Washington International Horse Show Features Entertainment for the Entire Family

Washington, D.C.- October 29- The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) began on Tuesday, October 25 and continues through tomorrow, October 30, 2005. Along with the nation’s top horses and riders, this competition offers evening exhibitions, excellent shopping, and a variety of activities for the entire family.

Thursday, October 27, launched the traditional WIHS evening demonstrations with barrel racing, terrier races, and the new $10,000 Dressage Invitational Championship. Chip Ridgely and eight selected barrel racers entertained the crowd with their heart stopping speed and impressive cutting ability. These leading ladies of Western barrel racing zigged and zagged with acute accuracy and received screaming encouragement from the crowd.

On Friday, October 28, the country western theme continued when these lightening quick competitors returned for their second round of competition. The top four barrel racers were then matched up with four Show Jumpers who rode the western horses in an attempt to match the barrel racers’ scores. Todd Minikus, Aaron Vale, Harry Smolders, and Michael Whitaker took their chances in a race against the clock. Grand prix show jumper Aaron Vale and barrel racer Beth Borrowy earned the overall top placing for the competition.

The terrier races continued to highlight the WIHS competition during the last two evenings, and tonight these energetic, crowd-pleasing pups will compete in their final challenge at 7:55 p.m. These silly canines flip head over heals for an elusive foxtail and are always met with an enthusiastic crowd response.

Autograph signing was a big hit this year, with Kim Prince, Todd Minikus, and Molly Ashe signing on Thursday, and McLain Ward and Margie Engle participating during Friday evening’s activities. Dressage stars Ashley Holzer, Heather Blitz, and Cathy Morelli signed autographs both evenings and were met with a lengthy line of fans.

The Starlight Starbright Pony Pavilion entertained kids today with pony rides, face painting, free DreamWorks posters, and autograph signing with grand prix professional Schuyler Riley of New Hope, Connecticut. Halloween arts and crafts kept kids busy, and caricature artists created goofy portraits for fun keepsakes. Starlight Starbright, this year’s WIHS principal charity, is a non-profit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Proceeds raised during the Washington International Horse Show will go towards this special beneficiary.

Tonight’s $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, sponsored by Market Salamander, preceded country music star Tracy Byrd in concert. This highly acclaimed performer blasted the MCI Center with some of his best country music hits.

For more information on the Washington International Horse Show, please visit their official website at www.wihs.org.

Photo Credit: A Georgetown fan enjoys brushing a pony at the Starlight Starbright Pony Pavilion. Photo By: Jon Kassel