Nathaniel and Charlotte Samuels of Levittown were recently 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, both students at Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, helped kick off the show's events.

Nathaniel and his pony, O'Reilly, placed second in class of Class 2 leadline ages 5-7.

"I liked that I was in a big show and got second place in my class and that we were trotting," he explained. "It felt different that I went on a horse in a rink in a show like this. I experienced something really good that I went into a big show. It was sort of fun but I felt a little bit shy."

Nathaniel's trainer, Terry Cash, was on hand to aid him in the competition.

"Terry was a good teacher," Nathaniel said. "We had to brush the pony, scrub him; we braided his tail. It was fun tacking the horses up and I helped with the bridle."

Nathaniel's sister, Charlotte placed third in class of Class 2 leadline ages 5-7.

Riding her pony Fluffurnutter, Charlotte was assisted by her trainer, Veronica Littelton.

"I liked my pony, I had fun riding and I liked the bunnies. My trainer told me to sit up straight, posture, she told me to smile, heels down," Charlotte said.

Charlotte said she would definitely participate in this again.

Both Nathaniel and Charlotte had important responsibilities in preparing for the show.

"I had to get my clothes, everything ready, and it is very hard to get ready if you are a month away, you do not have much time," Nathaniel explained. "I had to practice, I had to get used to my pony, O'Reilly."

"I had to put on the helmet, horse boots, jods, hose and clean him, brush him, practice and put on the saddle, bit, stirrups," Charlotte added.

Nathaniel and Charlotte were trained under the Mommy and Me program of the Merrick Saddle Club. For more information call 582 9771 or 731-2752.