Washington, DC - October 1, 2003 -The WIHS will provide thrilling entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 23 - 25. Pyrotechnics and laser shows will light up the arena between equestrian competitions, and star performances and spectacular exhibitions will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

• Equine Extremist - Tommie Turvey - Tommie Turvey will keep audiences on the edge of their seats with his full-gallop trick riding stunts and jumping over fire. His hilarious "riding instructor" skit is an amazing exhibition of horse training. Tommie will perform Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 23 - 25.
• Christopher Reeve will accept a donation from the Washington International Horse Show on behalf of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, and he will speak to the spectators on Saturday evening, October 25.
• Dressage - Musical Freestyle Exhibitions - Cherri Reiber and Susan Dutta will perform intricate dressage tests - all to the rhythm of music! Dressage exhibitions take place Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 24 & 25.
• 'Challenge of Champions' Bull Riding Competition - Top-ranked professional bull riders compete Thursday and Friday evenings, Oct. 23 & 24 in a true challenge of skill and bravery.
• Star singers Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson will perform on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Nextel Terrier Races - always a crowd favorite. Watch these perky terriers as they race over hurdles in a pint-sized steeplechase. Performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and Saturday afternoon Oct. 23 - 25.
• The Flying Frenchmen - The Nassif brothers, performing for the first in the US, will show the horses how show jumps should be jumped. Performances Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 23 - 25.
• Ladies Barrel Racing - Top-ranked cowgirls from across the US will compete for $3,000 in prize money. Performances Thursday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 23 & 25.
• Barn Night - The annual Barn Night competition, sponsored by the Equiery and the Virginia Horse Journal, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23. Groups - barns, pony clubs, riding clubs, enthusiasts in general -
  compete for great prizes to be awarded to the largest group, the most enthusiastic group, and the best reason why a group should win. Prizes include a 10' chain harrow, new horse vacuum cleaner, tub of grooming supplies, a mystery grand prize, and other goodies. All Barn Night participants receive wristbands allowing them special access to the arena after the Nutraceutical Corporation Gambler's Choice competition to meet the riders, walk the course, get autographs, and have photos taken. Group tickets for the Barn Night Competition must be purchased through MCI Center Group Sales - 202-661-5061.
• Pony Pavilion - The WIHS will host an interactive Pony Pavilion on F Street outside the MCI Center on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1:00 - 4:30pm. FREE Pony rides for children 12 and under. Children can learn all about ponies and horses - how to groom, braid manes and tails, put on saddles and bridles, and more.

Take Metrobus or Metrorail to the Washington International Horse Show Oct. 21 - 26, 2003 at the MCI Center. A non-profit event benefiting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. For more information visit www.wihs.org.