Upper Marlboro, MD – September 23, 2011 – Capital Challenge Horse Show is proud to announce the launch of its first annual Virtual Horse Show and Fair. In partnership with Virtual Celebration and sponsored by Hoof Beat Media, the virtual experience will begin on September 23, 2011, and all horse lovers are invited to participate.
“As part of our overall mission to engage our loyal exhibitors and followers, we are extremely excited to extend the Capital Challenge experience in a highly innovative way to those who can attend the show in person and to those who follow us from a distance,” explained Oliver Kennedy (Co-Manager). “Virtual Celebration has brought together their incredible knowledge of social media with their experience in the horse market to create a really fun and unique experience.”
From the early development of their website and the creation of the Daily Update, to their FaceBook page and the popular EquestrianSport.TV, show management has always strived to be the best at bringing the experience of Capital Challenge to everyone. It is only natural the Capital Challenge extends its reach into the virtual world.
Register online (it’s free!) at www.virtualcelebration.com/capitalchallenge and enter the virtual show rings to be a part of the action. In the Jumper Ring, try to guess what pony went to the Olympics; enter the “caption this photo” contest in the Equitation Ring; and in the Hunter Derby Ring watch a video of the world’s largest horse. And there’s so much more – Share-A-Pony with other virtual exhibitors, create your own Exhibitor page by adding games, photos, videos, and other widgets, all for free. Share your favorite memories; predict who will win classes at the “live” horse show; vote on your favorite funniest photo and give your opinions on everything from twitter to riding in the rain. There will even be a virtual trail ride that meanders through FaceBook, Twitter, MustPhoto, Virtual Celebration and more, all while on a Capital Challenge Scavenger Hunt.
Exhibitors at the Virtual Horse Show can accumulate entries towards the Grand Championship prize drawing and other contests. Over a $1,000 in prizes can be won, including: a hand-crafted ribbon box and shadow box sponsored by MustPhoto.com; a cotton jersey cooler donated by Hoof Beat Media; a custom pen and ink drawing by award winning animal artist Jennifer Cadoff; official Capital Challenge ribbons; restaurant.com gift cards and more. And what’s a Virtual Horse Show without Virtual Awards? Exhibitors and guests can earn special Virtual Awards by being an opinion-leader, social butterfly, or a media aficionado.
Pat Campbell, CEO and Founder of Virtual Celebration, is very enthusiastic about this event. “Whether you are gearing up for the ‘live’ show in Maryland or plan to watch EquestrianSport.TV from the comfort of your home, the virtual show is full of fun, games, prizes and special awards that will be announced throughout the virtual and live horse show. No entry fees, cross-entering is allowed, and the starting time is whenever you roll out of bed. Where else can you find a Horse Show like that?” Virtual Celebration has recently created virtual events for Parade Magazine and the ASPCA. Pat brings a particular expertise to this event through her years of involvement in the horse industry.
The Virtual Horse Show will appeal to all ages – particularly the young at heart. The Capital Challenge Virtual Horse Show and Fair will run from September 23 to October 31. Come and join the event at www.virtualcelebration.com/capitalchallenge. Registering earns an immediate entry into the final Grand Championship drawing.
About Virtual Celebration
Virtual Celebration has created an environment that focuses exclusively on capturing the best parts of celebrating – connecting, playing, sharing, giving, gifting – available to anyone, anywhere, over any period of time. The platform provides proprietary tools for companies to engage friends, family and like-minded enthusiasts with their brands in a secure, private and rich media environment. Clients include Parade, Mars, Perkins School for the Blind and ASPCA. For more information, please visit www.virtualcelebration.com.
About Hoof Beat Media
Hoof Beat Media is a marketing solutions company focused on the equestrian industry. Services include marketing audits, web development, complete managing of social media strategy, search engine optimization, development and execution of print materials marrying with online strategies to maximize and optimize marketing dollars. Principles have extensive experience in marketing, technology and have been intimately involved in the equestrian marketplace. www.hoofbeatmedia.com
About Capital Challenge
In its 18th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on October 1-9.
Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.
For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!