ASPCA Hosts Third Annual Adoption Event for Local Rescued Animals

NEW YORK—For the sixth consecutive year, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will sponsor the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, held in Bridgehampton, N.Y., from Sunday, August 26 to Sunday, September 2, 2012. 

On Monday, August 27, the ASPCA will host the Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day at the Classic, focusing on helping rescued, at-risk horses, dogs and cats find permanent homes. Six local animal shelters and rescue groups, including Animal Care & Control of New York City, three local equine rescue groups, and one pig rescue group will have animals on site.  Celebrity hosts for this event include Animal Welfare Advocate for NBC’s "Today" and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassador Jill Rappaport, as well as ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors and top international riders Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill.

"Many people, including those in the equestrian community, are unaware of the serious threats facing horses today," said Valerie Angeli, senior director of equine and special projects for the ASPCA.  "The ASPCA has an impressive history of equine protection and continues to focus its efforts on improving the lives of horses across the country. The Hampton Classic celebrates the tradition of excellence in humane and responsible horsemanship and provides a wonderful opportunity to not only educate the community but also find permanent homes for at-risk animals." 

Other highlights during the week-long event include the ASPCA "Champagne for Horses" Equine Welfare Celebration and expert panel discussion, both of which take place on Thursday, August 30. Sponsored by Louis Roederer Champagne and hosted by actress and ASPCA supporter Aida Turturro, the event will raise awareness about the many grave issues impacting horses today, including horse slaughter, homelessness and neglect.

Visiting animal-loving celebrities and top riders, including ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill will make appearances throughout the week at the "ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station" located near the VIP parking and across from the public grandstand of the Grand Prix Ring (please see schedule included below). 

"It's an honor to serve as an equine welfare ambassador for the ASPCA," said Ms. Bloomberg. "The ASPCA has a deep-rooted commitment to promoting equine welfare around the country and works hard to protect at-risk horses through legislation, advocacy and grant funding.  This world class horse show is a great opportunity to serve as the voice for these noble animals."

The presentation of the ASPCA Maclay Award will take place on Friday, August 31. The prestigious ASPCA Maclay Championship was established in 1933 by former ASPCA board member and horseman Alfred B. Maclay to encourage junior riders to excel in the art of responsible and humane horsemanship.  It is the most coveted award in the U.S. for junior riders under 18 years of age.

The Hampton Classic is one of the country's largest and most prestigious horse shows and draws many of the world's top horses and champion riders. For more information on the Hampton Classic, please visit http://www.aspca.org/About-Us/events/hampton-classic or www.hamptonclassic.com.

Schedule of ASPCA Events/Expert Appearances at the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show

Sunday, August 26:

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Monday, August 27: Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day

• 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – The Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day at the Hampton Classic will feature local dog, cat and horse rescue groups with animals available for adoption. The event will feature VIP hosts Jill Rappaport from "Today" and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill.
• Participating dog and cat rescue groups include: Animal Care & Control of New York City, The Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, Southampton Animal Shelter, Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc., ARF of Southampton, and Gimme Shelter. Adoptable dogs and cats will be available in the Kids/Exhibition area across from the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Participating horse rescue groups include: Kaeli Kramer Foundation, Project Sage Horse Rescue, and Seraphim 12 Foundation. Rescued and rehabilitated horses also will be on hand for demonstrations. Adoptable horses will be available in the Aspinall Ring and VIP presentations will be from 12-2 p.m.
• Book signing with Georgina Bloomberg, author of My Favorite Mistake, with proceeds from the sale of the book benefiting the ASPCA Equine Fund.
• Jill Rappaport will be showcasing her newly designed equine halters and leads to benefit at-risk horses and promote equine adoption.

Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29:

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Thursday, August 30: ASPCA "Champagne for Horses" Equine Welfare Celebration and Expert Panel Discussion

• 1–3 p.m. (ASPCA Ringside Chalet, north of the Grand Prix Arena) – The ASPCA will host the 'Champagne for Horses' Equine Welfare Celebration and expert panel discussion brought to you by Louis Roederer Champagne, with celebrity host Aida Turturro and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill. This event is by invitation only and space is limited. For information on how to obtain an invitation, please contact the ASPCA's Valerie Angeli via email at [email protected] .

Friday, August 31:

• Late morning (Ring TBD) – ASPCA Maclay Award Presentation.
• Time TBD (After show jumping event in the Grand Prix Ring) – Olympic Equestrian Peter Leone will be signing copies of his book, Peter Leone’s Show Jumping Clinic, and DVD, Ride the Body, with proceeds benefiting the ASPCA's horse protection efforts.

Saturday, September 1: Kid's Day at the Hampton Classic

• 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station) – Book signing and meet & greet with Anne Hambleton, author of RAJA – Story of a Racehorse. The award-winning children's book tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of a rescued racehorse.

Sunday, September 2: Grand Prix Sunday

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Throughout the week:

• 'ASPCA VIP Rider' lapel pins and 'Horses on Sticks' will be available at the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for a donation, with proceeds benefitting the ASPCA’s horse protection efforts.
• The 'Jump for the ASPCA' fundraiser, sponsored by FTI Consulting, will trigger a donation to the ASPCA each time a rider clears the ASPCA fence on the show grounds.