Category Archives: Washington Int’l Horse Show

Chester Weber Thrills Crowds with Combined Driving Demonstration and Autograph Sessions at Washington International Horse Show

Chester Weber recently shared his passion for driving with thousands of enthusiastic spectators at the Washington International Horse Show. (Photo © Diana De Rosa Photography)

Washington, D.C. (November 4, 2010) – Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, recently shared his passion for driving with thousands of enthusiastic spectators at the Washington International Horse Show. In addition to the driving demonstrations, Weber also autographed posters and signed copies of the book, For the Love of the Horse, Volume III, which features a story about his highly decorated equine teammate Jamaica.

Weber, who helped the U.S. Combined Driving team clinch the Silver Medal at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, said the driving demonstrations at the Washington International Horse Show went extremely well. “The show always draws large crowds and it’s always a great experience for me when I get to introduce new people to the sport of combined driving,” Weber said.

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2010 Washington International Horse Show Wrap-up: October 26-31, 2010

Washington, D.C. – November 3, 2010 – The 52nd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) hosted the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. over six days of competition, and the WIHS thanks all of the sponsors, employees, exhibitors, volunteers, and spectators for making this year’s show an incredible success.

“The WIHS was a success,” said horse show manager Robert Ridland. “We felt, and it seems to backed up by input from riders, that it was run very smoothly in terms of the unusual logistical problems it has inherently. It’s a unique challenge, and we don’t want it to disappear. We are happy to go through what it takes to keep this show going. We have the support of many riders who come to this show because they feel the same way.”

Show manager David Distler agreed, “I was happy with the way everything went. There was a lot going on at the same time in the city, with the The Daily Show and President Obama next door, to the rally, and the marathon all in the same week. A lot of issues could have been very difficult, but we overcame them in large part because we have a great staff.”

Continue reading 2010 Washington International Horse Show Wrap-up: October 26-31, 2010

Victory in The Boeing Company $25k Puissance Goes to Pablo Barrios at 52nd WIHS

Pablo Barrios and G&C Blanchee Z clear the Boeing wall. Photo © Diana DeRosa

Farrington and Pessoa Win International Open Jumper Classes; Polle and Weinberg Top Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers

Washington, D.C. – October 29, 2010 – The $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company is always one of the most anticipated classes of the year at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). This year was no different as Pablo Barrios (VEN) and G&C Blanchee Z, owned by G&C Farm/Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal, cleared a height of 6’1” for victory. In the $30,000 International Open Jumper 1.50m faults converted class, Kent Farrington (USA) and Up Chiqui raced to the win. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) scored his third win of the week in the $15,000 International Open Jumper 1.40m faults converted class with Palouchin de Ligny. Karen Polle on What Ever and Tracey Weinberg with Larone were victorious in the Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper classes this afternoon.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. The highlight class of the week is the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30.

Continue reading Victory in The Boeing Company $25k Puissance Goes to Pablo Barrios at 52nd WIHS

McLain Ward and Sapphire Triumph in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix at 52nd WIHS

Ward and Sapphire clear the final oxer. Photos © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Thirteen-Year-Old Lillie Keenan Victorious in WIHS Equitation Finals

Washington, D.C. – October 30, 2010 – Tonight’s $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3* was an exciting example of the sport of show jumping and a qualifier for the FEI World Cup Finals in April. Two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, and Sapphire, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, came away with the win in the highlight class of the 52nd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). Earlier in the evening, 13-year-old Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, won the WIHS Equitation Finals.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.

Sapphire and Ward repeated the success that they had in 2008 in the grand prix at the WIHS when they were the fastest clear round in a jump-off of seven. There were 24 entries in tonight’s grand prix class, which was designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC.

Continue reading McLain Ward and Sapphire Triumph in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix at 52nd WIHS

Francesca and Maggie Jayne Named Grand Hunter Champions at the 52nd WIHS

Francesca and Maggie Jayne. All photos © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Kelley Farmer Awarded Leading Hunter Rider Honors, Bolero and Arani Win Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

Washington, D.C. – October 27, 2010 – The 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show continued hunter competition for professional and amateur riders today, and a multitude of championship coolers, shining trophies, and fluttering ribbons were awarded. Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL, rode Francesca for Pony Lane Farm to the Grand Hunter Championship. Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, was named the Leading Hunter Rider. Stacy Arani of Dover, MA, and Bolero picked up the Grand Amateur-Owner Championship, and Arani was named the Leading Amateur-Owner Rider.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31. The highlight classes of the week are the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company on Friday, October 29, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30.

Continue reading Francesca and Maggie Jayne Named Grand Hunter Champions at the 52nd WIHS

Rodrigo Pessoa Wins Both International Open Jumper Classes at the 52nd WIHS

HH Ashley and Rodrigo Pessoa. Photo © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Glover and Boggio Victorious in Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumpers

Washington, D.C. – October 28, 2010 – The fans at the 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) had a full day of exciting jumper competition to watch today. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Ashley, owned by Double H Farm, won the opening international jumper class, which offered $30,000 in prize money. Pessoa returned in the $20,000 Gambler’s Choice sponsored by Louisburg Farm and Beth Johnson to win with Palouchin de Ligny. Kristin Glover and The Boy Wonder topped the opening class for the Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and Chase Boggio guided Hennessey to victory in the Junior Jumpers.

The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31 with the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. The highlight classes of the week are the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company on Friday, October 29, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30. This week’s jumper course designer is Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC.

Continue reading Rodrigo Pessoa Wins Both International Open Jumper Classes at the 52nd WIHS

Sarah Ward Wins $2,000 A/O Handy Hunter Class Despite Torn ACL & Meniscus at WIHS

ATLANTA, GA – October 29, 2010 — Despite riding with a torn ACL and meniscus and year-long effort to earn a place to compete at the 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show in DC, the payoff was big for Sarah Ward of Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.  The 20 year old equestrian, who trains with Jack Towell and Liza Boyd of Finally Farm in SC, piloted her gelding Onassis to the victory in the $2,000 Amateur Owner Handy Hunter Stake (35 and under) putting in a flawless round against 23 other top riders; the pair also placed 7th in the 3,000 A/O Hunter Stakes during the competition.  The University of South Carolina sophomore will now have surgery on her right knee to be performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Xerogeanes, head of the Emory Sports Medicine Center in Atlanta, GA.

By Sydney Masters-Durieux

The 52nd Washington International Horse Show Begins Competition with Hunters

Movado and Bailey Boyland. All photos © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Boyland and Weseley Capture Top Prizes in $10,000 Children’s and Adult Hunter Championships

Washington, D.C. – October 26, 2010 – The 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show began today with hunter competition for professional and amateur riders, who had the first classes of their divisions and finish for championships tomorrow. In the evening session, children’s and adult hunter riders reigned the ring.

Movado and Bailey Boyland won the $10,000 Children’s Hunter Championship, while Phoebe Weseley on Just Ask Me took the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Adult Hunter Championship. The WIHS continues through Sunday, October 31. The highlight classes of the week are the $25,000 Puissance sponsored by The Boeing Company on Friday, October 29, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Washington Convention and Sports Authority, CSI 3*-W on Saturday, October 30.

Continue reading The 52nd Washington International Horse Show Begins Competition with Hunters