ASPCA^® A Sponsor of 2008 Hampton Classic Horse Show

NEW YORK - The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) will be a sponsor of The 2008 Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, held in Bridgehampton, N.Y., from Sunday, August 24 to Sunday, August 31. This is the second consecutive year that the ASPCA has been a sponsor of the show, and a full roster of special events and appearances by ASPCA experts is planned.

As part of the week-long schedule, many of the ASPCA’s resident experts on animal behavior, humane education and humane law enforcement, including Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas, star of the hit series “Animal Precinct” that airs on Animal Planet, will host question and answer sessions, photo opportunities, autograph signings and educational seminars at the “ASPCA Patio” located near the main/VIP parking lot (schedule below).

Award winning actress and animal lover, Aida Turturro, who played Janice on “The Sopranos” and recently lit up Broadway as Momma in “Chicago”, will also be making a guest appearance with her beloved dog, Buddy. Ms. Turturro will be stopping by the ASPCA Patio early in the week to meet and greet Hampton Classic attendees and talk about her passion for adopting shelter animals. More information about the date and time of her appearance can be found at the ASPCA Patio.

Attendees of The Hampton Classic will have the chance to learn more about the field of veterinary forensics and tour the country’s first ever custom-made mobile animal crime scene unit, owned and operated by the ASPCA. The CSI Unit has been on the scene at numerous high-profile animal cruelty cases and evidence gathered through the use of this specialized mobile unit has helped law enforcement officials convict animal abusers.

On Friday, August 29, the ASPCA will also recognize the winner of the ASPCA Maclay class. ASPCA President and CEO, Ed Sayres, along with Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director, Joseph Pentangelo, will present the ASPCA Maclay trophy to the winner who will then qualify for the Maclay regionals. The ASPCA Maclay Championship began in 1933 when then ASPCA Board member and horseman, Alfred B. Maclay, wanted to reward and encourage excellence in junior riders who were compassionate and responsible young horseman and women.

The ASPCA Maclay Championship is the biggest junior equestrian competition of the year and spotlights junior riders under the age of 18. Riders are tested on their ability to navigate the course of jumps while being judged on their form, style, and handling of their mount.

“The ASPCA is thrilled to be a part of The 2008 Hampton Classic, one of the finest horse competitions in the country, and is proud to help continue the tradition of excellence in humane and responsible horsemanship through the ASPCA Maclay Championship,” said Sayres. “The ASPCA’s association with horses dates back to the mid 19th century, when our founder Henry Bergh witnessed an act of cruelty toward a horse. That incident formed the basis for creating the first animal welfare agency in the Americas.”

The Hampton Classic is one of the country’s largest hunter/jumper horse shows and regularly draws many of the world’s top horses and riders, including Olympic, World Cup and World Championship veterans.

Schedule of ASPCA Events/Expert Appearances at The 2008 Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show

Timing TBD: Award winning actress and animal lover, Aida Turturro (Janice from “The Sopranos”), will be making a guest appearance with her beloved dog, Buddy. Ms. Turturro will be stopping by the ASPCA Patio early in the week to meet and greet Hampton Classic attendees and talk about her passion for adopting shelter animals. More information about the date and time of her appearance can be found at the ASPCA Patio.

Sunday, August 24, 11:30 AM 2:30 PM: ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers including Annemarie Lucas, Joseph Pentangelo, and other heroes of the hit TV show, “Animal Precinct” on the Animal Planet cable network, will sign autographs at the ASPCA Patio.

Monday, August 25 & Friday, August 29: The ASPCA will photograph attendees wearing their “ASPCA I Love Horses” pin. Photos will be submitted for potential inclusion in next year’s Hampton Classic Program. Held at the at the ASPCA Patio.

Tuesday, August 26 & Wednesday, August 27: Certified ASPCA Animal Behaviorists, Dr. Emily Weiss and Dr. Jennifer Sobie, will answer questions about dog, cat and horse training and behavior. This will include a demonstration on teaching a horse tricks. Held at the ASPCA Patio or by special arrangement at your barn/tent.

Thursday, August 28 & Friday August 29: The ASPCA's mobile CSI Unit will be open to the public. Attendees will learn more about the field of veterinary forensics and tour the country’s first ever custom-made mobile animal crime scene unit. The first 50 people to visit will receive a free “Crime Scene/Fight Cruelty” lanyard. The CSI Unit will be parked across from the ASPCA Patio.

Friday, August 29 (approximately 10:00/10:30 AM): ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres, and Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director, Joseph Pentangelo, will present the ASPCA Maclay trophy and will be on hand throughout the day to meet and greet fans of “Animal Precinct” and answer questions about animal care and protection. Held in Hunter Ring 3/the ASPCA Patio.

Friday, August 29, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Special appearance by ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator, Annemarie Lucas. Limited edition plush horses autographed by Annemarie will be available for purchase to help save animals. Held near the ASPCA CSI Van/ASPCA Patio.

Saturday, August 30: Children are invited to take part in building a “Tree of Kindness” with Joanne Pentangelo from the ASPCA’s Humane Education Department, and Joseph Pentangelo, Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director. Attendees may ask questions and learn more about how to help animals in need. All participants will receive an ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement temporary tattoo. Held at the ASPCA Patio.

All week at the ASPCA Patio: The ASPCA “Equine Welfare Timeline,” actual equine artifacts from the archives of the ASPCA, and a “Photographic Celebration of Shelter Pet Adoption” by Geoffrey Tischman are on display. Lifesaving “ASPCA I Love Horses” pins and celebrity-autographed organic plush horses will be available for purchase.

Source: www.aspca.org