Washington International Horse Show Caters to Local Competitors

The Washington International Horse Show concluded today with the WIHS Local Hunter Finals. Points scored in today’s classes were added to points accumulated during the WIHS Local Weekend at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Local Weekend was held on October 21-23, 2005. Today riders completed one final round over fences to wrap up the cumulative competition.

Small, Medium, and Large ponies competed in one class today, with Small Ponies jumping fences 2 feet in height, and Medium and Large ponies jumping fences standing at 2’6’’. Twelve small ponies contended first, and eight medium and large ponies followed after the fence heights were raised.

The Local Pony Champion today at WIHS went to Woodland’s Berry Hazy and Anna Lowery. The pair earned high ribbons during Local Weekend, which added to their fifth place finish in today’s over fences class. Fourteen year old Lowery rides with Becky Dye of Fredericksburg, VA, at a farm called Shenandale. Lowery and her nine year old grey mare reside in Spotsylvania, VA, and attend River Bend High School.

“My pony was really good about the indoor ring here,” commented Lowery on her ride at the MCI Center. Her trainer added, “We prepared for this show by going to Local Weekend. It was really beneficial for us because the simulation is just incredible. You can go show there and get experience in the indoor ring, and that really contributes to a good performance here.”

The top pony in today’s class was Busybody Nora, piloted by Rachel Brodsky of Adamstown, MD. After winning a blue today, the duo finished with the WIHS Local Hunter Pony Finals reserve champion.

The Local Hunter Horse championship was presented to Tenerife and Elizabeth Gilaberti. Gilaberti and her five year old bay gelding won today’s over fences class and earned top ribbons during the show last weekend. Gilaberti, who trains with Miranda Scott, lives in the District of Columbia and rides at Meadowbrook Stables in Chevy Chase, MD. “Our focus for today,” reported Scott, “was just to stay cool. She did just that and rode great!”Reserve champion was awarded to Lizzie Nelson and her mount Didji Dupoulic. Nelson resides in the District of Columbia and trains with Jenny Graham. She is a senior at The Madiera School in Virginia.

The Tack Box, Inc. of Middleburg, Virginia, proudly sponsored the WIHS Local Weekend and today’s Local Hunter Finals. During the show, riders and spectators enjoyed activities at the WIHS especially created for local exhibitors.

On Thursday, October 27, riders and fans filled the MCI Center stands for Barn Night, where Gaithersburg Equipment Company highlighted the event by giving away a Kawasaki Mule. Enthusiastic barn groups contributed to a thrilling evening as screams of joy welcomed Bucky, the WIHS mascot, into the arena for a viewing of the highly sought after Mule. Their spirit created a great ambience for the night’s activities.

All in all, the 2005 Washington International Horse Show was a huge success. Next year promises to be even bigger and better. The show drew to a close today, but the memories of victory at the country’s premier indoor equestrian event will live on in history.

For more information on the 2005 Washington International Horse Show, please visit their website at www.wihs.org.

For full results, please visit www.ryegate.com.