Not all the action at the Hampton Classic is in the hunter and jumper rings, or even in the Grand Prix and U.S.E.T. tents and corporate chalets. Some people prefer the shopping competition in the Boutique Garden, where you can buy anything from a Range Rover to a healing bracelet.
From a few trailers and stands selling riding gear and horse supplies, the shops at the Classic have expanded into an array of luxury goods stores and galleries. A few are big names; many, however, are small businesses represented by their owners, and they come from the Hamptons, from across the country and around the world.
Merchandise with the well-known Hampton Classic logo is sold exclusively by the horse show itself in its own shop. Yes, you might see Hampton Classic sweatshirts and coffee mugs far from the East End of Long Island but the things could only have been bought on the showgrounds during the one week a year of the show—no other time, no other place.
This year shopkeepers are vying to win a ribbon for the smartest looking shop. Kelly Klein, who is on the judging committee, told us, “One of the attractions that makes this horse show so different from all others is the diverse shopping experience it offers. So many adorable boutiques and some full-on pop up shops set up shop for a week. I am very fond of the Sam Edelman shop and Fendi boutique and also E. Vogal, which makes beautiful custom leather boots and shoes. As a judge I look for good displays, well merchandised clothing and hopefully an eye catching space!”