton Classic rider and Southampton native, has spent the past four years on the St. Lawrence Equestrian Team - hence, a lot of horse show experience. "I think that the horses get excited," said White, "They know how to handle a horse show. But they also feed off of their riders' nerves." White recalls her own memorable experience at the Hampton Classic. "I'll always remember the Hampton Classic of '97," said White, "I was champion in the Large Children's Hunters on Razzmataz, a pony owned by my friend Lindsay Bardwil. It was my most unforgettable Hampton Classic experience."

And while Brittan White, who has competed in more than ten Hampton Classics, reflects on her many memories, Rhea Kairouc and Alexandra Piussan, riders from Firefly Farms in Southampton, look forward to making them. Ten-year-old Kairouc has been riding for 6 years and will be competing in her third Hampton Classic this year in the Short Stirrup division. "There is a lot of pressure at the Classic on both the horse and rider," said Kairouc, "But there are ways to ride that can relax your horse. It's important to ride with a loose rein and try not to put too much pressure on your horse." Nine-year-old Piussan will be riding in her second Hampton Classic in the Short Stirrup ring with Kairouc. "I like the Hampton Classic because there's a lot to do," said Piussan, "You can go to all of the rings and see people from all different levels showing." And with one Hampton Classic under her belt, Piussan has her own words of wisdom for fellow competitors. "The best advice for a horse show is to avoid packs when you're riding in a flat class," she said.

And there's more advice where that came from. Heidi Earle, Kairouc and Piussan's riding instructor, has been a trainer for 25 years, spending the past five years in the Hamptons and currently training at Firefly Farms. "It's important to concentrate, but it's also important to relax and have fun," said Earle, "you've done all of your homework at the barn. Now it's time to show what you've learned."

And even though practice makes perfect, true equestrians know that every horse has a bad day. For those who have gotten two strides in a one stride and have lost a stirrup in front of the judge, there may be those shows that don't exactly go according to plan. But don't sweat it. Ali Spencer, a Sag Harbor native who has been riding for 25 years, said, "Horse shows are supposed to be fun. Learn from your mistakes instead of getting upset. And remember, there are many more horse shows to come."