Washington International Horse Show
by Lauren Fisher and Katherine O. Rizzo
In its 54th year, the Washington In- ternational Horse Show will once again transform the Ve- rizon Center and the
adjoining streets of downtown Washington, DC into its very own equestrian city for one week on October 23-28. T e best of the best equestrians travel from across the country and around the world to compete at the na- tion’s only remain- ing metropolitan indoor horse show. Competing at
WIHS is a pres- tigious honor,
the
pinnacle of the equestrian year and the conclusion to season-long ef- forts by riders just to qualify. It takes experience,
tal-
ent, hard work and dedication to make it to WIHS, which is why getting a chance to watch the top riders in the world compete under one roof makes this a “must see” show. Nationally, WIHS is rated “AA,” which is the highest possible rating by the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Internationally, WIHS has a CSI 3*-W rating from the International Equestrian Federation. T e “W” indicates that WIHS is one of a few selected shows in the U.S. to of- fer a World Cup qualifying class. At WIHS, the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix is a World Cup qualifi er and is held on Saturday night. In conjunction with WIHS, the
WIHS Regional Horse Show is held October 19-21 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Up- per Marlboro. T at show now has a “C” rating and will once again host the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Zone 3 Finals. Winners in some of the regional show classes are then invited to D.C. to compete in the fi nals held during WIHS.
The World’s Best T rough the years, many of the
www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580
2012 Olympic gold medalist Nick Skelton of Great Britain will be at WIHS this year defending his titles in the President’s Cup and Puissance.
Ward, Joe Fargis and Margie Goldstein Engle are just a few of the U.S. Olympic show jumpers who have ridden at WIHS. Last year’s $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix and $25,000 Puissance were both won by Nick Skelton, who went on to represent Great Britain on the Gold Medal 2012 Olym- pic Show Jumping team. Skelton will be at- tending WIHS once again this year to try to retain his titles.
Local Heroes & New Awards
T e WIHS Championship Fi- nals will feature the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, the $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jump- er Championship. T irty horse/rider combinations will be accepted for each division based on points earned during the qualifying period. In addi- tion, the overall Children’s and Adult Hunter champions and Children’s and Adult Jumper champions at the 2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show automatically qualify. T ese classes provide an un- matched opportunity for local horses and riders to compete at a
A special horsemanship award in the memory of the late Laura Pick- ett (Rolling Acres Farm) will be given out at this year’s WIHS.
world’s Olympians and Olympic hopefuls have competed at WIHS. Laura Kraut, McLain
world-class, international event. All of the classes at the WIHS Regional Horse Show are open to all horses and ponies regard- less of geographical location. However, only horses and ponies owned by exhibitors liv- ing within 100 miles of Washington, DC, based on owner’s zip code, are eligible for the fi nals at Verizon Center. Approximately the top 20 hors- es in each divi- sion, based on total USHJA points, will be invited. WIHS is proud to announce a new award, T e Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship, generously donated by Vicki Lowell in memory of Laura Pickett. T e award will be presented to the “up and com- ing” adult or child
rider and his or her trainer who best exhibit the enthusiasm, dedication, style and commitment
What: The 54th Annual Washington International
Horse Show When: October 23-28, 2012 Where: The Verizon Center (Washington, DC) For tickets, see “Spectator Events” under Horsin’ Around Maryland on
equiery.com
to excellent horsemanship that brings out the best in horse and rider at the WIHS Regional Horse Show and USHJA Zone 3 Finals. T e presentation will take place center ring at Ve- rizon Center. T is year, the USEF has granted WIHS a pres- idential modifi cation to allow for more entries to the WIHS Equitation Finals. T e increase is from 35 to 40 riders. Ten of those spots are for qualifi ers from the West Coast League and the rest are from the East Coast League. WIHS is also introducing a new division
for this year’s show. T e Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter division has been added and will accept only 20 entries; 10 in the 18-35 group and 10 in the 36 and over group. For a complete prize list, go to
www.wihs.org.
Barn Night: Bigger Than Ever Barn Night returns this year to WIHS on
T ursday, October 25 with some new prizes
Does your barn have the best spirit? You could win a clinic with Olympian Joe Fargis!
and activities. Dover Saddlery is the return- ing sponsor for the evening’s activities. “Barn Night is such a fun event and we love seeing the dedication and excitement of all the barns that come out each year,” said Dover Saddlery’s Janet Nittman. Activities begin at 6 p.m. on the concourse
with a Stablemates painting activity hosted by Breyer Animal Creations. T e fi rst 100 kids to arrive will receive a special prize, also courtesy of Breyer. T e WIHS Puissance Wall will be set up on the concourse for group photos as well. Mutton Busting was a huge hit last year and
is back again this year. Kids get a chance to attempt to stay on a bucking sheep as it runs around the arena. Add to that tee-shirt tosses, autograph sessions and the exciting Gambler’s continued...
OCTOBER 2012 | THE EQUIERY | 15
854136-121012
Jennifer Wood Media
Diana DeRosa
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