Southampton resident Laura Bowery, a lifelong equestrian and 25-year competitor at the Hampton Classic horse show, will make an emotional return to competition next week after recovering from serious back surgeries following a fall five years ago. The Hampton Classic, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a prestigious eight-day event held in Bridgehampton that attracts world-class riders, amateurs, children, and celebrity spectators, making it one of the largest and most high-profile horse shows in the U.S.

Originally held in East Hampton, the show moved to Bridgehampton in 1982 to accommodate growth, including upgrades like all-weather footing that earned it a five-star rating, the highest difficulty level in equestrian events. This year, new spectator amenities such as the Judge Box Lounge offer enhanced viewing experiences, while longtime sponsors like Land Rover emphasize their commitment to the event. The show opens Sunday with daily admission fees, except for Monday when entry is free.