Stars, Stripes, and Saddle Up for MARS Barn Night at WIHS

It's time to let your barn's stars shine! The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™ is rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet for MARS Barn Night on Friday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, this year's celebration is going all-American with patriotic costumes, spirited contests, fabulous prizes, and an action-packed evening of equestrian entertainment.

Gather your barn besties, round up your riding crew, and bring your best star-spangled spirit – it’s just two weeks away! Whether you're competing for prizes, cheering from the stands, or just horsing around with friends, this is one night you won't want to miss.

Big Jumps, Little Ponies, and Imaginative Costumes

The excitement isn't limited to the grandstands. MARS Barn Night delivers a spectacular lineup of competition and entertainment, including:

• NEW! WIHS Pony Jumper Championships presented by World Wide Technology: Some of the nation's top young riders and their talented ponies kick off the evening with a brand-new championship.
• WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship presented by Artemis Equestrian Farms: Small but mighty! Cheer on adorable Shetland ponies and their fearless junior jockeys as they race over mini-hurdles in a crowd-favorite showdown.
• $63,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class: Big jumps meet big imaginations as international riders and horses sport costumes while racing against the clock.
• International Jumper Rider Autograph Signing: Meet the international jumper riders face to face for photos and autographs!

Show Your Stars and Stripes To Win Big

Think your barn has what it takes? Bring your creativity, your team spirit, and your most patriotic attire to compete in the MARS Barn Night contests.

This year's contests include:

• Largest Group — Win the grand prize, a United Metro Golf Cart
• Best Star-Spangled Group Spirit and Mascot Contest
• Best Star-Spangled Poster Contest
• Best Star-Spangled Video
• Farthest Traveled Group

Participating groups have a chance to win incredible prizes, including a course design and riding clinic with course designer Kenny Krome, a barn photo shoot with Hannah Jones Photography, a Corro Big Bundle of Horse Care Products, Corro gift certificates, Breyer surprises, and a Grey Pony Designs custom dry-erase board.

Winners will be announced live in the ring, so bring your loudest cheers and get ready to celebrate!

Don't miss the deadline! Contest registration closes Friday, October 16.

Register Your Barn & Purchase Group Tickets

View the MARS Barn Night Packet for Contest Details & Rules

Get Your Tickets and Join the Fun
Friday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
The Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD

Buy MARS Barn Night Tickets

Explore Tickets for the Washington International Horse Show

Parking is FREE on the facility grounds, and all barn groups, families, friends, and horse lovers are welcome!

For Barn Night questions, contact lara@wihs.org.

A Star-Spangled Salute to Our Sponsors

Special thanks to MARS Equestrian™, United Metro Golf Cart, Hannah Jones Photography, Corro, Breyer, Grey Pony Designs, The In Gate, Kenny Krome, and Susan Schoellkopf for helping make MARS Barn Night an unforgettable celebration.

See you at MARS Barn Night! 🇺🇸