Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Finals Presented by Dime Bank Returns to 2023 Hampton Classic Horse Show
The Hampton Classic was honored to host the 16th annual Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) Finals Presented by Dime Bank on Monday, which returned with 12 riders competing for the prestigious year-end awards.
The morning started with breakfast for the LIHSSRD riders, families and volunteers in one of the Classic’s VIP chalets, where they were joined by Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Dime Bank; Susan Schaefer, Branch Manager and Vice President of Dime Bank; and American Grand Prix rider Peter Lutz. All three helped to present ribbons and gift bags to each rider who qualified to compete.
“I think this is a great opportunity for them,” Lutz said. “It shows they’ve put the time in, trained, practiced and qualified to be here. This is such a great event that they can be proud to be part of. It’s a big accomplishment for any rider to come here to the Hampton Classic, so I can relate to their excitement stepping into the ring! We all see this horse show as a very special show, and for us to share this venue with their Finals is just so great.
“You can see how passionate these riders are about their horses and how excited they are to share this ring,” Lutz added. “I think it’s really nice to meet them and be part of this event today. Horses bring so much to my life as a rider and a professional in this sport, and it’s amazing to see the lives of so many people benefitting from being around them.”
Afterward, the judges tested each rider at the walk, trot and canter according to their respective levels before selecting Champion and Reserve. First to claim top honors was Leader/Sidewalker Champion Leanne Ederi of Valley Stream, NY, riding Katie Kega’s Sandstorm.
Sandstorm then earned another championship in the Beginner Independent division with Jayla Douglas of New York, NY, in the saddle. “This is my first time at the Hampton Classic, and it was so fun,” Douglas said. “I was kind of nervous at first, but when I was riding, it was great.”
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