Washington, D.C. – October 16, 2012 – The 2012 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the country’s top shows, welcomes its newest sponsor, the Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers (WACD). The WACD is a presenting sponsor of the WIHS Winner’s Circle, where top awards presentations will take place throughout the week, including the presentation to the winner of the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix.
We are thrilled to welcome Washington Area Chevy Dealers to the Washington International Horse Show,” said WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan. “They are a great addition to our sponsor line-up and bring an important local distinction to our event.”
“The Washington International Horse Show offers the highest caliber competition just like Chevrolet offers the highest caliber automotive line-up in the industry,” said Karen Radley, owner of Radley Chevrolet. “We are excited to bring some more ‘horsepower’ to this fantastic annual event.”
Now in its 54th year, WIHS will take place October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
WACD also supports WIHS’s ongoing efforts to connect with area children and the local community. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free to all daytime performances before 5 p.m. courtesy of the WACD. WIHS Kids’ Day (Saturday, October 27, from 10am-2pm) and performances on Sunday, October 28 will both be featured as the “Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers Family Days at Washington International Horse Show.”
In addition to the sponsorship of the WIHS Winner’s Circle and children’s admission, WACD will showcase a special Chevrolet vehicle during Saturday evening’s exhibitions just prior to the President’s Cup Grand Prix.
Many of the nation’s best horses and riders in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines will be competing. Nationally, WIHS is rated “AA,” the highest possible, by U.S. Equestrian Federation. On the international level, it has a three-star (CSI 3*-W) rating from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The ‘W’ indicates the show is one of a select few in the U.S. offering a prestigious World Cup Qualifier, the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix.
The $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix will be featured on Saturday, October 27. Other highlights include the $25,000 Puissance (high-jump competition) on Friday, October 26. For the country’s top junior riders, the WIHS Equitation Finals will be held on Saturday, October 27. There will also be exciting equestrian exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities such as Breakfast with the Mounted Police and Kids’ Day. The show is regularly attended by an elite audience of leaders from Washington’s government, social, business and diplomatic communities, and thousands of spectators who fill Verizon Center sports arena for six days and nights of exciting equestrian competition. Visit www.wihs.org/tickets/ for more information on purchasing tickets to this year’s event.
About the Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers Association – The Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers Association is a local group consisting of 28 dealerships located throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the greater DC region. Operating as a Local Marketing Association (LMA), the group offers members an expansive network designed to assist with marketing initiatives, share in resources, and gain a competitive advantage in the Washington DC area. The group is dedicated to making each member’s business a success.
About the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show and the pinnacle of the equestrian year with top riders, including Olympic medalists and their world-class horses. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show, with many competing all year just to qualify. Highlights include the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix (a World Cup qualifier), the Puissance (high jump) and WIHS Equitation Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders. Exciting equestrian exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities, such as Kids’ Day and Breakfast with the Mounted Police, round out this family-friendly event.
Since its debut, the WIHS has been a Washington, D.C. institution attended by celebrities, business, military, and diplomatic leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.