Friday Oct. 25 will honor the nation’s armed forces
WASHINGTON – October 21, 2013 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to welcome back Military Night, presented for the first time by The Boeing Company, on Friday Oct. 25. WIHS returns to Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C., on Oct. 22-27, 2013, for its 55th year of world-class equestrian competition.
The Boeing Company’s sponsorship pays tribute to our military men and women, recognizes achievement among show jumping’s top competitors, and supports partnerships between WIHS and the military community.
“Boeing is committed to the men and women in uniform and their families,” said Tim Keating, senior vice president of government operations at The Boeing Company. “Partnering with organizations like the Washington International Horse Show on activities such as Military Night is one small way that we can give back to our military and their families who make so many sacrifices for our country. We also look forward to seeing the best in equestrian sport.”
Olivier Philippaerts and Chicago VD Moleneind, last year’s winners of the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.
The Armed Forces Cup will be awarded to the winner of the Puissance, the international “high jump” class, sponsored by Boeing. The Puissance will headline the equestrian competition on Friday and is a crowd favorite. Plus, there will be a new 1.50m Table C Faults Converted Speed Final class presented by Sleepy P Ranch.
“The Washington International Horse Show is extremely pleased to welcome back The Boeing Company as a sponsor. We appreciate their ongoing partnership, which helps further our military outreach activities in a meaningful way,” Bridget Love Meehan, executive director of WIHS, said.
The WIHS Armed Forces Program, which began in 2009, has grown to include a special relationship with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) as the WIHS Military Charity Partner and a popular military ticket program. This year, thanks to support from The Boeing Company, Travelers, Fidelity Investments and private donations, more than 2,500 free ticket vouchers will be distributed to area military families.
Since its 1958 debut, WIHS has been a Washington, D.C. institution attended by countless horse enthusiasts of all ages, as well as presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders. WIHS has enjoyed a close relationship with the United States military since the earliest days of the horse show when former U.S. Army horses and riders represented the United States in national and international competition.
The U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon will give an exhibition on Military Night. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.
Several special exhibitions will add to the evening’s entertainment, including the return of the horses from the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon, 3rd Regiment, who serve at Arlington National Cemetery. New this year will be an impressive demonstration by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, a highly disciplined rifle unit.
Through a cultural partnership with the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Sergeant Reckless Memorial Fund and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, WIHS will honor an equine Marine—Staff Sergeant Reckless, a Korean War veteran, who served valiantly alongside U.S. troops.
In the Acela Club, the Armed Forces Reception will feature the launch of “Healthy Stables by Design” by architect John Blackburn to benefit several local PATH International therapeutic centers (Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic Riding and Recreation Center, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding) as well as Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Therapy Program.
To find out more about the 2013 Washington International Horse Show, and to buy tickets, please visit www.wihs.org/tickets, join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
About the Washington International Horse Show, wihs.org
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 20,000 spectators to 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 nearly half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) 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.