Tag Archives: Washington Int’l Horse Show

Catherine Tyree and Bokai Race to Win in $40,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake

Catherine Tyree and Bokai. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington, D.C. – October 25, 2018 – The international show jumpers took center stage on Thursday, October 25, at the 60th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) for their first two competitions of the week. In the $40,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake, Catherine Tyree (24) of Chicago, IL rode the 12-year-old KWPN gelding Bokai, owned by Mary Tyree, to victory. Brian Moggre of Flower Mound, TX and MTM Flutterby accumulated the most points to take home the top prize in the $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class.

The $40,000 Welcome Stake was held as a “winning round” format, where the top 10 riders, regardless of how many faults they had in the afternoon’s first round, were invited back for the second round which was held in the evening session. Tyree and Bokai came back seventh in the order of the top 10 and put down a fast, clear round in 34.88 seconds for the win. They followed the 2018 FEI World Cup Jumping Final winners Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Breitling LS, who would finish in second place in 35.00 seconds.

Tyree said it was watching Madden from the in-gate that gave her the plan to win.

“Bokai is so quick, and I had the advantage of seeing Beezie go before me. She is so tight in the turns, so I was able to count some of her strides, and I really just wanted to try and do what she did. She did six [strides] to the last [jump]; I got a good gallop, and I kept going in five. I really got lucky there; my horse gave an amazing effort, which he shouldn’t have done. He just has a huge heart and he wants to win. He just rises to the challenge when it matters.” – Catherine Tyree

Third place in the class went to this summer’s FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) team gold medalists, Devin Ryan (USA) and Eddie Blue, owned by LL Show Jumpers LLC, who had a time of 35.76 seconds. Cormac Hanley (IRL) and Alma Z, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, were fourth in 37.82 seconds, while fellow WEG team gold medalist Laura Kraut (USA) and St. Bride’s Farm’s Confu were fifth in 38.25 seconds.

Brian Moggre Makes Quick Work of $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class

Youth continued to prevail during the evening session when 17-year-old junior rider Brian Moggre beat 14 other top professionals to win the $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class. In his “Grease” costume, he guided MTM Flutterby, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by C-Indoctro and owned by Major Wager LLC, to a top score of 65 points in the fastest time of the night in 40.23 seconds.

The first through fifth place riders all had 65 points, which meant they cleared all 10 jumps on course, including the final “joker” jump worth 20 points. The joker jump was a specially-designed Washington Capitals hockey jump sporting the team’s winning Stanley Cup trophy and was especially fitting with Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward dressed as the Caps hockey player Alexander Ovechkin for the class.

“I knew whatever was going to happen. I just had to go in there and give it my all and hope it worked out the best for me. It did, so I’m very appreciative of that.”  – Brian Moggre

Catherine Tyree (USA) had another fantastic finish, placing second with Mary Tyree’s Catungee in 40.50 seconds. Andrew Kocher (USA) and Quarto Mail, owned by MKO Equestrian LLC, were third in 41.46 seconds, while Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) rode Cornwall BH, owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC, to fourth place in 43.84 seconds. Rounding out the top five was Beat Mändli on Grant Road Partners LLC’s Dibatsja in 47.54 seconds.

This is Moggre’s first season competing in the open jumpers during the fall indoor competition season. He won on opening day at last week’s Pennsylvania National Horse Show and captured the coveted Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Eliza Kimball Claims $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship

Eliza Kimball and Available Ohio. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Jumper riders took their turn in Capital One Arena during the second day of competition at the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on Wednesday, October 24. WIHS continues through Sunday, October 28, with coveted hunter, jumper, and equitation competition in the heart of Washington D.C.

Eliza Kimball of New York, NY had never competed at WIHS, but her mount is no stranger to success in the city. Available Ohio, a 16-year-old Selle Français gelding by Flipper d’Elle that Kimball leases from owner Carly Hoft, won the WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship in 2017 with Hoft in the irons before carrying Kimball to her debut win this year.

Available Ohio topped a competitive jump-off field of 19 horses by crossing the timers in 30.719 seconds over a course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany. Kimball was just fractions ahead of second-place finisher Erin Floyd of Austin, TX, who stopped the clock at 30.932 seconds riding Russell, owned by Floyd Sport Horses, LLC. Emily Aitken of Bedford, NY took third on Zabelle S in 31.266 seconds for owner Lima Bean, LLC, while Layla Kurbanov of Greenwich, CT placed fourth riding Wamira, owned by Jill Shulman, in 31.726 seconds. Calista Bell of East New Market, MD rounded out the top five with her own C’est Bon Cidane in 33.348 seconds.

“I’ve never done an indoors circuit before. I used to focus mostly on the hunters, but when I started riding with Ken and Emily Smith at Ashland Farms a year and a half ago, I got very serious about the jumpers and equitation.” – Eliza Kimball

King and Co-Starr Speed to Top of $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship

Riding in her second time at WIHS, Stephanie King of St. Augustine, FL sped to the top of the class in the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship, presented by Days End Farm Horse Rescue, riding Co-Starr, her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Promise. For the win, King was presented with The Dorothy Foote “Goodie” Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill.

King and Co-Starr were one of 16 combinations that qualified for the jump-off. They were the fastest of nine double-clear rounds with a time of 27.175 seconds. Second place went to Morgan Baugher of Buckeystown, MD and Down the Rabbit Hole, who had a time of 27.911 seconds, while Leslie Schillat or Malvern, PA and SLF Destiny were third in 28.095 seconds.

WIHS President Vicki Lowell of Lexington, KY piloted Phineas, owned by Sleepy P Ranch LLC, to fourth place in 28.226 seconds, and Alyson Gurney of Washington, DC and Black Friday rounded out the top five with a time of 28.286 seconds.

King, who trains with Chad and Brooke Watridge, made the plan to stay steady with striding, but “focus on being tidy” in the turns. The plan worked, and they led the victory gallop at the end of the night.

“We came last year and didn’t quite make it to the jump-off. After I went clean in the first round today, I was super happy. Then to go in and have such a great jump-off, I was just thrilled.” – Stephanie King

Lindsay Maxwell and Belgravia Sweep Amateur-Owner 35 & Under 3’3” Hunters for Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Championship

Lindsay Maxwell of Beverly Hills, CA and her own Belgravia delivered an impressive sweep of the Amateur-Owner 35 & Under 3’3” Hunter division on Tuesday and Wednesday at WIHS, winning all three of the over fences classes and the under saddle to take the division tricolor. The pair’s perfect score in the division ultimately guaranteed them the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter championship, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare.

“This is one of my absolute favorite shows; it means a lot to me to win here,” said Maxwell, a strong supporter of the WIHS through her own Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund. “[Belgravia] has just been incredible throughout this indoor season. I had him for indoors last year, but I’d only had him for about a month. We had some great shows, and having a whole other year with him under our belt has really gotten him and us to a place where we know him really well and can rely on him being the same horse every time we come out.”

Maxwell came into the day with over fences and the under saddle wins.

“The pressure was still definitely on today. It’s fantastic competition [at WIHS].” – Lindsay Maxwell

“In the handy, we got to go last, which was definitely an advantage because I knew where the scores were and where I needed to be. He’s gotten handier and handier; we sort of have that aspect of his ride down which is really nice,” continued Maxwell.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Lily Pollin and Allison Cederberg Claim $10k WIHS Children’s and Adult Hunter Championships

Lily Pollin and Pura Vida. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography,

The six-day, 60th anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) kicked off on Tuesday, October 23, at the Capital One Arena in the heart of Washington, D.C. Tuesday’s opening day of competition featured the start of the professional and amateur hunter divisions, as well as year-end championships for child and adult hunter riders.

Earning wins in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship were Lily Pollin riding Pura Vida and Allison Cederberg on Zero Tolerance, respectively.

Twenty-six entries contested the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, with the top 12 from an opening round returning in reverse order of their standings for a second round. At the conclusion of the first round, Pollin sat in fifth place aboard Pura Vida with a score of 82. However, a score of 86 over the second, Alan Lohman-designed course shot her to the top of the leaderboard with a 168 overall score.

“It means everything to win. I love [WIHS] because I’ve been coming here and watching my mom since I was really little. I think it’s so cool to be able to ride in the city and at the Capital One Arena!” – Lily Pollin

Allison Cederberg and Zero Tolerance Score Debut Victory at WIHS

When Allison Cederberg heard the final scores of the $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, she knew she had won and threw her arms around the neck of her mount, Zero Tolerance. Cederberg, 22, hails from Fort Collins, CO and earned a score of 168 to take the tri-color riding her own 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Roven during their first-ever appearance at WIHS.

Cederberg was one of the 12 riders who qualified to return for a second round from an original starting field of 26. Coming back for the final course, she sat in first by a narrow margin, and she held on for the win, with Britta Lippert of Sea Girt, NJ finishing a single point behind on a 167 score riding Indigo for owner Gianna Zanghi. For the win, Cederberg was presented with the Diane Wade Memorial Award.

Addie Jabin of Columbia, MD, took third with a score of 160 in the irons of her own Axtrex, while Clare Karlovec of Cleveland, OH, finished fourth riding her own Milord du Valon to a score of 159. Lydia Davidson of Fairfax, VA, rounded out the top five with her own Park Avenue on a final tally of 155.

“To win here is amazing. To be here is amazing, and Zero was incredible. He walked in [Capital One Arena] like he had been doing it his whole life. Everything came up really well, and he jumped amazing. That’s all you can really ask for.” – Allison Cederberg

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

WIHS Regional Horse Show and USHJA Zone 3 Championship Conclude as Prelude to WIHS

Anna Ordonio and SS San Remo, winners of the 2018 Gittings Horsemanship Finals. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington, D.C. – The 2018 WIHS Regional Horse Show and USHJA Zone 3 Championship, presented by The Bishop Family, returned to Prince George’s Equestrian Center (PGEC) in Upper Marlboro, MD, from Friday, October 19, through Sunday, October 21. The annual event showcased local and regional riders, giving them a final chance to qualify for the coveted Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), which kicks off on Tuesday, October 23, at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

The MHSA Gittings Horsemanship Finals highlighted competition at the WIHS Regional Horse Show as the featured event on Friday with a win for Anna Ordonio of Frederick, MD. Training under the direction of Kim Williams, Ordonio piloted SS San Remo to the top for owner Tyler Rafferty.

Seventeen-year-old Ordonio competed in the Gittings Horsemanship Finals in 2017 with a seventh-place-finish before this year’s victory. A senior at Oakdale High School in Linganore, MD, she had only one week to prepare.

“I leased Remo one week before the final, so it was quite a learning experience getting to know him in that amount of time,” said Ordonio, who hopes to be recruited to a collegiate riding team next year. “He is such a great horse with a big personality. Overall, I was just grateful that I had a good horse to ride.

“We get along so well,” continued Ordonio of the 16-year-old Argentine gelding. “I came into the finals thinking we would do okay and just wanted to put down a solid round, so winning was icing on the cake.”

Ordonio has been competing throughout the fall season and the Gittings Horsemanship Finals marked her seventh final of the year.

“I was so happy to end with a win,” she said. “This is only my second year doing equitation straight from the jumper ring, so I am really focused on learning to ride my best.”

Charleez Simcik and her own Angelique finished second behind Ordonio, while Jake Parker Wymard piloted Fiorello FF to third for owner Ginger Parker. Emily Cyrway and her own Orion took fourth, with Spencer Toohill and his own Carlisle Castle rounding out the top five.

Additional equation champions were also crowned, including Simone Brown, who topped the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) 3’3” Junior Hunt Seat Medal riding her own Brego, and Rachel Ashe, who won the VHSA Children’s Medal riding Van Gogh, owned by Brent Taylor. In the pony ranks, Kaylee Garrido won the MHSA Children’s Pony Medal riding her own Moonlight McDreamy.

In jumper competition, Calista Bell was named champion of the USHJA Zone 3 Children’s Jumper Final riding her own C’est Bon Cidane, while Caroline Anderson took reserve aboard her own Victor. For adult riders, top honors in the USHJA Zone 3 Adult Amateur Jumper Final were presented to Wendy Libert riding Papillion Peanut for owner John Bartko. Reserve champion went to Alexis Mierzwa and her own Ever Sinful.

In the hunter divisions, Romulus was named champion in the USHJA Zone 3 Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division with owner and rider Jessica Van Brocklin in the irons. Staros, owned and ridden by Jennifer Morris, earned reserve. The tricolor in the USHJA Zone 3 Adult Amateur Hunter 35 and Over Final went to Poetic Justis, owned by Brooke Cole and piloted by Alex Johnson. Kimberly Shovelin piloted her own Sirah to reserve champion.

The USHJA Zone 3 Children’s Hunter Horse 14 and Under division crowned Best Of, ridden by Emily Georgio and owned by Gabrielle Conte, champion. Lapis took reserve with owner/rider Olivia Brown in the irons. For Children’s Hunter riders 15-17, Courtney Salkeld piloted Lucky Penny to champion for owner Abigael Kaufman, while Harper Peterson took reserve riding her own Greatness VDK.

Katie Triantos was named champion in the USHJA Zone 3 3’3” Junior Hunter division riding her own Gossip Girl. The reserve title when to Ace of Spades, ridden by Gabrielle L. Morin and owned by Emily Morin.

Leading the charge for ponies, the Zone 3 Small/Medium Children’s Hunter Pony division presented its championship to Heaven Sent, owned and ridden by Kelly A. Kiser. Jamrock was named reserve with rider Payton Flanders for owner Wilson Sporthorses, LLC. The Zone 3 Large Children’s Hunter Pony champion was Freedom, owned and ridden by Kylie Reynolds. Reserve went to Mr. Chocolat, owned and ridden by Kendall Austin.

Competition at the WIHS Regional Horse Show concluded on Sunday, just two days before the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show – featuring top horses and riders from across the U.S. and around the world – kicks off on Tuesday, October 23. The 2018 Washington International Horse Show runs through October 28 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors, and students, visit www.wihs.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis to Be Inducted into WIHS Hall of Fame

Joe Fargis and Touch of Class, his mount for team and individual gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, graced the 1985 Washington International Horse Show program.

Washington, D.C. – Legendary U.S. show jumper Joe Fargis will be honored during the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on October 23-28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

A team and individual gold medalist from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Fargis will be inducted into the WIHS Hall of Fame on Friday night, October 26, during Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc., at WIHS, recognizing his five decades of involvement with the show as a competitor and judge as well as serving on the show’s Board of Directors. Fargis won the President’s Cup Grand Prix at WIHS in 1984 aboard his gold-medal Olympic partner, Touch of Class.

“Joe’s skills, awards, accolades and accomplishments in the sport would be more than enough to join the Washington Hall of Fame, standing alone,” said WIHS Vice President Claudia Frost. “But Joe has done far more. He has been an exhibitor, trainer and supporter of the Washington International Horse Show for decades, helping to preserve and sustain Washington as the country’s leading metropolitan indoor international horse show.”

Fargis first attended WIHS in 1959, selling programs at the show while he was a student at WIHS Hall of Fame inductee Jane Marshall Dillon’s Junior Equitation School in Vienna, VA. He showed ponies and junior hunters at WIHS in the ‘60s.

Fargis then graduated to the professional hunter and jumper divisions in 1966. Fargis’ career on the U.S. Equestrian Team began in 1970 and he competed for the U.S. in Nations Cups at WIHS for many years in addition to jumping in the President’s Cup Grand Prix. Fargis would go on to help the U.S. team take silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games riding Mill Pearl and serve on many winning Nations Cup teams, including at the 1985 WIHS. He continues to ride, train, and show today and is based out of Sandron in Middleburg, VA.

Fargis’ Hall of Fame induction takes place during Military night on Friday, October 26, during which riders will test their speed in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final and see just how high their horses can jump in the $25,000 Land Rover International Jumper Puissance (high jump).

WIHS’ 60th Anniversary festivities include show programs available at the price that Fargis sold them for in 1959 — just $1! And tickets for the show’s sessions on Tuesday, October 23, are just $2, the same price they were the first year of the show in 1958. A special historical timeline “Through the Decades” will be set up on the concourse, and Philip Smucker, journalist and author of Riding with George: Sportsmanship & Chivalry in the Making of America’s First President, is joining WIHS as the Official George Washington. Smucker will walk the concourse dressed as George Washington, signing books and taking photos.

For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors, and students, visit www.wihs.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Qualified Horses and Riders Announced for Washington International Horse Show

Beat Mändli and Dsarie on their way to the win in the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington, D.C. – Some of the world’s best horses and riders, including the riders on the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) gold-medal U.S. team, are qualified to compete at the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on October 23-28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

One of the most thrilling and popular events in North America, WIHS celebrates 60 years of top sport and family-friendly entertainment this year by welcoming some of the biggest names in the sport, including Olympians, celebrated hunter riders from all corners of the nation, and rising young stars. The qualifying lists for all divisions, including the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals and WIHS Championship Finals, are now available online.

Coming off a historic gold medal at the WEG just three days ago, U.S. riders Laura Kraut, Devin Ryan, Adrienne Sternlicht, and McLain Ward are scheduled to compete at WIHS after bringing home the first ever WEG team gold for the United States. Additionally, U.S. Olympic medalists including 2018 FEI World Cup Jumping Final champion Beezie Madden, Kent Farrington, and Leslie Howard are also qualified.

Seven nations will make up the WIHS international roster, including Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, and Switzerland. Representing his home country of Switzerland, Beat Mändli will return to the 2018 WIHS to defend his title in the 2017 $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, presented by Events DC.

“We are honored to host such decorated riders from around the world at the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show,” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “Making this year’s event even more special, we are very excited to welcome the U.S. gold medal-winning WEG team to Washington, D.C. It’s the perfect opportunity for show jumping fans and spectators from the D.C. metropolitan area and beyond to come celebrate, cheer on, and even meet the stars of our sport.”

Riders from across the country compete throughout the year to qualify for WIHS in professional, junior, amateur-owner and pony hunter divisions, as well as high and low junior/amateur-owner and open jumper divisions. WIHS welcomes riders from the West Coast, Texas, the Midwest, and all along the East Coast to compete head-to-head.

Qualifiers will be excited to see their name on the list for the coveted Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals, WIHS Pony Equitation Finals, and the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship, $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, and $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship.

International Riders qualified to compete at the 2018 WIHS:
As of Tuesday, September 25

  • Molly Ashe-Cawley (USA)
  • Erynn Ballard (CAN)
  • Georgina Bloomberg (USA)
  • Daniel Bluman (ISR)
  • Amanda Derbyshire (GBR)
  • Katie Dinan (USA)
  • Kent Farrington (USA)
  • Tracy Fenney (USA)
  • Leslie Howard (USA)
  • Charlie Jacobs (USA)
  • Quentin Judge (USA)
  • Lillie Keenan (USA)
  • Andrew Kocher (USA)
  • Laura Kraut (USA)
  • Peter Lutz (USA)
  • Beezie Madden (USA)
  • Beat Mändli (SUI)
  • Christine McCrea (USA)
  • Alison Robitaille (USA)
  • Devin Ryan (USA)
  • Adrienne Sternlicht (USA)
  • Shane Sweetnam (IRL)
  • Hardin Towell (USA)
  • Mattias Tromp (USA)
  • Catherine Tyree (USA)
  • Aaron Vale (USA)
  • Kristen Vanderveen (USA)
  • McLain Ward (USA)
  • Rowan Willis (AUS)

For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors, and students, visit www.wihs.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Washington International Horse Show Celebrates 60 Years of Equestrian Sport Oct. 23-28

Aaron Vale (USA) and Finou 4 earned their second consecutive WIHS Puissance victory last year by clearing 6’7″ to win the $25,000 International Jumper Puissance. Photo by Alden Corrigan Media.

Washington, D.C. – 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 Oct. 23-28 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“We’re 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 Oct. 10-15, 1958, at the D.C. National Guard Armory. A special $2.00 price per ticket for opening day and evening, Tuesday, Oct. 23, reflects general admission that first year. In addition, a special history-based commemorative souvenir program will be sold at the 1958 price of $1.00.

If you like championship sport and fast-paced entertainment 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 veterans, will arrive in the nation’s capital for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition. In addition, the event will feature entertaining exhibitions, community and charity events and boutique shopping.

The highlight of the week is Saturday night’s $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington presented by Events DC, featuring 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. (Friday, Oct. 26), and the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals for the country’s top junior riders (Saturday, Oct. 27).

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

WIHS Kids’ Day is a popular equine street festival with free, fun, and educational horse-based activities, and is held Saturday, Oct. 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 F and 7th Streets NW.

Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining exhibitions, including renowned Australian horseman 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 riding the most adorable and wily Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.

Highlighted events support community organizations and charities, including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the WIHS Official Military Charity, 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 $2.00 commemorative pricing is available on opening day, Tuesday, Oct. 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 charge) 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 www.wihs.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Prize List Now Available Online for 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C. – The prize list for the 2018 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), which will celebrate its 60th anniversary from October 23-28 at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., is now available online.

WIHS will continue a longstanding tradition as one of the world’s most cherished indoor horse shows in 2018 and again host the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington, presented by Events DC, with coveted qualifying points on offer for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final taking place in Göteborg, Sweden in April. Additionally, WIHS will welcome qualified hunter, jumper, equitation, and pony riders from across the nation and celebrate year-end titles.

“Sixty years is a milestone that we at WIHS have been looking forward to celebrating for some time,” said Victoria Lowell, WIHS President. “Winning a ribbon at WIHS is a momentous event for any rider and we are excited to make it even more special this year as we celebrate this anniversary. We are proud to welcome more than 26,000 spectators, pay out over $500,000 in prize money, and encourage the equestrian community to experience urban horse showing at its best in the heart of our nation’s capital city.”

In addition to some of the world’s top riders and rising stars from within North America, WIHS management has prepared an A-list lineup of judges and officials for the 2018 event. Headlining the list is two-time U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Anne Kursinski, who will judge the coveted Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals.

“WIHS is a very exciting horse show because of its history, prestige, location in the heart of the city, and because of the fact that you have to earn your way to get to Washington by qualifying,” said Kursinski, a two-time U.S. Olympic team silver medalist who competed for her country as part of the United States Equestrian Team in Nations’ Cup competition at WIHS. “Specifically, the WIHS Equitation Finals is unlike any other in the country.

“It’s exciting to judge the class, but it also gives me an opportunity to look at the bigger picture,” continued Kursinski, who is the Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. Show Jumping Development program. “Seeing the development of riders from the junior level all the way through to the selection of our WEG team is a lot of fun. That’s where Washington plays a great role; there I can watch the next generation of riders who will likely go on to ride for the U.S. team.”

In memory of the 2017 Amateur-Owner Grand Champion, owned and ridden by Lindsay Maxwell, WIHS will introduce the Technicolor Award to be given to the horse who best exemplifies the classic hunter in aesthetic, jumping style, and presence in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division.

WIHS Prize List Now Available Online

Prize Money & Cash Bonuses

Total prize money of $518,000 will be awarded throughout the week, including the following special cash bonuses:

  • $10,000 to the Leading International Jumper rider
  • $10,000 to the Leading International Jumper rider 25 years of age or younger
  • $5,000 to the Leading Professional Hunter rider
  • $20,000 Young Jumper Championship Incentive Program

Judges and Officials

Technical Coordinator: Joseph Carnicom of Toledo, OH

Course Designers: Olaf Petersen Jr. (Jumper) of Munich, Germany and Alan Lohman (Hunter) Poolesville, MD

Hunter/Equitation Judges: Brian Lenehan of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Mike Rosser of Southern Pines, NC, Steve Wall of Pinehurst, NC, and Anne Kursinski (Equitation) of Frenchtown, NJ

Jumper Ground Jury: Ralph Alfano, (President) of Wellington, FL, Neil O’Connor of Southampton, NY, and Foreign Member TBA

Footing Specialist: Karsten Koch (FEI, The Footing Firm) of Bremen, Germany

Stewards: Dan Reed (FEI Chief Steward) of Batavia, OH, Donna Rocchetti (USEF) of Falls, PA, Rich Herrera (PGEC) of Wellington, FL, and Glena Wirtanen (USEF) of Phoenix, MD

Schooling Supervisors/Assistant FEI Stewards: Maria Biancone of Roseland, NJ, Jean Bonsall of Saranac Lake, NY, Shawn Frazer of Huntersville, NC, Peter Lane of Wellington, FL, and Mary O’Connor of Southampton, NY

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Washington International Horse Show Championship June Rankings Shake Up

Daisy Farish and Capital Hamilton competing at the Devon Horse Show this spring. Photo by The Book.

Washington, D.C. – With four months remaining before the 60th anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), running October 23-28 at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., top spots in the championship event rankings have been changing hands during spring competition from coast to coast.

Qualifying events for the WIHS championships are held at more than 650 horse shows in North America. Riders who earn the most points throughout the year are eligible to compete in the WIHS Championship Finals, which include the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship, $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship, the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals, and WIHS Pony Equitation Finals.

New leaders include Daisy Farish of Lexington, KY for the East Coast and Violet Barnett of San Francisco, CA for the West Coast as anticipation heats up for the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals. Additionally, after five months of qualifying, both Lauren McCaulley of Lake Charles, IL aboard Umano de la Ruche and Lindsey Tomeu of Wellington, FL riding Gold Lux have dominated the jumper ranks each month.

As the summer competition season kicks off, WIHS congratulates all of the top competitors in the WIHS rankings as of June 11, 2018.

Current leaders include:

  • Daisy Farish of Lexington, KY – 5,412 points – WIHS Equitation East
  • Violet Barnett of San Francisco, CA – 2,260 points – WIHS Equitation West
  • Convinced ridden by Cassidy Bosch of McLean, VA – 1,767 points – Children’s Hunter
  • Poetic Justis ridden by Alex Johnson of Portsmouth, VA – 1,644 points – Adult Hunter
  • Umano de la Ruche ridden by Lauren McCaulley of Lake Charles, IL – 3,529 points – Children’s Jumper
  • Gold Lux ridden by Lindsey Tomeu of Wellington, FL – 6,337 points – Adult Jumper
  • Cecelia Perry of North Venice, FL – 753.5 points – WIHS Pony Equitation

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Washington International Horse Show Announces 2018 Youth Ambassador and Junior Committee

Photo: Ana Bertozzi.

Future Leaders Bring Passion and Commitment to WIHS and the Local Community

Washington, D.C. – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America, is pleased to announce Ana Bertozzi, 16, of Leesburg, Va., has been selected as the 2018 Youth Ambassador. WIHS also welcomes 34 local teens attending schools in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. to serve on the 2018 WIHS Junior Committee presented by Signature Academics.

“Now in its 10th year, the WIHS Junior Committee and Youth Ambassador Program represents the heart of the show,” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “These hardworking teens are passionate about horse sports, and that’s what brings them to us, but they’re also actively involved in giving back to the local community throughout the year. We’d like to congratulate and thank each one of them for their commitment to this special event and their support of the local community.”

WIHS is proud to welcome back Signature Academics, a leader in the education of student-athletes, as presenting sponsor of the 2018 WIHS Junior Committee and Youth Ambassador Program. “Our whole team is looking forward to collaborating with WIHS and the awesome kids on the junior committee,” said Signature Academics Executive Director, Wendy Salomon. “We’ve had a great relationship with WIHS, and I know we’ll continue to do great things together.”

Junior Committee Class of 2018

With 34 members, the class of 2018 is the largest junior committee since the program began in 2009. This year three pairs of siblings are on the committee.

  • Madison Allen, Alexandria, VA, Bishop O’Connell High School
  • Grace Allen, Annapolis, MD, Archbishop Spalding High School
  • Ana Bertozzi, Leesburg, VA, Rock Ridge High School (Youth Ambassador)
  • Emma Bishop, Washington, DC, The Madeira School
  • Libby Bishop, Washington, DC, Connelly School of the Holy Child
  • Thea Bitar, McLean, VA, Georgetown Visitation
  • Cassidy Bosch, McLean, VA The Potomac School
  • Nicole Butchko, Vienna, VA, Bishop O’Connell High School
  • Lauren Dean, Great Falls, VA, Flint Hill School
  • Cari Farmer, Arlington, VA, HB Woodlawn High School
  • Grace Frulla, Bethesda, MD, The Madeira School
  • Erin Gill, Reston, VA, South Lakes High School
  • Abby Green, Bethesda, MD, Walt Whitman High School
  • Grace Hetherington, Great Falls, VA, Langley High School
  • Mary Kate Hogan, Chevy Chase, MD, Stone Ridge School
  • Peyton Kanstoroom, Potomac, MD, Winston Churchill High School
  • Riley Hampton King, Washington, DC, Foxcroft School
  • Gabrielle Morin, McLean, VA, Cooper Middle School
  • Andrew Morin, McLean, VA, Langley High School
  • Emma Peters, Rockville, MD, Thomas Sprigg Wootton High
  • Emma Pell, Winchester, VA, Foxcroft School
  • Lily Pollin, Bethesda, MD, Holton-Arms School
  • Casey Ruggiero, Arlington, VA, H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program
  • Kendall Schuler, Great Falls, VA, Connelly School of the Holy Child
  • Maggie Siciliano, Vienna, VA, George C Marshall High School
  • Ryliegh Siciliano, Vienna, VA, George C Marshall High School
  • Alex Skofteland, Purcellville, VA, Loudoun Valley High School
  • Hanna Sing, McLean, VA, Sidwell Friends
  • Katie Solomons, Fairfax Station, VA, Lake Braddock Secondary School
  • Jennifer Taylor, Odenton, MD, Mount de Sales Academy
  • Louise Lott Whitner, Middleburg, VA, Thomas Sprigg Wootton High School
  • Kayla Wolfe, Burke, VA, Bishop Ireton High School
  • Kendall Youngblood, Great Falls, VA, Connelly School of the Holy Child

New youth ambassador Ana Bertozzi has served as a member of the junior committee for four years and brings experience, passion, and energy to the top spot. She will serve as the organization’s youth spokesperson and chair the WIHS Junior Committee, which initiates and works on volunteer activities, horse-related youth programs and community-focused educational events, such as WIHS Kids’ Day, Barn Night, Military Night and Breakfast with the Mounted Police.

Bertozzi is a rising senior at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, Va. and this year will graduate from the Monroe Technology Center, where she studied Veterinary Science. Bertozzi is involved in Peers and Students Taking Action (P.A.S.T.A), Future Educators of America, and Future Farmers of America. She is an active competitor, showing in equitation with her horse, Tropic Star, an imposing 18-hand Dutch Warmblood, and in the medium junior jumpers with Peter Lesnik’s Bengt. When she is not at shows, Bertozzi loves travel, photography, and reading.

“I have been fortunate enough to be on the committee for four years, and this year I am looking forward to being the junior ambassador for the largest committee yet! I hope to strengthen the junior committee’s role within the community by further expanding community service programs such as the Sprout Therapeutic Riding Tour that I’ve worked closely with the last two years,” said Bertozzi.

The 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show will take place Oct. 23-28, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.  Tickets will be available Aug. 1 on Ticketmaster.com and at Capital One Arena Box Office.

For more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

About Signature Academics

Signature Academics offers a full range of educational services to support today’s student-athletes. From Wellington and Ocala, Florida, through Devon and Indoors, Signature Academics provides year-round subject tutoring; standardized test preparation; custom, seasonal, accredited school; and college counseling to students in middle school through college. By combining academic excellence and a full understanding of the equestrian world and its challenges, the team at Signature Academics is uniquely qualified to help equestrian student-athletes excel in everything they do. For more information, visit signatureacademics.com.