Washington International Continues to Shine at PGEC For 65 years, the Washington International
Horse Show has brought world-class compe- tition to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and this year’s show was no exception. From October 23-29, local, national, and in- ternational riders converged on the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marl- boro for hunter and jumper competition. Equiery readers had a lot to say about this year’s second show at the PG Equestrian Center.
Who, What, When… Te majority of our respondents were specta- tors (81.8%) and the second group were media (9.1%). Te remaining respondents were vol- unteers, owners of competing horses, guests or grooms, and family members of competitors. No competitors filled out our survey this year. Our survey responders were split 50/50 be-
tween those who attended WIHS at PGEC in 2022 and those who attended the show for the first time. Tis year’s show saw a significant increase in the number of people who attended the daytime competitions throughout the week. Tis could be because the daytime program was free this year. Attendance every day except Monday was up. Tursday was the most popular day with Wednesday, Friday and Saturday all seeing equal attendance from survey responders. Monday was the least attended day, followed by Sunday. Of the evening performances, Tursday con- tinues to be the most popular, and this year Tursday saw a jump in attendance. Saturday was the second most popular evening followed by Friday. Attendance at all evening perfor- mances was up over 2022. Survey responders felt ticket prices were “just right” again this year; but
significantly more
respondents “did not pay for tickets” – 45% this year over 24% in 2022. Tis could also be because admission was free for the day-time performances. One person commented that they felt ticket prices were too high stating, “Too high for barn
night and don’t like that you have to purchase food in or- der to get a front row in cer- tain sections.” Overall, our respondents
felt this year’s show was an improvement over 2022. Forty percent said with 40% said their overall impression was “just right” and 20% said it “exceeded expectations.” Tirty percent said the show “needs improvement,” but this was a decrease from 2022. One person wrote, “Te
two show jumping compe- titions were great however missed the terrier races and various
U.S. rider Katie Dinan won the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup on Saturday night.
riding exhibitions
and demonstrations from the old days and hunt night festivities.” Although the majority (68.2%) of people who
took our survey stated they do plan to attend WIHS again in 2024, this was down from last year’s survey re- sults. Tere was also an increase in those who stated they were undecided about at- tending next year.
The Venue Spectator viewing
reports were similar to 2022 with 45% saying the view was “just right” and 45% saying they “could see the competition well.” Ten percent selected “other,” with one person writ- ing: “Overall excellent from everywhere BUT at no point did they mention obstructions such as a judges table – which of all things was in front of the most expensive front row seats that required food add-on option.”
ceived
Parking this year re- better
reviews
Tursday evening’s WIHS Barn Night continues to be the most popular night performance. Pictured is Largest Overall Group winner Meadowbrooke Sta- bles (Chevy Chase).
www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580
with 75% feeling it was “just right” and 15% saying parking “exceed- ing expectations.” Only 5% selected “needs im- provement” in relation to parking. However, one person pointed out that “leaving the facil- ity at the end of the show was a nightmare – needed more attendants to help direct traffic.” Survey responders signage
reported that
WIHS Kids’ Day took place only at PGEC this year and featured a stick horse jump course where par- ticipants earned ribbons for completing the course.
within the venue was better this year with 63.6% stating it was easy to find things and only 4.5% stating it was hard to find things. Fewer people this year felt the facility needs improvement, but one person did feel the are- na was “too small for grand prix jumping.” Overall, hospitality of staff and volunteers got a bump up this year with 50% stating their interactions with staff and volunteers was “just right” and another 25% stating interactions “exceeded expectations.”
Tere
were 25% of survey responders who stated they did not interact
with staff and/or volunteers.
Vendors Reports on the shopping vendors were similar this year with 50% feeling the vendor area was “just right,” 45% stating there were not enough options and 5% selecting “other.” Food vendor comments show an improve-
ment over 2022, but most people (63.2%) still felt there were not enough options. One respondent said: “Food trucks were a nice at- tempt to provide more than last year but they were too inconveniently located. Plus, no one wants to leave the arena and miss anything es- pecially on barn night when you’re with kids. More indoor food vendors are necessary with family friendly options.” WIHS logo wear also saw a similar response to 2022 with a slight decrease in the number of people who felt the logo wear was “just right” but also a slight decrease in the number of people who felt it “needs improvement.” Tere were also 31.6%, which is slightly less than
continued... THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | DECEMBER 2023 | 21
Shawn McMillen
Stacey Herron
Shawn McMillen
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