Nick Skelton’s President’s Cup winning jump off round!
Scenes from the 2011 Washington International Horse Show!
Ali Tritschler in Pony Equitation
Carlo273 and Nick Skelton
Chase Boggio and Calito
Garfield and Scott Stewart
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2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals Prize List Available
Qualify to Show at Verizon Center, Compete in Expanded Zone 3 Finals, and Nominate Fellow Riders for The Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship!
For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C. – September 12, 2012 – The 2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals will take place on October 19-21 at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The show is now “C” rated by the USEF and offers fantastic competition for local riders. A very popular stop on the local horse show circuit, the WIHS Regional also offers an alternative way for area riders to qualify for competition at Verizon Center. The 2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals Prize List can be found at www.wihs.org/wihs-regional.
All of the classes at the WIHS Regional Horse Show are open to all horses and ponies regardless of geographical location. However, only horses and ponies owned by exhibitors living within 100 miles of Washington, D.C., based on owner’s zip code, are eligible for the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals at Verizon Center on Sunday, October 28. In addition, the Children’s and Adult Hunter champions can qualify for the WIHS Hunter Championships on Tuesday, October 23, and the winners of the Zone 3 Finals Children’s and Adult Jumper classes can qualify for the WIHS Jumper Championships at Verizon Center on Wednesday, October 24.
The WIHS Regional is proud to host the USHJA Zone 3 Finals again this year. Letters of invitation to riders eligible for the USHJA Zone 3 Finals will be emailed in the next week, and the WIHS is excited to host this year’s exhibitors. Approximately the top 20 horses in each division, based on total USHJA points, will be invited. If invitations are not accepted, additional horses will be invited.
Zone 3 Finals will be held for the following divisions: Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35, Adult Amateur Hunter 36 & Over, Children’s Hunter 14 & Under, Children’s Hunter 15-17, Children’s Hunter Pony Small/Medium, Children’s Hunter Pony Large, Children’s Jumper, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Low Children’s/Adult Jumper.
The WIHS Regional Horse Show will use the new covered arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center for the jumper classes on Saturday and the USHJA Zone 3 Finals jumper divisions on Sunday.
An addition to this year’s competition at the WIHS Regional Horse Show is a special trophy that remembers a fellow local equestrian. The new award, The Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship, was generously donated by Vicki Lowell in memory of Laura Pickett. The award will be presented to the “up and coming” adult or child rider and their trainer that best exhibits the enthusiasm, dedication, style and commitment to excellent horsemanship that brings out the best in horse and rider at the WIHS Regional Horse Show and USHJA Zone 3 Finals. A presentation will take place center ring at Verizon Center during the 54th Annual Washington International. For more information and nomination forms, go to www.wihs.org/wihs-regional.
For more information on the 2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals, please visit www.wihs.org.
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WIHS Barn Night 2012, presented by Dover Saddlery – “What’s Your Dream?”
For Immediate Release
Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Washington, D.C. – September 6, 2012 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce “What’s Your Dream?” as the theme for this year’s Barn Night. Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, will be featured on Thursday, October 25, during the 54th annual WIHS. The competition will be held on October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
Returning sponsor Dover Saddlery is excited to be a part of this year’s Barn Night and looks forward to a fantastic event. “It is great to see so many young riders coming out to support the Washington International Horse Show and get involved in the sport,” said Dover’s Janet Nittmann. “Barn Night is such a fun event and we love seeing the dedication and excitement of all of the barns that come out each year.
Barn Night at WIHS is a favorite with 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. Join us on Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. for activities on the concourse, including a Stablemates painting activity hosted by Breyer Animal Creations. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a special prize, also courtesy of Breyer. Enjoy the evening’s entertainment, like the exciting and hilarious Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, the Mutton Busting exhibition, a t-shirt toss, plus an autograph session with top riders! The famous WIHS Puissance wall will also be on the concourse for photos ops.
WIHS is thrilled to announce some amazing prizes for the Barn Night contests. For Best Group Spirit, the Champion group will receive a clinic for their barn from Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis. Fargis was an individual and team gold medalist in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and is one of the most successful and respected trainers in the United States. Honorable mentions for the Best Group Spirit contest will receive Gift Certificates courtesy of Dover Saddlery.
Barn Night is a terrific opportunity for the region’s horse lovers to come together and enjoy a night of entertainment and camaraderie. At last year’s Barn Night, there were many enthusiastic local barns that participated. The incredible turnout is something that makes Thursdays at WIHS so special.
In addition to runner-ups and honorable mentions, the 2011 contest winners were:
Largest Overall Barn Contest: Meadowbrook Stables, Chevy Chase, MD
Largest Barn, Maryland: Full Moon Farm, Finksburg, MD
Largest Barn, Virginia: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Largest Barn, DC/Other: Rock Creek Park Horse Center, Washington, DC
Barn Banner Contest: Rock Creek Park Horse Center, Washington, DC
Best Barn Video: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Best Barn Spirit: Meadowbrook Stables, Chevy Chase, MD
One farm that has been a great presence at Barn Night each year is Cedar Creek Farm of Sterling, VA, which won last year’s Biggest Virginia Barn Contest and the Best Barn Video. Mary Elizabeth Cordia is a 14-year-old rider from Alexandria, VA, who has attended Barn Night as part of the Cedar Creek crew for the last four years.
Cordia started riding when she was seven and trains with Jenny Graham at Cedar Creek. Cordia’s mother, Liz, also gets involved with Barn Night as a volunteer. Cordia loves the upbeat atmosphere of Barn Night and enjoys the time with her fellow riders and their families.
“Barn Night is really fun,” Cordia stated. “They have the costume Gambler’s Choice class that is really fun to watch. The mutton busting last year was the funniest thing ever. It is great because we know some of the other barns, so it is fun seeing them and we are all together. We pick a theme and then we all dress up as the same color and then we all go out to dinner and hang out. We make signs and banners, a movie, and a song for our movie. We usually have 25-30 people. Not just the kids come, but their whole families come too.”
Register your barn now to be eligible to participate in fun group contests and for the chance to win our great prizes! Join WIHS on Facebook and sign up on the Barn Night Facebook Event Page to enter contests, see who will be attending, and connect with other Barn Night participants!
See Barn Night Contest Rules for details about the 2012 WIHS Barn Night Contests: Largest Group (Overall, MD, VA and DC/Other), Best Group Spirit, Best Group Banner, and Best Group Video.
Lots of other great prizes will be awarded to this year’s contest winners. For the Largest Group (Overall, Maryland, Virginia and DC/Other), a $1,000 cash prize will be provided, courtesy of Gaithersburg Equipment Company. The three individual largest groups (Maryland, Virginia, and Other States/DC) will receive prizes from Dover Saddlery.
The Group Banner Contest will feature the “What’s Your Dream?” theme. Prizes will include gift certificates from Dover Saddlery, which will be awarded for Champion, Reserve Champion, and three Honorable Mentions.
In the Group Video Contest, also with the “What’s Your Dream?” theme, prizes will include gift certificates from Dover Saddlery awarded for Champion, Reserve Champion, and three Honorable Mentions.
Go to www.wihs.org/Barn-Night now to sign up to be eligible for this year’s contests and prizes. Discounted tickets for Barn Night are available at the Verizon Center Group Sales Office. Call (202) 661-5061 now to reserve your seats! The minimum group size is 10 people.
Visit www.wihs.org/tickets/ for more information on purchasing tickets to this year’s event. Download the 2012 Official WIHS Prize List at www.wihs.org/prize-list/. Learn more about the Washington International and the WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals at www.wihs.org, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s only 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.
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Washington International Horse Show Arrives at Verizon Center
October 23-28
Tickets Are On Sale Now!
For Immediate Release
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Washington, D.C., – August 23, 2012 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for its 2012 competition, running October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Full ticket information can be found by visiting www.wihs.org/tickets/.
The WIHS is one of the most exciting euestrian competitions in the nation, and spectators are welcome to join in the festivities during the week to watch show jumping at its best, the beautiful hunters, and the best up-and-coming junior riders in the country. Exhibitions contribute to the fun atmosphere of the show and are always a big hit for riders and non-equestrians alike. Buy your tickets today and see what the WIHS is all about.
Olympic gold medalists Laura Kraut of the United States and Nick Skelton of Great Britain are planning to attend the WIHS again this year. At the 2011 WIHS, Skelton was the big winner in the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix with Carlo 273 and $25,000 Puissance high jump class with Unique. Kraut plans to bring one of her top horses, Teirra, while Skelton will return with Carlo 273, who was a huge fan favorite at WIHS last year.
Kraut said, “Washington International is a special show in the United States. They really make an effort to put on a world-class competition, and we need to make sure it has great support and keep it important. Washington is a show that I make an effort to compete at every year.”
Tickets are available at the Verizon Center box office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. General admission tickets for daytime performances are $15 (plus applicable service charges), Tuesday through Sunday, with children 12 and under admitted for free. Reserved and VIP tickets are available for evening performances. For pricing information please visit www.wihs.org/tickets.
Discounts are available for groups, military/seniors, students and Metro card holders. For more information on Group Sales please call 202-661-5061.
Highlights of the 2012 WIHS include the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix (a World Cup qualifier) on Saturday, October 27, the $25,000 Puissance (high jump competition) on Friday, Oct. 26, and the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders, on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Exciting equestrian exhibitions and community activities such as Kids’ Day, Barn Night, and Breakfast with the Mounted Police will also be held. All of the details on the scheduled activities can be found on the horse show website at www.wihs.org/schedule/. Further details on the competition are described in this year’s official prize list, which can be found at www.wihs.org/prize-list/.
Nearly half a million dollars in prize money and special awards will be presented at the show, including Washington favorites like special treats from Georgetown Cupcake and luxury timepieces for the leading hunter and jumper riders, courtesy of Tiny Jewel Box.
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, all of whom take to the ring each October in the nation’s capital.
Visit www.wihs.org/tickets/ for more information on purchasing tickets to this year’s event. Download the 2012 Official WIHS Prize List at www.wihs.org/prize-list/. Learn more about the Washington International and the WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals at www.wihs.org, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s only 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.
Media Contacts:
Linda Macklin, WIHS, 202-525-3679
Sheila Francis, Verizon Center, 202-628-3200 x6042
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Popular Fidelity Investments® Club Ringside Dining Returns to
Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center
For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C. – July 19, 2012 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the return of the Fidelity Investments® Club, a VIP dining platform in Verizon Center that gives spectators a spectacular vantage point to watch the top horses and riders in the country. The Washington International Horse Show, now in its 54th year, will be held October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Modeled after VIP seating at major European horse shows, the Fidelity Investments Club offers a first-hand view of horses and their riders as they compete over technical jumping courses and challenging heights. The exclusive dining area garnered rave reviews in its opening year, and WIHS is proud to offer it again in 2012.
“We are pleased to welcome Fidelity Investments back to the WIHS as title sponsor of our most exclusive VIP dining facility,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. “The Fidelity Investments Club was a big success last year and we’re thrilled to be able to offer our sponsors and special guests such a fantastic place to network, entertain guests and experience the show once again.”
The custom-built and beautifully decorated dining area is conveniently located directly off of the West end of Verizon Center’s main concourse near the in-gate. The platform consists of 16 tables of eight seats and is open for evening performances Tuesday through Saturday. The dinner buffet offers a gourmet menu and full bar service, and is the perfect place to socialize and watch equestrian sport at its finest.
“Fidelity Investments is pleased to support the Washington International Horse Show again this year and we look forward to another successful event in October,” said Steven Niehoff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Fidelity Investments.
In addition to the Fidelity Investments Club, WIHS will once again host sponsors and supporters in the popular Acela Club, located on the skybox level overlooking the arena, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Acela Club tables seat four and include buffet dinner and open bar; individual tickets are also available. Acela Club is home to nightly social events, including Friday’s Armed Forces Reception and Saturday’s President’s Cup Party.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, to make a Fidelity Investments Club or Acela Club table reservation or to purchase individual Acela Club tickets, contact Bridget Love Meehan, Executive Director, at 202-525-3679 or info@wihs.org.
For more information on the Washington International Horse Show, please visit www.wihs.org.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $3.6 trillion, including managed assets of $1.6 trillion, as of June 30, 2012. Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.
About the Washington International Horse Show (www.WIHS.org)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s only 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 Classic 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, 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.
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Washington International Horse Show
3299 K Street NW, Suite 600 • Washington, DC 20007
Contact: Diana Hosford: 202.215.2950 or
Dianahosford@wihs.org
Washington International Horse Show
Names Hanna Powers 2012 Youth Ambassador
Washington, D.C. – June 25, 2012 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a leading national equestrian event based in Washington, D.C. since 1958, is proud to announce Hanna Powers of Potomac Falls, Virginia, as Youth Ambassador of the 2012 show.
Powers, 15, is a sophomore at The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, and competes on the varsity Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team. She has attended WIHS for many years with her friends and family. Powers brings a wealth of knowledge of equestrian sport to her new role.
“I am honored to be a part of the WIHS family as the 2012 Youth Ambassador. Through this historic horse show, I hope that our efforts to share the wonderful world of horses with young people in the Washington, D.C. area will ignite the imaginations of a whole new generation of horse enthusiasts!” said Powers.
As the 2012 WIHS Youth Ambassador, Powers will oversee the WIHS Junior Committee and work with show management to reach out to the local youth of our community. She will help give WIHS a youth perspective as the show develops new and exciting youth-related programs from young rider events to Kids’ Day. The Junior Committee consists of students from public, charter and private schools in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to have Hanna’s energy and enthusiasm as our 2012 Youth Ambassador. She will lead the activities of our Junior Committee, a diverse and talented group of young local equestrians who have expressed strong interest in hands-on learning about all aspects of WIHS. Our Junior Committee works hard to help us make our horse show a very special event for competitors, spectators, and the local community. We are honored to work closely with this group of young equestrians who represent the future of the horse industry in the Washington area,” said Bridget Love Meehan, Executive Director, WIHS.
Washington International Horse Show received many applications from very qualified students in the D.C. Metro area and beyond. Powers will serve as the fourth WIHS Youth Ambassador following Jamal Brown, Anna Rossi, and Shannon Miglarese.
The 54th annual Washington International Horse Show will be held October 23-28, 2012 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
About the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s only 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 Classic 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.
Washington International Horse Show
3299 K Street NW, Suite 600 • Washington, D.C. 20007
Contact: Diana Hosford: 202.215.2950 or Dianahosford@wihs.org
