October 20, 2026 – Salem, VA
It was another successful year for 2026 WIHS Regional Horse Show, and USHJA Zone 3 Championship presented by The Peterson Fellows Family at the Salem Farm Showgrounds in Upperville, VA, on October 15-18. The annual event showcased local and regional riders and is the precursor to the 68th Annual Washington International Horse Show, presented by MARS Equestrian™, held October 19-25, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD.
WIHS Regional Horse Show Highlights
Grand Champion Green Hunter
Dreki HS
Owner: Hayden Snowdon
Rider: Katherine Schmidt Butler
Grand Champion Children’s Hunter
Fine Line
Owner: Lily Gumenick
Rider: Grace Fennell
Grand Champion Amateur Jumper and Recipient of the Papillon Peanut Perpetual Trophy Donated by Wendy Libert
Cooley Skyline
Owner/Rider: Allison Smith
Thoroughbred Jumper Champion
Red Hot Lion
Owner/Rider: Karen Basala
Presented by Kim Campbell of Aspire Equine LLC
Grand Champion Adult Amateur Hunter and Recipient of the Glyndon Memorial Trophy Donated by Patti and Bruce Schindler
Gulf Coast
Owner/Rider: Cindy Schmidt
Grand Champion Children’s Pony Hunter
Sherlock
Owner: Brittany Lee Purnell
Rider: Madelyn Bobenko
Grand Champion Pony Jumper
Fenway Looking Glass
Owner: Bethany Rolen
Rider: Brinleigh Gammill
MHSA Pony Hunt Seat Medal Winner
Carolina Bell and Speaking Terms
Photos by Erin Gilmore Photography
Kim Takes MHSA Gittings Horsemanship Finals
The MHSA Gittings Horsemanship Finals welcomed 20 entries to the ring, and it was Ann-Lilly Kim, 16, of Midlothian, VA, who was named the winner. Kim and Mr. Brownstone, owned by October Glory LLC, rose to the top following an over fences round, a flat phase, and test. The pair also took home the win in the THIS Children’s Medal class.
Kim trains with Fiona Turner at Level Green Riding School in Powhatan, VA, and has been riding Mr. Brownstone for a year.
“He is so much fun to ride and loves his job so much that he will watch the horses that go before him – almost like he’s already learning the course!” said Kim of the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. “My favorite part about my horse is his ability to make tight turns and make every distance to a jump look the same.”
Following the first jumping round, 12 riders were invited to the flat phase before the top four were called back for testing. Kim sat in third place before the test and made the move up to win.
“I thought my horse and I had a decent first round, but he was a little bit fresh because of the weather,” explained Kim. “Specifically, in the first course, I thought the end jump to the two stride was difficult because I had seen many people get seven, eight, and nine strides. Ultimately my horse and I ended up getting seven strides. My test was definitely my favorite part because I was able to show off Memphis’ ability to make tight turns smoothly.
Ann-Lilly Kim rode Mr. Brownstone to win the MHSA Gittings Medal Final in her first try.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
This was Kim’s first MHSA Gittings Horsemanship Finals, which was a goal she set for the year after attending the WIHS Regional Horse Show before.
“I have always wanted to come back to compete on my equitation horse in the Gittings final because the show was such a fun experience for me,” she remarked. “This win means so much to me because it is my first equitation final win.”
Carrie Murray and Calvino, owned by Laurel Tinney, placed second, while Sloane Greiner and O’Dieu vd Heide, owned by Quiet Haven Farm LLC, finished third. Hailey Swann and her own Cool Boy Red Wine were fourth, and Zoey Chambers rode GGN Grand Pilot, owned by Suzanne Chambers, to round out the top five.
Ann-Lilly Kim and Mr. Brownstone in their victory gallop.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
In the News
From Loudon Times-Mirror: Purcellville youth qualifies to compete at the Washington International Horse Show
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you goes to our exhibitors and fans for continuing to make this competition a meaningful part of the WIHS legacy. WIHS Regional Horse Show also expresses great appreciation for the support of all of its sponsors, including: the Peterson Fellows Family, Taylor Harris Insurance Services, MARS Equestrian™, the Heisley-Bishop Family, Orchard Manor Show Stables, Garrison Forest School, United Metro Golf Cart, Charles Ancona, The Clothes Horse, EverGro, Frank Mangano Foundation, Maryland Horse Shows Association, Total Equine Veterinary Associates, PC, and USHJA.
Join Us at WIHS
The excitement continues this week at the 68th annual Washington International Horse Show CSI5*-W, presented by MARS Equestrian™ running October 19 through October 25, 2026, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. WIHS attendees will experience the beauty and athleticism of the finest horses and riders in the country and the world, including Olympic veterans, plus enjoy entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping, historical displays, VIP hospitality, and WIHS Kids’ Day presented by Land Rover Alexandria. As a 501(c)(3) event, WIHS benefits Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Tickets are available on Ticketmaster. A special half-price offer is available for U.S. military, first responders, and teachers for Thursday evening tickets. Daytime admission is free every day.
For the first year, the WIHS Regional Horse Show held the USHJA Zone 3 Hunt & Go Derby Team Challenge.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
MHSA provided a bounty of prizes for the Horsemanship Contest.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
