Washington, D.C.–Jan. 26, 2010–The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), the leading year-end championship horse show in the country, is pleased to announce the appointment of Belinda Hyde of Purcellville, Va., to manage sponsorship and advertising sales. The 52nd Annual Washington International Horse Show will take place Oct. 26-31, 2010, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
“Belinda is a great addition to the WIHS team,” said Eric Straus, CEO. “With her combination of industry experience, proven sales ability and exemplary customer service, she will be instrumental in helping us meet the demands of producing a world-class event in these challenging economic times.”
Hyde brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to WIHS. For more than 12 years, she was advertising sales manager at The Chronicle of the Horse, a leading equestrian sport weekly in Middleburg, Va. Prior to joining The Chronicle, Hyde managed her own marketing company focused on soliciting corporate sponsors for area equestrian events. She worked with Great Meadow Polo in its early years, building national sponsors for its Friday night events. Other clients included The Morven Park Races, The Virginia Fall Races and The Virginia Gold Cup. 
Hyde attended Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va., where she was captain of the school’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team. After college she competed for a number of years in the adult hunter and amateur-owner hunter divisions.
“As an active participant in the tri-state equestrian community, Belinda understands the value of equestrian sport to this area and the importance and traditions of the Washington International Horse Show,” said Straus.
Hyde lives in Purcellville, Va., with her son, Hunter, a high school senior, who is planning to attend Virginia Tech in the fall. Although she no longer competes, Hyde regularly exercises her ex-foxhunter, AJ, in the northern Virginia countryside.
About the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, including Olympic champions, to the nation’s capital to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. About 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and educational and community events round out this family-friendly show. Since its debut, the Washington International 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. WIHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
