Sunday, August 26, 2018

Washington International Horse Show Returns October 23-28


From our friends at the Washington International Horse Show...

Washington International Horse Show Celebrates 60 Years of Equestrian Sport at Capital One Arena October 23-28

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com

Tickets are now on sale for the 60th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most exciting and entertaining equestrian events in North America, taking place October 23-28 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this historic milestone,” said Victoria Lowell, WIHS President. “It’s going to be an exciting year as we pay tribute to the wonderful horses and riders, supporters, friends and volunteers, over the past six decades with special exhibits and events. We’re proud to welcome more than 26,000 spectators, award $518,000 in prize money, support our charitable partners and bring together equestrians, horse enthusiasts and the local community to experience horse showing at its best in the heart of our nation’s capital.”


Spectators, riders, sponsors and all attending this year’s 60th event will enjoy historical displays and events plus special pricing going back to the inaugural WIHS held October 10-15, 1958, at the D.C. National Guard Armory. A special $2.00 price per ticket for opening day and evening, Tuesday, October 23, reflects general admission that first year. Additionally, a special history-based commemorative souvenir program will be sold at the 1958 price of $1.00.

Horse-crazy or not, if you like championship sport and fast-paced entrainment and fun, WIHS is an event you’ll enjoy, young or old. More than 500 of the best horses and riders in the world, including Olympic veteran, will arrive in the nation’s capital for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition plus entertaining exhibitions, community and charity events and boutique shopping.

The highlight of the week is Saturday night’s $135,000 Longines FEL Jumping World Cup Washington, presented by Events DC, with the biggest jumps, most challenging course and richest purse. The winning rider is presented with the show’s most prestigious prize, the President of the United States Perpetual Cup, a trophy given to the show in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Other popular events include the $25,000 Puissance, a thrilling high-jump competition on Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc. (October 26) and the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals for the country’s top junior riders (October 27.)

Special events for young people and children include WIHS Barn Night (October 25) with contests, a scavenger hunt and international jumping competition including the Top Score Costume Class, where riders and horses jump in surprising and entertaining costumes.

WIHS Kids’ Day, presented by EQUUS Foundation and The Stephens Family, is a popular equine street festival with free, fun and educational horse-based activities, held Saturday, October 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine. This event is located both inside Capital One Arena and on a closed street in front of Hotel Monaco at 6th and F Streets, NW.

Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining exhibitions, including renowned Australian horse master and entertainer Guy McLean, who will perform his one-of-a-kind liberty horse demonstration with his team of Australian stock horses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will be back Thursday and Saturday nights with junior jockeys in the saddle racing the most adorable, and wily, Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.

Highlights events support community organizations and charities, including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the WIHS Official Military Charity, the Capital Breast Care Center and U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.

Tickets are available online on www.ticketmaster.com, at the Capital One Arena box office or by calling 1(800) 745-3000. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday with day and evening performances except Sunday (daytime only.)

Special commemorative pricing on opening day, Tuesday, October 23: All tickets, day or evening, are $2.00 (plus applicable service charges), reflecting the cost of general admission at the inaugural show in 1958.

Daytime tickets (general admission) Wednesday through Sunday are $15 (plus applicable service charges) with children 12 and under admitted free. For evening performances, VIP, reserved and general admission tickets are available starting at $25.

For group discounts, contact Capital One Arena Group Sales at 202-661-5061. For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors and students, visit http://www.wihs.org/tickets/.

For event details, visit http://www.wihs.org/schedule/.

Buy tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

For VIP hospitality, contact maryhelen@wihs.org.

About Washington International Horse Show:
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events attracting more than 26,000 spectators annually to Washington, DC, for Olympic-level competition plus community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders arrive from all over the globe to jump for more than half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $135,000 Longines FEP Jumping World Cup Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC, the $25,000 Puissance high jump and the $50,000 Speed Final on Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc. and Kids’ Day, a free, fun and educational community event. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is rated CSI4*-W by the Federation Equestre Intertionale, the world governing body for horse sports. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. Is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Washington, DC.