It's late August, hence many Hamptonites know it's time to get ready for the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show– which conveniently feeds the horse fan's hunger as Saturdays of polo near their end. For a full week, the East End will be filled with equines of all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll participate in grand prix and jumper races, as the oohs and ahhs of the crowd resonate in the field.
It takes a lot to prepare this annual event, as well as care for the mighty beasts that participate in it. Consider these numbers as a testament to the detail and efforts the Classic must undertake to achieve success:
- Over 1,500 horses will be in attendance this year.
- Between 400-500 will be working at the event (up from 5 that are employed year-round by the Classic).
- At least 16,200 horse shavings take place each year.
- 2,200 bales of hay are distributed to keep the horses happy.
- 600 bags of feed (of various types) are delivered to ease equine hunger.
- 20 new dry wells and 40 new catch basins have been added this year the enhance drainage.
- 50,000 spectators are expected.
- Over $500,00 in prize money will be awarded.
And those are only regarding the event itself. As for the individuals that must care for their horse(s), well the numbers just keep on counting:
- $280,000 is the average bill for a tractor-trailer to transport the animals.
- $3,500 is what it will cost you for a Hermes saddle.
- $500 for a bridle.
- $400 per custom made blanket
- $250 per hour for a horse psychologist (that's for the horse, not the person), and who knows how much Redford and the other horse whisperers charge.
- $150 per hour for a horse masseuse (they are, technically speaking, sore athletes at this event).
- $250 per hour for a horse acupuncturist (see above).
- $1,000,000 for an insurance policy (you think the movie mogul in The Godfather had one?)
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