August 29, 2006

Danielle Jacobs and Victoria Natale Crowned Champions of the Inaugural Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders With Disabilities Finals Held at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY—August 28, 2006— Two champions were crowned at the Inaugural Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities held at the 31st Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. Danielle Jacobs, 22, of Nesconset, NY was named Champion of the Equitation “Independent” Division and in the Equitation “With Aides” Division, Victoria Natale, 14, of Beguille, NY took top honors.

“It’s great,” said Natale of her new title. “My favorite class was the Figure Eight. I don’t know why, I just really like it.” A throng of well wishers surrounded Natale congratulating her on her new achievement, none were more proud than her mom, Rae.

“I am so proud of her,” said Rae. “Her sisters compete all the time, but now she has her own sport. It’s just wonderful.”

The series was almost postponed due to inclement weather, but the riders insisted on riding, including April Kloeffer, a rider in the equitation classes “With Aides.” “I am excited to be here,” said Kloeffer. “I am riding Top Notch Hopscotch today and I can’t wait to ride.”

“This is a very meaningful addition to our Hampton Classic schedule,” said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth. “The rain almost forced us to cancel but these riders were determined to go on and they proved what champions they truly are.”

The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities was developed by HorseAbility Program Director Katie McGowan along with Lisa Zimmerman, Nancy Henderson and Amy Stephenson. HorseAbility is a Long Island-based program offering therapeutic riding lessons and other programs for riders of all ages and disabilities. The event at the Classic is the culmination of a five horse show series that has taken place at various locations on Long Island throughout the year.

“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 and it has been such a great experience. We hope to have it again with even more riders and farms next year.”

The Hampton Classic runs through Sunday, September 3. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under 6 admitted free. Seniors are admitted free on Tuesday through Thursday, and children under 12 are free on Cablevision’s Kids Day on Saturday. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 3 is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week.

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to enjoy the show on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

Additionally, WCBS-TV/CBS 2 New York, the official New York television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast a special one-hour program of Hampton Classic highlights on Saturday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. The special will feature action from the frontlines, behind the scenes, and colorful social events connected with the Classic.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Saturday and Sunday, September 2-3.

For more information on the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities and the HorseAbility program, please visit the website at www.horseability.org.