Olympic Riders, World-Class Equine Competing At International Horse Show In Prince George's

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Some of the world's top equestrian athletes, including Olympic medalists and international show jumping champions, will compete in Prince George's County next week when the 68th annual Washington International Horse Show returns to Upper Marlboro.

The Washington International Horse Show, presented by MARS Equestrian, will be held Oct. 19-25 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George's Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave.

This marks the fifth consecutive year the prestigious competition has been held in Prince George's County.

The seven-day event will bring riders from around the world to compete in hunter, jumper and equitation events, with nearly $1 million in prize money available.

Among those scheduled to compete are world No. 2 show jumpers Kent Farrington of the United States, American Olympic medalists Laura Kraut and McLain Ward, Brazilian Olympic medalist Rodrigo Pessoa and Olympians Shane Sweetnam of Ireland, Nina Mallevaey of France, Daniel Bluman of Israel and Daniel Coyle of Ireland.

Nine countries are expected to be represented in the international jumper division, according to an Oct. 14 announcement from show organizers.

"WIHS celebrates equestrian sport from the highest level of jumping to the youngest competitors on small ponies, and this year's lineup reflects extraordinary talent and dedication," said Vicki Lowell, president of the Washington International Horse Show.

Lowell said the Prince George's Equestrian Center provides an ideal location for bringing together international competitors and horse enthusiasts. The show, which began in 1958, serves as a qualifying event for the FEI Jumping World Cup and features some of the sport's highest-rated international competitions.

This year's schedule includes several additions intended to give younger riders and developing horses more opportunities to compete.

"We’ve made several exciting changes to our program this year for both riders and show fans," Lowell said. "The FEI CSI2* will provide opportunities for younger and developing horses and riders to gain competition experience indoors in a world class setting. We are also supplementing our Green Hunter Division with a 3’3” section, and as previously announced, we are delighted to add the WIHS Pony Jumper Championship for young riders."

The new competitions include a $50,000 CSI2* Ambassador's Cup Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon and the inaugural WIHS Pony Jumper Championships on Friday evening.

One of the week's biggest events will take place Oct. 24 when riders compete in the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington for the President's Cup.

The competition begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. and features top international riders navigating a course of challenging jumps. The evening also includes the final phase of the WIHS Equitation Finals, which showcases talented junior riders.

The horse show also features activities for families and spectators who may be attending their first equestrian competition. Opening night on Oct. 22 will honor military personnel, veterans, first responders and teachers. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and features two $63,000 jumping competitions.

Oct. 23 is MARS Barn Night featuring horse-and-rider costume competitions, the new Pony Jumper Championships and the popular Shetland Pony Steeplechase.

Families also can attend WIHS Kids' Day on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event includes pony rides, face painting, crafts, a pony kissing booth and other activities designed to introduce children to horses. Following Kids' Day, the $50,000 Ambassador's Cup Grand Prix begins at 1 p.m.

Saturday evening's World Cup competition is the show's premier event.