Washington, August 3, 2015–The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S., is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted for the Third Annual WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor & Service, presented by Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation.
The award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger, a special horse who has touched the lives of many in his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon.
At The Old Guard, Klinger performs solemn duties as a funeral escort bringing departed military members to their final resting spot at Arlington National Cemetery, serves as the official escort to the President of the United States and has led the Presidential Inaugural Parade.
The WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service takes its name from Klinger,
a special horse who has touched the lives of many in his life of service with
the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon. Photo Alden Corrigan
Beyond his official duties, Klinger brings comfort to veterans and families of our fallen heroes in his role as a Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Ambassador and he has been an important part of WIHS for many years–visiting with children on WIHS Kids’ Day and participating in the Caisson Platoon Exhibition on WIHS Military Night, so it is both fitting and a great honor that WIHS should salute him through this special award program.
Klinger is a popular guest at the annual WIHS Kids’ Day. WIHS Photo.
The 2015 Klinger Award recipient will be recognized during a presentation at center ring with Klinger and representatives of the Caisson Platoon, WIHS, Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation on Friday, October 23 during the annual WIHS Military Night. The recipient will receive a prize courtesy of Ariat International and will have the opportunity to select an equine charity on EQUUS Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network to receive a $1,000 grant.
Last year’s recipient was Coach Lelac Almagor and the KIPP DC Riding Team. KIPP builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first through their work in underserved communities. The KIPP DC Riding Team encourages independence, creative problem-solving, compassion, and teamwork through hands-on experience with horse care, grooming, and equitation. The students’ experience has deepened their connection to school, their empathy for others, and their commitment to their own futures.
Nomination forms are available at WIHS Klinger Award Nomination. All nominations must be received by September 16, 2015.
To nominate a special horse, individual or organization for this award, please complete and return the nomination form to info@wihs.org or by mail to: Washington International Horse Show, Attention: Klinger Award, 3299 K Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007. For more information, please contact Mary Helen Shaughnessy at 202-525-3679 or maryhelen@wihs.org.
Learn more about Klinger and the WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award.
About Washington International Horse Show: Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, the President’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports. Visit WIHS at www.wihs.org.
About Ariat International: Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800-899-8141 or visit www.ariat.com.
About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc. at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, 203-259-1550 or mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.