Sports

Riders with Disabilities Take Spotlight at Hampton Classic

Champions named in three divisions.

On Monday, the Hampton Classic Horse Show hosted the final horse show in a series for riders with disabilities. 

The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities, for riders in three divisions, has three new champions.

Joe Penzel, a Huntington resident, earned the Advanced Equitation Spotter/Independent division. Tyler Havlicek and Steven Snyder tied for reserve champion.

In the Beginner Equitation Spotter/Independent division, Meaghan McAdam, of Northport, came out on top, with Victoria Russo named the reserve champion.

Champion in the Equitation With Aids division was Emily McGowan, a Melville resident whose grandmother Katie McGowan, of HorseAbility, Inc., founded the series. Joshua Gootnick was the reserve champion.    

Riders are judged on equitation, and demonstration and knowledge of riding skills. LIHSSRD classes are held at United States Equestrian Foundation-recognized shows throughout Long Island. Equestrians compete for points and qualify for the show at the Hampton Classic, where it has been held for the past eight years.

"We're proud to highlight these championships as part of the Hampton Classic schedule," Shanette Cohen, the Hampton Classic executive director, said. 


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