Upper Marlboro, MD – September 2, 2011 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to announce that during its 2011 competition it will once again host the finals for two of the most prestigious equitation series in the country. Held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, the show will begin with its BigEq.com weekend on October 1-2 and will continue through October 9. The Taylor Harris Insurances Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals will be held on Sunday, October 2. Later in the week, the competition will highlight the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals on Friday, October 7.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show prides itself in offering classes for every level of rider so that everyone can have the “indoor experience.” The show hosts classes for children, juniors, adults, and professionals, and even provides opportunities for both young and experienced horses.



Horse show manager Oliver Kennedy looks forward to welcoming riders to this year’s Capital Challenge Horse Show and appreciates the continued support of generous sponsors such as Taylor Harris Insurance Services. 

”Each year at Capital Challenge we see the country’s very best child and adult amateur riders come out to compete in the THIS and ARIAT National Medal Finals,” Kennedy stated. “These riders must compete throughout the year to qualify for the Finals, and only the very best make it. It is gratifying to see the hard work and determination of the riders pay off and we have to thank the sponsors of these classes for helping the riders reach their goals.

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Last year’s THIS National Children’s Medal Final winner Molly Peddicord

“Taylor Harris is deeply committed to this annual challenge as we feel it is important to support youngsters coming into the sport,” said THIS President Michael Taylor. “The relationship between horse and rider is well documented, but I believe the relationship between horse and child is even more special. This connection enables us to learn many valuable lessons, some of which are lifelong. To reach the National Children’s Final is a testament to this dedication, focus and discipline. For some, this will be their first Finals, not so for others, but for all it is a testament to these qualities.”

As competition gets underway on opening weekend, Taylor Harris Insurance Services will kick off the National Children’s Medal Finals by hosting a welcome reception for the finalists, parents and trainers. The reception will be held in the Paddock Room on Saturday, October 1, 2011, at 6 p.m.

The THIS National Children’s Medal (NCM) competition runs throughout the year culminating with the Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. The 2011 Finals will host the top 40 young riders in the national standings, including the top rider in each USHJA zone. Riders will have competed in over 600 classes across North America before making the ultimate trip to compete over two days to earn top honors at the Finals.



“The concept of the NCM Finals, developed by Billy Glass and Oliver Kennedy, has been a huge success,” Taylor added. “As a result of this competition many competitors have gone on to reach the top echelon of the sport and for the rest, they will have experienced something that they will remember forever.”

Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Inc. (THIS) is an equine insurance agency based in Middleburg, VA, that provides specialized insurance services for all types of equine risks. THIS policies cover show hunters and jumpers, event and dressage horses, and thoroughbred racing and breeding stock. THIS also offers farm package (property and liability insurance) care, custody and control insurance, and liability insurance for equine operations. As horsemen themselves, the directors, staff, and agents of THIS have a wealth of experience in all facets of the horse industry. 



Following the THIS Finals, a week of exciting hunter competition will take place at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. But on Friday, October 7th look for more equitation excellence as the Capital Challenge hosts the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals. ARIAT has been a loyal sponsor of the Capital Challenge Horse Show and the National Adult Medal (NAM) series since their inceptions. 2011 marks the 16th year of ARIAT’s involvement in the NAM program.



Last year’s ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals winner Melissa Feller

ARIAT’s continued commitment to the National Adult Medal is based on their appreciation of the extraordinary effort that is often expended by adult amateurs as they strive to balance the demands of career, family and finances with their desire to ride and compete. 



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!