World-class competition, entertaining exhibitions, parties,
shopping and more this year at WIHS
Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2013 – The 2013 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is quickly approaching with six days of action-packed fun and excitement at Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C. coming up on October 22-27, 2013. For one week each year, our nation’s capital welcomes some of the world’s best equestrians to compete at the country’s most prestigious metropolitan indoor horse show.
WIHS is one of the most historic and well-known equestrian events in the world with a significant record of hosting Olympians, national champions, our country’s most talented young equitation riders, and top ranking junior, amateur and pony competitors. One of those top riders is two-time Olympic gold medalist and current FEI World Cup champion, Beezie Madden (below). This year’s competition features an increase in the prize money awarded in both the jumper and hunter divisions. WIHS will offer nearly half a million dollars in total prize money in 2013, more than a $70,000 boost from 2012!
Competition highlights include the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI3*-W presented by Events DC and the Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals on Saturday, October 26. The Boeing Company $25,000 Puissance as well as the $50,000 Open Jumper Speed Final presented by Sleepy P Ranch will be featured on Friday, October 25. Thursday night is Barn Night and one of the biggest crowd pleasers with the $20,000 International Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume Class as well as a new $33,000 International Open Jumper Welcome Stake.
When they are not competing, riders and trainers can enjoy the new exhibitors lounge in the Coaches Club, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling, where coaches for DC’s professional sports teams convene during their events at Verizon Center. Additionally, Private Tutoring Services—the official education provider at WIHS—will be on site to help students juggle schoolwork and showing!
In addition to the exceptional competition, visitors and exhibitors will enjoy boutique shopping, entertaining equestrian exhibitions and community activities, which round out this family-friendly event.
Barn Night at WIHS is a favorite for local young riders and horse enthusiasts who attend in groups and have a chance to enter contests, win big prizes and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening on Thursday, October 24. Friday night at WIHS salutes the military with the third annual Military Night, presented by The Boeing Company. Saturday, October 26, will feature Kids’ Day, a free, fun, family-friendly event created to engage the local community and educate kids and their families about horses and equestrian sport. It will take place 
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both inside Verizon Center and on a closed city street just outside the arena. Sponsored in part by the EQUUS Foundation, this popular community event brings new fans to WIHS and equestrian sport each year.
Many exciting exhibitions are highlighted throughout the week at WIHS as well. On Saturday night, cowgirls and celebrity riders will team up and ride in our “Celebrity Barrel Racing,” presented by Washington Area Chevy Dealers (above left). Always a fan favorite, the fast and furious terrier races will return on Saturday evening thanks to sponsor Pedigree. New for 2013 Barn Night is the WIHS Shetland Pony International Steeplechase, presented by Charles Owen (below right). On Friday night the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon will take center stage. There will also be an impressive performance by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
Three special events in Acela Club offer great ways to celebrate at WIHS. The Buck Breast Cancer reception on Oct. 24 will benefit the Capital Breast Care Center. Friday night’s Armed Forces Reception will feature the launch of “Healthy Stables by Design” by architect John Blackburn to benefit several local PATH International therapeutic riding centers as well as Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Therapy Program. And Saturday night will once again feature the President’s Cup Party, this year presented by Washington Life magazine. In addition to the Acela Club, sponsors and supporters will enjoy dining on VIP platforms in the Georgetown Club and the Capitol Club, decorated beautifully by WIHS official décor provider, Syzygy Events.
The WIHS Silent Auction returns, offering an array of unique items, on display both at Verizon Center and online. Some special opportunities include: a bespoke photo shoot with Shelli Breidenbach Photography; a three-day rental of a two-passenger golf cart from Dever; and a private party for 10 at the Georgetown Cupcake Lab. Go to www.wihs.org during the show to see all of the incredible items available. Bidding is available online for computers, tablets, and phones, as well as at kiosks set up around Verizon Center.
For anyone that cannot attend the show in person, the WIHS offers free, live-streaming video of the entire event. The WIHS free live stream will be offered again this year with the complete show streamed on www.wihs.org and USEF Network beginning Tuesday, October 22, thanks to supporting sponsorship from Campbell Wealth Management and Big Ass Fans.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Reserved and VIP tickets are available for evening performances. For Discounted Group Sales, call 202-661-5061. Tickets also may be purchased in person at the Verizon Center Box Office. For information about Verizon Center accessible seating and services, call 202-661-5061 or 202-661-5065 (TTY). Full ticket information can be found at www.wihs.org/tickets/.
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.
Photos copyright Jennifer Wood Media, Inc., Diana DeRosa, and Regina Welsh.