The Hampton Classic Collection: Talking with the Greats

This week is a very special edition of Because of Horses! Your host, Elise Gaston Chand, talks with some of the horse world’s most accomplished equestrians — sharing their riding and training philosophies, their insights into horses, advice for aspiring competitors, and their fondest memories of the Hampton Classic Horse Show! These featured guests are Georgina Bloomberg, Kelli Cruciotti, Peter Wylde, Joe Fargis, and Chief Press Officer Marty Bauman.   For over 40 years, the Classic has featured world-class riders and horses — including Olympic and Pan American Games medalists — from around the globe, competing for $800,000 in prize money. With something for everyone, from the avid horse lover to the non-equestrian spectator, the Classic is one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the U.S.; a not-to-miss segment on the summer tour. Where else can you watch McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Anne Kursinski compete… then spot Bruce Springsteen watching his phenomenally talented daughter, Jessica, clear a course in record time? Or see Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Ripa, Brooke Shields, or Martha Stewart stroll by?   The Classic is also an event straight from the heart with fundraising and community support, animal adoptions onsite, championship competition for disabled riders, and one of the most anticipated classes during the week-long show: Leadline, with our littlest riders judged by two-time Olympic gold medalist, Joe Fargis.    The Classic runs August 25th through September 1st, 2019, in Bridgehampton, New York.   Ready to talk with the greats? Tune in!   About our accomplished guests: Joe Fargis is one of the greats of show jumping. He trained under the legendary Bertalan de Nemethy and is perhaps best known for his partnership with the Thoroughbred mare Touch of Class, with whom he won the individual and team gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He also won the team silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics with Mill Pearl. Joe was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2007 and was awarded the US Equestrian Federation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. US Olympian, trainer and youth mentor Peter Wylde is one of the most well-respected horsemen in the sport of show jumping, not just for his extensive competitive success but also his commitment to the education of both amateurs and juniors. Peter is best known for his partnership with Turnabout Farms’ Fein Cera, who he rode to the individual bronze and the Best Horse award at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, and the team gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Peter is a three-time grand prix winner at the Hampton Classic.   Georgina Bloomberg is a native New Yorker and international show jumper who grew up competing all along the east coast. She made her FEI World Cup Final debut in 2005 and was a member of the winning team in the Samsung Super League Nation’s Cup in France. Georgina was a member of the bronze medal-winning Pan American Games team in 2015 and competed in Gothenburg, Sweden in this year’s Longines FEI World Cup Finals. She is a noted philanthropist, focusing particularly on issues related to animal welfare. Kelli Cruciotti is an emerging star in U.S. show jumping, currently ranked 26th in the country by the United States Equestrian Federation, and a 2020 Olympic hopeful. Kelli enjoyed a storied junior career, with success in all three rings and a win at the coveted 2015 USEF/Pessoa Medal Finals, but today show jumping has become her main passion. After turning professional in 2016, Kelli has continued to pile up top results in the jumper ring at such prestigious shows as Devon, Harrisburg, the Hamptons, Capital Challenge, Washington and more. In 2019, she represented the United States in her first Longines FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, finishing 16th on her mare, Hadja Van Orshof.   Topics of Discussion: [:18] About today’s special episode! [2:16] Elise introduces this week’s first guest, Georgina Bloomberg. [2:38] To Georgina, what makes the Hampton Classic a not-to-miss show? [3:59] How has winning last year’s opening Grand Prix affected Georgina going into this year’s competition? [5:55] Georgina tells a story that helps illustrate how the Hampton Classic has such universal appeal to horse lovers of all kinds. [7:43] Georgina gives her advice to young riders. [12:12] Elise thanks Georgina for joining her! [13:38] Elise introduces Kelli Cruciotti. [13:46] Kelli describes what she loves about the Hampton Classic. [15:46] Kelli reflects on the first time she competed at this iconic show. [16:39] Elise thanks Kelli for joining her! [16:55] Elise introduces Peter Wylde. [17:10] Peter explains why it is so important to first understand the basics (i.e. getting the rider/horse relationship and riding skills solid) before moving on to jumping. [18:31] Peter gives his recommendations on the sorts of things riders should be looking for when they observe and study top competitors in action. [21:17] Peter shares some of his favorite memories from his time spent at the Hampton Classic and why it has been a standout show for him, over the years. [23:25] Peter gives his advice to young riders attending the Hampton Classic for the first time this year. [24:20] Elise thanks Peter for joining her! [24:55] Elise introduces Joe Fargis. [25:20] Joe explains how valuing simplicity by focusing on and perfecting the basics helps riders to be — not just better jumpers — but better riders, overall. [26:35] Joe explains how riders can stop thinking about training as work, and instead focus on ensuring that the horse enjoys the experience even while they’re learning. [27:48] What about coaching talented young riders and helping them to build upon their skills through programs like the EAP is so important to Joe? [28:46] What is Joe hoping to teach young riders when he asks them a question (usually related to riding, horse anatomy, or their tack) during Leadline? And what are some of his favorite memories from judging at the Hampton Classic? [30:16] What is it like for Joe to be a part of a young rider’s journey and to see some of them go on to such terrific success? [30:49] Elise thanks Joe for joining her! [31:58] Elise introduces Chief Press Officer Marty Bauman. [32:04] Why Marty thinks the Hampton Classic holds such broad appeal — not just year after year — but decade after decade. [35:08] What does USEF recognition of the Classic as a Heritage Competition mean to Marty and the show? [37:31] Elise and Marty discuss what it’s like for equestrians to compete at the Hampton Classic. [39:45] Marty reflects on how far some of these young riders have come and how rewarding it is to be a part of the Classic’s incredible history. [45:12] What Marty would like listeners to know about the Hampton Classic. [50:15] Where to learn more about the Hampton Classic. [50:49] Elise thanks Marty for joining her. [50:57] Elise wraps up this week’s special episode.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to [email protected].   Mentioned in this Episode: The Hampton Classic Georgina Bloomberg EquestFile (Use coupon code: BOH10 to receive a 10% discount for two months off your subscription) The United States Pony Club A Parent's Guide to Riding Lessons: Everything You Need to Know to Survive and Thrive with a Horse-Loving Kid, by Elise Gaston Chand Joe Fargis Peter Wylde Extraordinary Horseman and Olympian:  Peter Wylde (Episode 86, Because of Horses) GGTFooting.com/BOHP Rising Star Kelli Cruciotti, Aiming for 2020 Gold (Episode 93, Because of Horses)  Chief Press Officer Marty Bauman United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Bruce Springsteen   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email [email protected] to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast: ● Donate on Paypal to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome! ● Subscribe: RSS Feed, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM