The WIHS Junior Committee & Youth Ambassadors Program was created in 2009 to offer Washington, D.C. area teens interested in horses and event production the opportunity to be a part of the inner workings of the Washington International Horse Show.
Through an application process, high schoolers from public, charter and private schools in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., are selected to join this innovative program.
During the summer and fall, working with WIHS staff, JC members develop ideas from the youth perspective for the show, learn new skills, and are involved in equine-related volunteer activities, such as helping at therapeutic riding centers such as Promise Landing Farm and Sprout Center.
During show week, members assist with autograph signings, social media takeovers, photography, WIHS Barn Night, community events and other operational activities.
Three members of the WIHS Junior Committee hold leadership roles as Youth Ambassadors, leading a subcommittee.
The Junior Committee will be divided into three subcommittees, each led by a Youth Ambassador. The subcommittees are Marketing & Communications, Event Operations & Engagement, and Community & Fan Development. Â
Three Youth Ambassadors will jointly chair the Junior Committee and lead an assigned subcommittee. Responsibilities will include preparing meeting agendas, creating talking points, and guiding Junior Committee members in fulfilling their tasks.Â
The 2026 program will run from June 1, 2026 to November 1, 2026.
Applications for the 2026 Junior Committee are now closed.
Mandatory Dates:Â
Â
Attendance Policy & Work
Attendance is required at all mandatory meetings and events. Members will earn points based on attendance and engagement, which will be considered when assigning show week responsibilities. Those unable to attend mandatory events must inform their subcommittee leader and WIHS staff in advance.Â
Junior Committee members will be assigned work each month. Members are expected to complete assignments and attend all mandatory Zoom meetings where assignments will be discussed. Â
Maret School
Class of 2027
Arundel High School
Class of 2027
Elizabeth Seton High School
Class of 2028
Clarksburg High School
Class of 2027
St. Johns High School
Class of 2028
Winston Churchill High
Class of 2029
Potomac School
Class of 2029
Maret School
Class of 2027
Bishop Ireton
Class of 2029
St. Mary’s Ryken
Class of 2030
Clarksburg High School
Class of 2029
Poolesville High School
Class of 2027
Montgomery Blair High School
Class of 2027
Montgomery Blair High School
Class of 2027
Westminster High School
Class of 2027
Bishop O’Connell High School
Class of 2029
Classical Conversations
Class of 2028
Winston Churchill High
Class of 2029
Thomas Edison High School
Class of 2029
Walter Johnson High School
Class of 2028
Maret School
Class of 2030
Bishop Ireton High School
Class of 2029
The Potomac School
Class of 2027
Stone Ridge School of Sacred Heart
Class of 2027
Bryn Mawr School
Class of 2028
Huntingtown High School
Class of 2028
Roland Park Country School
Class of 2028
Acellus Academy
Class of 2027
Hayfield Secondary School
Class of 2028
National Cathedral School
Class of 2029
Visitation Preparatory School
Class of 2029
McDonugh School
Class of 2029
Atholton High School
Class of 2029
