Dec. 18, 2008 – Juliet W. Reid, of
the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a leading international
equestrian competition, at the December meeting of the Board of Directors. Now in its 51st year, the WIHS is held
annually at
“I am honored to be elected President of this 50-year-old
institution. The WIHS holds the distinction of being the last of the classic,
major metropolitan horse shows in the
equestrian calendar. We are committed to the survival of this historic
horse show and have a huge task before us. I am confident that we have the strong,
committed Board and the team assembled that is necessary to make that happen,”
said Reid.
Newly elected to the Board were Georgina Bloomberg, of
York
of
competing in national and international show jumping events. Lowell is Senior Vice
President of Marketing for Animal
Planet Media, where she helped consult on production of the Animal
Planet equestrian programming—HorsePower: Road to the Maclay, the Animal Planet
Sporthorse Cup and the World Sporthorse Championships series.
is a lifelong equestrian and rides as an amateur in the jumper divisions.
At the Board meeting, Ken Cort, of Potomac, Md., was re-elected Vice President
and Kirsten Pollin of
Poulson, also of
Outgoing President, Jorge Carnicero,
Reid was instrumental in developing the WIHS’ partnership
with Autism Speaks in 2007, which has yielded nearly $385,000 for autism
research over two years. “We want to
continue to build our partnership with Autism Speaks and also reach out to and work
with additional charity and community partners. We also are looking at various
ways to expand our relationship with the local business community and the city.
One of my personal goals for 2009 is to create a show that is an inclusive
event for all to enjoy.”
Reid first joined the WIHS Board in 2007 and was elected Treasurer
in 2008. “I am committed to helping the WIHS get a solid foothold even in
this time of financial uncertainty,” said Reid. “WIHS is vital to the
equestrian industry and is a proving ground for young riders, who will form our
future Olympic, Pan American and world championship teams. I would like to see
it reach its full potential.”
Born in
raised in
Reid was exposed to horses as a child but the love and dedication to equestrian
sport came later when she began to travel on the equestrian show circuit with
her daughter, Chloe, a nationally ranked rider. After years of attending these
shows, Reid made it her goal to give back to the sport that gives so much to her
daughter who loves it so dearly. The sport also has been a family tradition.
Reid’s mother, Charlotte Weber, is a leading thoroughbred breeder, trainer and
owner. Her brother, Chester Weber, is a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team and
six-time U.S. National Champion in Four in Hand Combined Driving. In addition,
she sits on the board of Live Oak Foundation, which supports equestrian sport. Reid
is a graduate of
husband, Sam, and their two children live in
About WIHS
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington
International Horse Show brings top horses and riders from the
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, hunters, equitation and dressage events
during the six-day show. Special exhibitions, unique shopping in 55 boutiques
and a Pony Pavilion with free pony rides round out this family-friendly show. Since
its debut, the Washington International has been a popular
fixture visited by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military
leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages.
The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit https://www.wihs.org. The 51st WIHS will be held October 20-25, 2009.
