Nathaniel and Charlotte Samuels of Levittown have only been riding horses since March of this year, however they will be in the lead line on opening day at The 2006 Hampton Classic Horse Show on Aug. 27.

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is one of the country's largest show jumping competitions that exhibits 1,400 horses and attracts 40,000 spectators. Nathaniel, 7, and Charlotte, 5, will line up on horses at 9 a.m. to kick off the show's events.

"I feel shy because I am going to meet a lot of new people," Nathaniel said. "I feel a little proud. I feel like I am going to win."

"I feel fun, like I am a star because people will be watching me," Charlotte added.

Nathaniel will be entering third grade at Gardiners Elementary School in the fall and is just like any other 7-year-old. He enjoys gardening, tennis, math, arts and crafts and animals.

"I like that they are live animals and that they are big and very strong," he said. "I like that you can ride them. I would like to have five horses. I like how nice they look and the responsibility."

Charlotte will be starting first grade at Gardiners as well and enjoys similar hobbies as her brother.

"I like riding horses and staring at them," she said. "I think they are cute. I like feeling them because they are really soft like a blanket."

Before riding horses, the Samuels children understand that there is a lot of care involved in maintaining them and preparing them for a show.

"I learned not to get water in their eyes," Nathaniel explained. "I learned that you have to brush them and scrub them with a rubber curry comb to get the dirt off. I learned how to clean their hoofs and whole body. You have to clean up their poop. I have learned to thank the horses after riding them because it's respectful and the horse feels good."

"I like cleaning the horses, holding and soaping them and walking them," Charlotte added. "It's good to give them food."

Both Nathaniel and Charlotte will be representing the Merrick Saddle Club at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. They also recently competed at the Bethpage Horse Show.

The club would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Adriene White, Romana Kolodziejczyk, Evangelos Barber, Carlos Silva, Arthur Rosenbaum, Wendy Lau, Alexandra Ramos, Maria Yao, Susan Scotti, Robert Lane, Eugene Berkheimer, Juan Bedoya, Martin Rosenfeld, Linda Lai, Eric Samuels, Anjam Malik, Irene Linzer, Merrissa Michielini, Patty Brownstone of Century 21 American Homes, William Nardel, John Delcolle, Sonia Davila, Sam Ciccusillo, Clara Viuker, Spring Valley Nails & Spa in Huntington, Albert Kempeil of Wade Richter, Kenneth S. Feraru, Esq. in Mineola, Chroma Paint in Hicksville, Pioneer Autobody in Hempstead, Fang Nails & Spa in Levittown, North Shore Saddlery Limited in East Norwich, Center Lane Wash & Dry in Levittown, Javarene Bros. Quality Food of Huntington, The Huntington Saddlery, Inc. in Huntington, Century 21 American Homes/ Art Kaufman in Levittown, Thybens Saddlery in Elmont, Domenico's Restaurant in Levittown, Dr. Michael A. Bernstein, Chiropractor in Levittown and Central Nassau Optical in Levittown.

The Hampton Classic Horse Show will take place on a 70-acre show site in Bridgehampton Aug. 27-Sept. 3. In addition, visitors will find over 60 vendors in our boutique garden, offering shopping for all interests and age groups-everything from antiques to fine art, souvenirs to saddles, gifts, toys, and housewares to fashion and accessories. For more information visit www.hamptonclassic.com.