Anthony F. Hitchcock Named Chief Operating Officer

Gaithersburg, MD, Feb. 12, 2009 …updated June 24, 2009 – Anthony F. Hitchcock, a
national figure in horse show management, was named Chief Executive of the Washington
International Horse Show (WIHS), a major equestrian event based in Washington, D.C.
 

“We are thrilled to welcome Tony to the
Washington International Horse Show family,” said WIHS President Juliet Reid.
“His vast experience at running successful events like the Hampton Classic and his
energy and creativity will help steer the show in the right direction in these
challenging times.” 

Since 1978, Hitchcock has
held leadership positions with a number of major national horse shows. For 28
years, he and Jean Lindgren, his wife and business partner, were the Executive
Directors the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, helping to grow it
into one of the largest hunter/jumper horse shows in the country with 1,500
competitors.  With close to 50,000
spectators annually and contributions of more than $1.2 million to its
beneficiaries, the not-for-profit event is considered a model for events that
combine sports and a strong social component.

Since 1993, Hitchcock has
worked closely with HITS, Inc. (Horse Shows in the Sun), producer of horse show
circuits in Thermal, CA, Ocala, FL, Culpeper, VA, and Saugerties,
NY, serving initially as National
Marketing Director and since 1999 as Senior Vice President. Hitchcock also
served as Director of Equestrian Activities for the 1989 World Cup Equestrian
Festival in Tampa, FL, and Producer of the National Horse Show at
the Meadowlands (NJ) from 1992-1994. Hitchcock will continue in his role as
Senior Vice President of HITS.

“The Washington International
is a cornerstone of equestrian competition in the U.S.,”
said Hitchcock, 68, of Sagaponack,
NY. “For decades, the Indoor
Circuit has been the engine driving horse show competition from coast to
coast.  Horse trainers and their
customers work hard each year to qualify to show in this prestigious event that
generates more than $7 million in economic impact to the District of Columbia each year,” he
said.  “Our immediate goals for 2009 are
to continue the event’s proud traditions while reaching out to the city and community
to build new business relationships that will benefit both the horse show and
the greater Washington
region. 

Hitchcock’s multifaceted
career also includes 12 years as an educator and administrator, and with Lindgren,
he and his wife authored six regional guidebooks on country inns, lodges and
historic hotels of the United States
and Canada.

The Washington International
Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The 51st
WIHS will be held Oct. 20-25, 2009, at Verizon
Center in Washington, D.C.

About the Washington International Horse Show

An equestrian tradition since
1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts horses and riders of all
ages, including Olympic champions from all over the world. They travel to the
nation’s capital for thrilling jumping competition and a chance to compete
for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. About 500 horses
participate in show jumping, hunters, equitation and dressage events during the
six-day show. Special exhibitions, unique shopping in 55 boutiques, community
and charity events as well as a Pony Pavilion with free pony rides round out
this family-friendly show. Since its debut, the Washington International Horse
Show has been a popular Washington,
D.C. fixture visited by
presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as
countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. For more information, visit https://www.wihs.org