Upper Marlboro, MD – The 65th anniversary of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™, kicked off its seven-day run on Monday, October 23, 2023, at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. WIHS Regional Hunter Finals riders closed out the opening day of exciting competition, where Savannah Shaver, 15, of Leesburg, VA, rode Bon Temps to the championship of the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals and Delaney Taylor, 11, piloted Loafers Lodge Buckaroo to the championship in the WIHS Regional Pony Hunter Finals.
Riders qualified for the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals based on their results at the 2023 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship presented by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and the Lowham-Ruzzo Family, which took place at the Salem Farm Showgrounds in Upperville, VA, on October 19-22. The top five in each pony hunter section, the top four in each children’s hunter section, and the top four in each adult hunter section received invitations to compete for the championships in The Show Place Arena. The championship titles were then awarded to the horse and pony that accumulated the most points between the WIHS Regional Horse Show and the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals.
Horses were the first to vie for victory across the course designed by Paul Jewell and overseen by judges Daniel Geitner and Richard Fancher. Right in the middle of the order, Shaver and Bon Temps put their best foot forward for a score of 86. That impressive effort propelled them to the class win and overall championship.
In the WIHS Regional Pony Hunter Finals, large ponies jumped at the 2’6” height, while small and medium ponies jumped at the 2’ height, and they were all judged together.
In her WIHS debut, Delaney Taylor rode Loafers Lodge Buckaroo to a third-place finish in the class with a score of 79, boosting them to the overall championship.
“It felt awesome to show here at WIHS,” shared Taylor, who trains with Marianne Roth at Endeavor Farm in Bishopville, MD. “My favorite part of the show is all of it; it’s so pretty. It means lot to be a Washington champion. I love it here, and it’s super fun. I didn’t really expect to qualify, but I was super excited. I just wanted to try and do my best today.”
Scott Stewart and Daydream, owned by Haylie Rolfe, were presented with the Fairfax Hunt Race Challenge Trophy for the high score of 94 in classes 23 and 33 in the professional hunters. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
The Robotyping Challenge Trophy for the high score of classes 22 and 32 was presented to Drumroll, owned by Meridian Farm LLC, and Geoffrey Hesslink. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
As Ever and Khloe McSwain won the $2,500 WIHS Children’s Hunter Welcome. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
Lila Trent and Perfect Peace What A Blessing won the WIHS Regional Pony Hunter Finals class. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
Rachel Boggus rode Chevito, owned by 18 Gauge LLC, to the win in the $2,500 WIHS Adult Hunter Welcome. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
Keeping It Reel
Photo Gallery
By Alden Corrigan Media
Photo Of The Day
By Shawn McMillen Photography
The Second Annual Hollow Brook Sportsmanship Award will recognize a junior rider who best personifies the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, kindness, and generosity during the 2023 Washington International Horse Show. The top five junior riders nominated will be in contention to receive this award with stewards and horse show officials making the final decision in awarding the winner.
Tickets:
Daytime Admission is free. No ticket is required for daytime sessions on Monday through Sunday, October 23-29, including early evening competition on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Watch the show, explore the grounds, shop the concourse, visit historical displays, and enjoy a variety of food trucks.
Evening Events (Thursday, Friday, Saturday): All designated evening session tickets are reserved seating. Select your seat from four ticket types:
- Ticket & Dinner: Watch and dine in the best seats at WIHS. Collect your hot buffetstyle dinner and beverages, then dine at your seat. Includes unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages. Each adult ticket also includes two servings of beer/wine.
- Premium Ticket
- Select Ticket
- Standard Ticket – The most inexpensive ticket per night:
- Barn Night, Thursday, October 26: $20 adult, $15 child. Learn more about Barn Night contests
- Military Night, Friday, October 27: $30 adult, $20 child. 50% off tickets for U.S. Military and first responders.
- World Cup Night, Saturday, October 28: $45 adult, $35 child.
Visit the WIHS ticket page for more details and links to purchase on Ticketmaster. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Show Place Arena Box Office upon arrival, while available.
About Washington International Horse Show
