FAQ

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive and entertaining equestrian events with competition for international, professional, amateur, junior and child riders.

Highlights include the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, plus popular community and charity events, like WIHS Kids’ Day and Barn Night.

WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.

For more information, visit wihs.org.

The 65th WIHS will be held Monday-Sunday, October 23-29, 2023, at The Show Place Arena at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, located at 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

The schedule will offer seven days and three premier nights of top hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, as well as exciting exhibitions and entertainment. 

Tickets are on sale on Ticketmaster.com for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Daytime admission is free every day Monday through Sunday, Oct 23-29.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Tickets are not required for daytime competition, Monday through Sunday. For more ticket information, visit WIHS Tickets.  

Yes, accessible seating is available and may be ordered online when tickets go on sale.

There is no cost for on-site parking at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center.

There are several ticket/meal packages available for evening sessions as well as VIP tables available for purchase for the full week of the show. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com. VIP tables are available by emailing info@wihs.org. 

The Show Place Arena also offers concessions for the purchase of food and beverage.

This year, WIHS has an exciting and expanded selection of food trucks available throughout the week. 

For more information on tickets and VIP tables, email info@wihs.org.    

Join WIHS for special events at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Parking is free for all events.

Kids’ Day: Free Event, Saturday, October 28, 10am-2pm

Designed especially with kids in mind, WIHS Kids’ Day offers everything from pony rides, face painting, and a horseless horse show, to fun, educational hands-on activities for children and families to learn more about the wonderful world of horses.

Barn Night: Thursday, October 26

Full of fun with contests and prizes, WIHS Barn Night brings groups from local barns and organizations together for an evening of great competition, exciting exhibitions, and fun. Group ticket prices available.

Military Night: Friday, October 27

 A special night recognizing the service and sacrifice of the U.S Armed Forces. The centerpiece of the evening is a competition with a special American Flag jump, if cleared raised funds to support the mission of Tragedy Assistance program for Survivors (TAPS), a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. 

Pets are not permitted in The Show Place Arena, but leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds. Service dogs are permitted in all areas.

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor is the WIHS Official Hotel. The Gaylord is offering discounted rooms for WIHS exhibitors using this link.

The WIHS Hospitality Campus is located at National Harbor, situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River, just minutes from the nation’s capital. Featuring 350 acres of waterfront resort space, National Harbor is home to 160 stores, 40 restaurants, 8 hotels, the iconic Capital Wheel and the best sunsets in the D.C. area. It’s approx. 22 miles from the show grounds.

National Harbor hosts many other other hotels with various pet-friendly options. 

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Washington International Horse Show. Please click here to book your flights, using the Meeting Event Code NY372. 

You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY372 
*Please note there is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the Delta reservation 800 number.

Discounts are available to DCA, BWI, IAD, and RIC airports for travel to and from WIHS. 

 

The WIHS Prize List is now available online at https://wihs.org/prizelist/

Entries will close Tuesday, September 5, and are accepted online only on  http://showmanagementsystem.com. Invitations will be issued for the WIHS Equitation and Pony Equitation Finals riders.

The competition area at The Show Place Arena is 120’ x 240’.
 
Compare competition arena dimensions to other shows in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League:
  • Las Vegas National: 125’ x 250’
  • National Horse Show: 132’ x 260’
  • The Royal Winter Fair: 112’ x 250’
  • Fort Worth International: 125’ x 250’


For reference, the competition area at Capital One Arena was: 85’ x 244’

Jumper courses are designed by Bernardo Cabral.

Hunter courses are designed by Paul Jewell.

Information on how to book stabling and order feed will be sent with show acceptance email. Stalls are guaranteed for WIHS competing horses.

WIHS is delighted to welcome vendors to The Show Place Arena and offer expanded amenities for 2023. Best of all, you’ll reach thousands of potential customers during the important pre-holiday selling season when people are looking for great gift ideas.

Indoor and outdoor boutique spaces are available. Additional opportunities are available to further connect with show exhibitors and spectators. For more information, email evan@wihs.org.

ADDITIONAL SELLING OPPORTUNITY! Vendor space is available for the popular WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship October 19-22, 2023, in Upperville, VA — a perfect opportunity to reach the strong Virginia equestrian market. For more information and rates, visit https://wihs.org/vendors/ or contact Evan Phinney at info@wihs.org.

Our sponsors are critical to continuing the WIHS mission of educating and entertaining the community through equestrian sport.

As one of the premier equestrian events in the country, WIHS offers partners a unique opportunity to connect and engage with dedicated exhibitors and passionate fans worldwide, with custom-tailored sponsorship solutions to fit each partner’s goals and budget. Learn more at https://wihs.org/sponsorship-opportunities/

For corporate, personal, and special sponsorship opportunities, contact Mary Helen Shaughnessy, Executive Director, at maryhelen@wihs.org or 202-525-3679.

VIP Tables

VIP tables are available on WIHS’ custom built two-tiered VIP Club with open views to the arena. The VIP Club is fully catered daily, with breakfast and lunch offered Monday through Sunday, and dinner and open bar Thursday through Saturday evenings. Tables seating eight (8) guests are available as part of sponsorships and are largely tax deductible.

When is the Media Center open? Who is the Media Chief?

The WIHS Media Center will be open Sunday, Oct 22 – Sunday, Oct 29. Daily hours will be posted in August. Working press are welcome to use the media room.  

The Media Chief is Jennifer Wood, Jump Media LLC. She can be reached at jwood@jumpmediallc.com.

How do I apply for a media credential?

To be eligible for a press credential, journalists and photographers must meet the following criteria: 

  1. Be associated with or on assignment for a recognized publication, news service, website, radio or television station;
  2. Submit a letter of assignment or email from the assigning editor or publisher, with the request for press credentials; and
  3. Submit a copy of your published article or photograph, published within the last year.

Editors assigning more than one photographer are asked to designate ONE primary photographer.

When the application process opens, press credentials must be requested using a form, which will be provided below. Those approved for credentials will be contacted by the media office.

What is the policy for private photographers?

Applications for private photographer credentials will be available in the summer.

Is press seating available?

Yes, check designated location in media center during show.

When will  press conferences be held? Are they streamed?

Currently, two press conferences are scheduled for Saturday night to be held following each of these classes: WIHS Equitation Finals, and Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington. Additional press conferences may be added to schedule.    

Press conferences will be streamed on Facebook Live.

For Exhibitors

For questions regarding applications, entries, and qualifying, please email wihssecretary@wihs.org.

For Tickets, Sponsorship, and All Other Questions

Please email info@wihs.org.

Check back regularly for updates, and please follow WIHS on social media for the latest news. Thank you!

ABOUT WIHS

WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition, and holds the highest rating,  CSI5*-W, awarded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, as well as a US Equestrian 6* Jumpers and  Premier Hunters. It is recognized by the US Hunter Jumper Association, Maryland Horse Show Association, and Virginia Horse Show Association. WIHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.