Superstar Horses + Epic Entertainment = One Unforgettable WIHS!

Anticipation is growing for the 67th Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™, October 20-26, 2025, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. The must-see event will be packed with seven days and three nights of superstar horses, top-tier riders, exciting hunter, jumper, and equitation championships, entertaining exhibitions, and family fun.

New for 2025, the Maryland Sports Commission has been named the presenting sponsor of WIHS’s highlight event of the week, the prestigious $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup.

This year’s athlete lineup is shaping up to be stellar. World number one rider Kent Farrington — also a U.S. team silver medalist — and world number two Ben Maher — an Olympic individual and team gold medalist from Great Britain — along with 13 Olympians, are expected to compete at WIHS, and 13 countries will be represented in the international open division. The national hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions are jam-packed with well-known names who have qualified to come to WIHS from all across the country.

Do Not Miss Opening Night Honoring the U.S. MilitaryThursday, October 23

Dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Opening Night of WIHS kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, with the $63,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake and the $63,000 Stars and Stripes Speed Stake. Yes, that’s TWO chances to see your favorite equestrian athletes compete in one night!

In between classes, don’t miss the hilarious Racing Presidents, George and Abe, the mascots from the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team, who will go up against WIHS mascot, Major, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission mascot, Fun.

The course for the Speed Stake will include the Jump for TAPS, a stunning American flag-themed obstacle, and clear efforts will raise money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit organization providing care and resources for those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.

Everyone can use the code “USA25” at checkout for a 25% discount on tickets to Opening Night.

Military and first responders are encouraged to take advantage of a special offer, supported by ROKK Solutions and Plus PR, to receive 50% off tickets for Thursday’s Opening Night purchased at The Show Place Arena box office or select military box offices with an ID. This offer is open to U.S. Military active duty, reserve military and retirees, disabled veterans, and First Responders in law enforcement, paramedics (EMS/EMTs), and firefighters.

WIHS Goes Wild on MARS Barn Night
Friday, October 24

WIHS is the place to be for a night of fun on Friday, October 24, 2025, and features MARS Barn Night, presented by Walkenbach Equestrian. An elite lineup of riders will contest the $63,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class, presented by Turnham Green, in costumes. Last year had George Washington, Cruella deVille, and a Stanley tumbler vying for the win. After the winner is crowned, excitement continues with the WIHS Shetland Steeplechase Races and a performance by Sylvia Zerbini’s Grande Liberté, followed by an autograph session with the stars of the sport.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the $63,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class begins at 7:20 p.m.

All barns and horse-loving groups are invited to participate in MARS Barn Night and enter to win in five contest categories, along with a slew of exciting prizes! To enter, submit photos and videos, and purchase tickets, visit wihs.org/barn-night/.  Registration closes October 17, 2025, and a member of each group or barn must be present at WIHS to receive a prize.

Competition Peaks for the President’s Cup
Saturday, October 25

The $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, presented by the Maryland Sports Commission, takes center stage starting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Olympic-caliber horses and riders will vie for victory and the chance to compete at the 2026 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, TX, on April 8-12, 2026.

Two tickets to the thrilling 2026 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final will be given away to WIHS fans at the end of the night, so be sure to enter the contest when you arrive at the front entrance, then stick around to watch the winner accept their awards and lead the victory gallop.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the competitive WIHS Equitation Finals where the top 10 riders return for a work-off to decide the ultimate winner.

WIHS Kids’ Day, presented by Delta will offer pony rides and other activities for children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t miss a free demonstration of Sylvia Zerbini’s Grand Liberté with her 12 Arabian horses following Kids’ Day at 2:30 p.m. in the covered arena.

WIHS Highlights 2025 Maryland Horse Month

Be a part of the Fifth Annual Maryland Horse Month, which was noted by a proclamation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to celebrate the state’s robust equine industry and its positive impacts on the state, by attending the remaining events in October.

The events include:

● The 40th annual horse racing festival, the Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, hosts races and family-friendly fun at Laurel Park in Laurel, MD, on October 11, 2025.
● The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is one of only seven three-day event competitions around the world held at the five-star level. It runs from October 16-19, 2025, in Elkton, MD.
● The Washington International Horse Show returns for its 67th edition with premier hunter/jumper/equitation competition, family fun, and the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W, presented by Maryland Sports Commission, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD, from October 20-26, 2025.

October’s Maryland Horse Month began with The Capital Challenge Horse Show, which showcased hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, from September 24-October 5, 2025.

Experience the Excitement of the 2025 WIHS

With seven days of prestigious equestrian competition, including three nights of international show jumping, and a full schedule of family-friendly events, WIHS can’t be missed!

Daytime admission is free throughout the week. Parking is free at all times.