Washington, D.C., Oct. 13, 2009-–The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a leading national equestrian event based in Washington, D.C., since 1958, is honored to announce our charity partners for the 2009 Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center. “Washington International Horse Show is proud to give a national platform and support to Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Activities and charities that support those in need, both medical and financial, in our sport,” says Tony Hitchcock.
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) supports research that scientifically investigates the therapeutic effects of professionally facilitated equine assisted activities (EAA) on people – especially people with disabilities. This research will lead to improved best practices and increased access to EAA for all.
Equestrian Aid Foundation
Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Mission is to build a membership based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing direct financial support for their medical or other basic needs.
Autism Speaks
At Autism Speaks, the goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.
American Hippotherapy Association
American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA, Inc.) promotes the use of the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy in physical, occupational and speech-language therapy sessions for people living with disabilities. Hippotherapy has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well as emotional well-being.
Child Help
Childhelp® exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. We focus our efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment, and community outreach.
On Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 P.M., there will be a special exhibition by The Caisson Platoon. These are the horse and military service men and women who bury fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The same horses and service personal also do Therapeutic Riding or Equine-Assisted Activities with wounded warriors recovering at Walter Reed.
About Washington International Horse Show
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is a unique and storied equestrian event held annually at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. WIHS is one of the leading equestrian events in the country and hosts the top horses and riders from around the nation and the world in the last great metropolitan indoor horse show. A highlight of the annual equestrian calendar, WIHS celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008.
