Washington International Horse Show General Information

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) has been one of the world's top championship horse shows since 1958. Originally based at the Washington D.C. Armory, it moved to the U.S. Air Arena in Prince George’s County in 1975. Since 2000, it has been in its present location at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Each October, the WIHS brings the "country to the city" with local streets adjacent to the Verizon Center turned over to stabling and exercise areas for the finest horses and riders in the country.

Riders of all ages – from children as young as six riding ponies to mature riders in their 40’s and 50’s on powerful jumpers and dressage horses – compete throughout the year and throughout the country to qualify to ride at Washington.

Thursday evening’s “Barn Night” is a favorite with local young riders, who attend in groups and vie for prizes based on best group spirit, best essay, largest group, etc. Groups also walk the course with grand prix riders prior to the Gambler’s Choice show jumping competition.

On Saturday afternoon, children can get up close and personal with their four-footed friends in the Pony Pavilion where they can pet and ride ponies, learn how to groom, listen to pony heartbeats and much more.

The show offers a special opportunity for amateur riders living within 100 miles of Washington D.C. who otherwise may not be able to compete at this top event. Local children and adult amateur hunter riders may compete in a qualifying event October 21-22 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The top finishers will compete in the WIHS Local Hunter Finals at the Verizon Center on Sunday.

The Washington International Horse Show also is a great place to shop. More than 60 vendors set up booths on the arena concourse with jewelry, crafts, saddlery and unique items. In addition, visitors may bid on one-of-a-kind items in the silent auction, including vacations, art, wine, equestrian items and sports tickets. For information about this year's specialty vendors, visit www.wihs.org.

The WIHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which has benefited many local and national groups, including the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, NBC4’s Camp 4 Kids, Canine Companions for Independence, ASPCA, Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health, Partners in Education, Community Services for Autistic Adults & Children, National Center For Therapeutic Riding, Starlight-Starbright Foundation, etc.

Tickets and Schedule (as of 4/19/06) Tickets - www.ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-SEAT

Performance Day Evening Evening VIP**

• Tuesday $15 $20 $40
• Wednesday $15 $20 $40
• Thursday $15 $30* $45*
• Friday $15 $35 $60
• Saturday $20 $35 $60
• Sunday $15 --- ---
• *Barn Night Groups (10 or more) receive $5 off each ticket on Thursday night.
• **VIP seats include premium arena-level seating and a complimentary WIHS program book ($10 value).

Horse Show Office: 16063 Comprint Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, (301) 987-9400, Fax: (301) 987-9461, website: www.wihs.org, Executive Director: Susan Webb, Susie@wihs.org

Public Relations: Diana De Rosa, Press Link: (631) 773-6155, Cell: (516) 848-4867, dderosa1@optonline.net, website: www.presslinkpr.com

Media: Phelps Media Group/Mason Phelps, Jr. (561) 753-3389, mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com. Press releases and photos are available at http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com For accreditation, visit http://www.wihs.org/news/media.cfm and complete a media accreditation form.