Legends and Future Stars of Horse Sport Converge at WIHS

Eliza Kimball and Available Ohio at WIHS 2018. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington D.C. – Household names in the show jumping industry will come together with tomorrow’s talent at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS EQUESTRIANTM, running from October 22 through 27, 2019 at Capital One Arena in the U.S. capital city of Washington, D.C.

Marking the culmination of a year’s worth of qualifying, hunter, jumper, and equitation riders will take center stage in the heart of the U.S. capital to chase WIHS glory. Sitting at the top of the qualified list, Sam Walker leads the charge for the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals, and top hunter riders including Scott Stewart, Liza Boyd, and John French will also make their way to Washington. The U.S. rider list is stacked with the likes of Olympians Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, and McLain Ward turning up for international competition.

Opening WIHS, High Performance Hunters and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championships highlight Tuesday’s Hunt Night evening, while the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championships take center stage on Wednesday evening. Special action kicks off on Thursday night, October 24, which is also Barn Night, with highlights that include the $50,000 International Jumper Welcome Class and one of the most popular classes, the $36,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class.

Friday night, October 25, is Military Night presented by Caterpillar, Inc., and celebrates the athleticism of the horse. The night starts with the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final, where it’s all about the fastest time, before the $25,000 Land Rover International Jumper Puissance tests just how high the horses can jump. Aaron Vale (USA) will look to win his fourth consecutive high-jump title, while all riders will have in mind to chase the indoor puissance record of 7 feet, 7 ½ inches, set by Anthony d’Ambrosio and Sweet ‘N Low at WIHS in 1983.

On Saturday, October 26, two of the most prestigious events of WIHS take place. First, the country’s best junior riders will vie for one of the most coveted year-end titles – the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals. Won by notable champions like McLain Ward (1993), Kent Farrington (1999), and Christine McCrea (1996), the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals will feature the next generation of show jumping stars.

As the evening continues on Saturday, the $136,300 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, presented by Events DC for the President’s Cup, offers sought-after qualifying points for the 2020 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals, held in April in Las Vegas, NV. Confirmed riders from all corners of the world include Olympic gold medalists, former President’s Cup winners, and eager challengers.

In addition, US Equestrian Chef d’Équipe Robert Ridland will be inducted into the WIHS Hall of Fame on Saturday night at WIHS. Ridland is a popular show manager and course designer, and has dedicated decades worth of time to the promotion of American horse sport.

WIHS concludes on Sunday, October 27, with the smallest and cutest stars of the show. Pony riders and their pint-sized mounts will compete for top honors in the WIHS pony hunter ranks, the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals, presented by Huntland, in addition to highlighting special local qualifiers for the WIHS Regional Championships.

WIHS Tickets

• Opening Day Special: Tues., October 22 only: All tickets are $2, day or evening
• Best Deal: Anytime ticket Package, all 11 sessions of the show with deep discount, adult, and children’s pricing
• Where to Buy: Ticketmaster.com, Capital One Arena box office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
• Daytime Tickets (general admission) Wednesday through Sunday, $15 (plus applicable service charge). Children 12 and under admitted free. Discounts for Military, Seniors, and Students.
• Evening Tickets: Preferred and Standard seating. Tickets start at $25 for selected nights. Discounts for Military, Seniors, and Students.
• Group Sales: Capital One Arena Group Sales at 202-661-5061 (min. group size 10)
• Complimentary Tickets: Community and service members, go to org/FreeTickets

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