4 Equine Events That Are Just as Famous for Their High Fashion
Equine events are popular across the globe with many people flocking to see the best riders and horses. But even though the equine events take center stage, other aspects can get their fair share of the spotlight, too. One is high fashion, which is a big part of the most prestigious equine events worldwide. Some of them, in fact, are just as famous for their high fashion as they are for the actual events they feature. Here are four such events from both the U.S. and the UK.
Hampton Classic
The Hampton Classic is the top show jumping event in the U.S, and it is held annually in upstate Bridgehampton. That location alone means two things: plenty of A-list celebrities and high fashion. It is a spectacular eight-day show, one visited by such luminaries as Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Bon Jovi, Brook Shields, and Billy Joel. An estimated 50,000-65,000 spectators flock to Bridgehampton every year, and many of them come dressed in their very best clothes. As well they should. The Hampton Classic is a preeminent event, in an upscale hamlet, and attended by celebrities. So dressing for the occasion is a must while watching the world’s best show jumpers in action.
Royal Ascot
A CNBC special on the Royal Ascot hails it as “Britain’s poshest sporting event,” one where racing, royalty and high fashion intersect. The race is famous party due to the fact that the British Royal Family attends each day of this five-day festival. The rich and famous are also in attendance every year. So there’s no wonder there’s a strict dress code — not that royalty and celebrities need it. In fact, each ticket classification comes with its own dress code and spectators won’t be allowed in if they don’t follow it. There are 30 races in total spread out over five days, giving the spectators plenty of opportunities to show off their fashion sense.
Glorious Goodwood
In a feature on Glorious Goodwood CNN recounts how the Victorian press added the glorious moniker to this prestigious event. The moniker makes for great alliteration. More than that it is actually quite fitting, with the news site saying how glorious “perfectly encapsulates the feeling as your eyes look out across the hilltop racecourse and take in the lush landscape of woods, fields and folds of the Sussex Downs in the far south of England.” That is certainly high praise, and there is plenty where this course is concerned. bwin Horse Racing’s feature on Glorious Goodwood refers to the racecourse as one of the highlights of Britain’s yearly sporting and social calendar. Goodwood’s horse races are the highpoint, obviously, but its standing as one of England’s preeminent social events also means that racing fans turn up in their best outfits, too.
Kentucky Three-Day Event
There is something unmistakably majestic about eventing, and The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most regal of them all. The event is an enduring favorite not only in Lexington, but also across the U.S., as it features elite equine action over four action packed days. With Land Rover now a sponsor, it has gotten even bigger, with other events to complement the main races. In all, some 80,000 spectators attend this five-star Three-Day Event, which is one of only six held worldwide. Unsurprisingly, many fans come dressed to impress to keep with the event’s rich tradition and eventing’s undeniable position in high-society.
