Founded in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is one of the most prestigious, competitive and exciting equestrian sporting events in North America. WIHS is an FEI World Cup Qualifier, and carries the top CSI5* rating.
Held annually in October, WIHS brings together the finest and most talented horses and riders from across the country and around the world for seven days of top jumper, hunter and equitation competition, equestrian entertainment, and community and charity events.
Equestrians, non-equestrians, celebrities, politicos, and children alike enjoy a variety of events from the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Washington for the President’s Cup, the Puissance (high jump), the WIHS Equitation Finals and the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, to Kids’ Day, a free fun educational event, Barn Night, Military Night, special exhibitions, boutique shopping and ringside hospitality.
The Washington International Horse Show Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.
In its early days, WIHS provided a showcase for the finest horses from many breeds and disciplines, including Nations Cup international show jumping, hunt teams, side saddle, and Saddlebred, Quarter Horse, Arabian, Morgan and other breed divisions, plus driving, dressage, barrel racing and lots more.
Over the years, the show has gradually focused more on its core disciplines of show jumping, hunters and equitation, and has sought to bring together the best riders, the most discerning judges and the most creative course designers in a forum to determine the best of the best.
Venues
WIHS’ history and traditions have grown from its strong roots in the Washington, DC, area. With the exception of 2020-2021, when WIHS found a safe base during the COVID pandemic at Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, it has been held at venues never more than 30 miles from the White House in Washington, DC.
WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and has been recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group since the designation was established. WIHS holds the prestigious five-star rating from the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body for equestrian sport.
ABOUT WIHS
