Media Accreditation Now Open for 2015 Washington International Horse Show

September 25, 2015 - Washington, DC

The 57th Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to extend invitations to media for accreditation for its annual competition taking place October 20-25, 2015, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

To apply for media accreditation, please click link below and complete the form.
http://www.wihs.org/media-credentials/

57th Annual Washington International Horse Show

WHAT: The Washington International Horse Show, one of the most prestigious equestrian sporting events in North America, offers a show experience like no other – six days of top competition, more than 26,000 enthusiastic spectators, 500 of the best horses and riders in the world in the world, including Olympic veterans and rising young stars of equestrian sport, plus great dining, shopping and entertainment, all in the heart of our nation’s capital city, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 20 – Sunday, October 25, 2015

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

WIHS Hunter Championships, Tuesday, October 20
WIHS Jumper Championships; $10,000 International Jumper speed class, Wednesday, October 21
$35,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake; $20,000 International Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, presented by Winter Equestrian Festival, Thursday, October 22
$50,000 International Jumper Speed Final; The Boeing Company $25,000 International Jumper Puissance (high jump), Friday, October 23
$125,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup
WIHS Equitation Finals, Saturday, October 24

Complete competition schedule is available at http://www.wihs.org/schedule/

WHERE: Verizon Center, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

SPECIAL EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY
Along with world-class competition, WIHS offers entertaining exhibitions and community activities, as well as the WIHS Silent Auction, presented by Valencia Sport Saddlery, and fabulous shopping in more than 50 specialty boutiques.

SPECIAL NIGHTS
Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, Thursday, October 22: A youth-oriented evening and a favorite with young horse lovers who attend in groups and have a chance to enter group contests and win prizes.

Military Night, presented by The Boeing Company, Friday, October 23: With competition and exhibitions honoring the U.S. Armed Forces.

President’s Cup Night, Saturday, October 24: Featuring the biggest, most challenging competition of the week, the $125,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup. The winning rider’s name is engraved on the President of the United States Perpetual Cup, given to the show in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

WIHS Kids' Day, sponsored in part by Animal Planet and EQUUS Foundation, Saturday, October 24 from 10 am-2 pm: More than 1,000 local children and families attend this free, fun and educational event.

EXHIBITIONS
WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase racing, presented by Charles Owen, adorable and hilarious, Thursday and Saturday night
High-speed Army vs. Navy Celebrity Barrel Racing, presented by Washington Area Chevy Dealers, Friday night
Elegant freestyle dressage performed by Allison Brock, Saturday night

SPECIAL AWARDS
Laura Pickett Award for Excellence in Horsemanship, Thursday night
Klinger Award for Service, named for Klinger, a special horse with the 3rd United States Infantry "The Old Guard" Caisson Platoon, Friday night
Induction of Rodney Jenkins into the WIHS Hall of Fame, Saturday night

HOSPITALITY
VIP ringside dining is available on two specially built platforms overlooking the arena and in the sky-box level Acela Club, both offering excellent food and wonderful views of action in the ring. Visit http://www.wihs.org/dining-packages/ for details.

CHARITY PARTNERS
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Capital Breast Care Center, United States Equestrian Team Foundation, Teach For America, Washington Humane Society, Cherry Blossom Festival, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding and Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: For those interested in covering any of the events, credential applications can be found at http://www.wihs.org/media-credentials/.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Please use hashtag: #WIHS2015 if you plan to write about WIHS on your outlet’s social media channels.

NEED TO KNOW
Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com. Call 202-661-5061 for group sales.

The 2015 WIHS Press Kit will be available in the press room during the horse show.

All members of the media must enter through the Verizon Center Press Entrance.

PRESS ENTRANCE: The Press Entrance is located on 6th Street between F and G Streets, directly across from the G Street intersection (between the parking garage ramp and the loading dock ramp). The Press Entrance is a glass door with signs above and on the doors labeled ‘Press Entrance.’ (Please do not go to the Stabling Office trailer, which is located in the same general area, for press information.)

Hours: The press entrance is open at the same time the building is open to the public for the horse show, which is about 15 minutes prior to the start time of the morning show, approximately 6:45 am. The press entrance remains open all day and through the end of the evening performance.

Early Morning Access: If you need access to the arena for interviews before the press entrance opens, contact Lindsay Brock or Nara de Sá Guimarães the day before to make arrangements. (Again, please do not go to the Stabling Office trailer looking for press information.)

WIRELESS: The press room will provide wireless access to the Internet.

RESULTS / ORDERS of GO / COURSES: Results will be available in the press room and online at wihs.showmanagementsystem.com. Orders of go and courses for major classes will also be available.

PHOTOGRAPHS: A selection of daily show photographs will be available for your use. For specific photo requests, complete the Photo Request Form.

For pre-event stories, information, or photographs, contact Lindsay Brock at Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com.

Please check-in at the press office daily for updates, results, press conference schedules, and more!

Thank you for your interest in the 2015 WIHS, and we look forward to seeing you there!

MEDIA STAFF

Equestrian Media/Press Room
Jump Media
Lindsay Brock
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com
Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Local Media/Marketing
Nara de Sá Guimarães
Marketing and Communications Director
nara@wihs.org

Digital Media/Publications
Linda Macklin
linda@wihs.org

Washington International Horse Show
3299 K Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20007
202-525-3679, Fax 202-525-3686

About WIHS, www.wihs.org

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the $125,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids' Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.