There’s So Much To See, Do, And Love At The 2019 Washington International Horse Show
October 14, 2019 - Washington, DC
Photo by Rex Reed
A roster of special events, family-friendly activities, and charitable opportunities have been finalized for 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.
Check out what’s coming up at WIHS:
Opening Day
Opening day of WIHS will welcome hunter riders to center stage on Tuesday, October 22, and feature Hunt Night, presented by Buckeye Nutrition™. Highlighting the evening, Louise Bowling Steinfort and Evan Crierie will take a step back in time, showcasing style and elegance with a ladies’ side-saddle over fences demonstration at 7pm.
Exhibitions
Army-Navy-Air Force Pro-Am Barrel Racing, presented by Pedigree® and Buckeye™ Nutrition
Friday, October 25 | 7pm
Get set to root for your favorite team on Military Night during Pro-Am Barrel Racing. In this competition, Army, Navy, and Air Force riders will team up with show jumping riders and face off around a barrel course. A WIHS favorite, Barrel Racing returns for the first time since 2016.
James Koford and Adiah HP Musical Freestyle Dressage Exhibition
Saturday, October 26 | 7pm
Rider and horse become one in lyrical motion across the arena. WIHS welcomes dressage rider James Koford, from West Salem, NC, on Adiah HP, a Fresian Dutch Warmblood cross. This mare has become a standout in the dressage ring due to her talent and colorful look. Last year, the pair won both the Grand Prix Open Championship as well as the Grand Prix Open Freestyle championship at the 2018 US Dressage Finals.
WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series Championship, presented by Charles Owen
Thursday, October 24 | 7pm & Saturday, October 26 | 6:45pm
And they're off! Pint-sized jockeys and Shetland Ponies will be lining up in the arena on Oct 24 and Oct 26, for the finale of the 2019 WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series Championship, presented by Charles Owen. The riders and their mounts are schooled and well prepared by US Pony Racing, the exhibition organizer.
Barn Night
One of the most popular nights at WIHS, Barn Night takes place Thursday, October 24, and welcomes local barns and horse enthusiasts of all ages for an evening of fun. The theme of Barn Night is “Halloween on Horseback” and will feature the crowd-favorite WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series Championship, presented by Charles Owen. With Halloween just around the corner, top show jumpers will compete in the $36,000 Accumulator Costume Class in costume! Barn Night is presented with the generous support of The Equiery, Charles Owen, United Metro Golf Cart, The Clothes Horse, BarnManager, Springtime, and US Equestrian.
Trick or Treat presented by Snickers®
Trick or Treat with us on the Capital One Arena concourse on Barn Night! Trick or Treat bags are available on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis for the first 500 people aged 19 and under to visit the Junior Committee Desk across from section 105/106.
Military Night
Thanks to not only its location, but also a rich heritage, WIHS has enjoyed a close relationship with the United States Military. In an effort to recognize that relationship, Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc. will return to WIHS on Friday, October 25. The evening will kick off with a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by Washington Capitals' National Anthem singer, Caleb Green. Caleb's a capella group, Voices of Service, was a finalist on this season of America's Got Talent!
During Military Night, The WIHS Honor and Service Award, presented by EQUUS Foundation, will find two new honorees along with an appearance by a mounted color guard. In addition, “Jump for TAPS”, supported by Ride TV and DISH, will take place during the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final to benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Official Military Charity of WIHS since 2010.
Kids Day
WIHS Kids' Day is a free, fun, family-friendly event created to share the joy of horses with the local D.C. community. WIHS Kids' Day 2019 will take place Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 2pm, (rain or shine) in front of the Hotel Monaco at 700 F Street NW and on the Capital One Arena concourse.Activities include pony rides, the Horseless Horse Show, coloring station, face painting, and pony brushing lessons, plus giveaways from Georgetown Cupcake. There's even a pony kissing booth with a mini donkey!
Horse Show for A Cause
WIHS Silent Auction
Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 26 | Capital One Arena Concourse & Online
The WIHS Silent Auction features more than 100 incredible items, experiences, and artwork. Proceeds will benefit the Washington, D.C. community and charities across the country.
Buck Breast Cancer
Barn Night | Thursday, October 24 | Doors open at 6:30pm
Celebrate the lives of survivors, friends and family. To benefit Georgetown University's Capital Breast Care Center. Let's buck breast cancer together!
Armed Forces Reception, presented by AmerisourceBergen & MWI Animal Health
Friday, October 25 | Doors open at 6:30pm
Join members of local military organizations to celebrate our nation's heroes. To benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the WIHS Military Charity since 2010.
President’s Cup Party
President's Cup Night | Saturday, October 26 | Doors open at 6:30pm
Join the WIHS Board of Directors and equestrian athletes to celebrate the horses and riders representing the U.S. in international competition. To benefit USET Foundation.
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 wihs.org/FreeTickets
For more information, please visit www.wihs.org, join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Tag us using #WIHS2019 #HorsesInTheCity, #FEIWorldCup, #JumpToGreatness, and #Longines.
