Look Back on the Thrill and Excitement of WIHS 2023

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Upper Marlboro, Md. – From October 23-29, 2023, the 65th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ showcased the beauty and athleticism of the finest horses and riders in the country and the world, including Olympic veterans, at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Taking place during Maryland Horse Month, in addition to thrilling competition, WIHS 2023 featured fun for all fans with its entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping, historical displays, VIP hospitality, an autograph session with top jumping athletes, and Kids’ Day.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell of WIHS 2023. “The support that we have had at this new venue across the board is phenomenal. Everybody is getting behind this: the county, the sponsors, the local and D.C. media. They want to see the horses in this area. The venue is great for the horses, and it’s great for the sport. I think we have a good place to be for a while.”

Athletes also praised the world-class event, the venue, and the electric atmosphere.

Katie Dinan (USA)

1st place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s

“WIHS is always a highlight of my competition calendar. The show combines its rich history and respect for tradition with the highest level of modern show jumping and riders from around the world. The new venue allows ample space for the horses while still having the excitement of indoor show jumping. The crowd is fantastic all week and the enthusiasm of a full house of spectators was palpable all weekend. I really think the crowd helped me in the jump off — the cheers definitely encouraged our speed at the end!”

Katie Dinan and Brego R’n B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography


Rene Dittmer (GER)

1st place: $78,000 Welcome Stake
1st place: $40,000 International Jumper Accumulator
2nd place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s

“Obviously, I really like Washington! It’s great to come in here because it’s such a great atmosphere. The spectators really cheer you on. It’s a super good feeling to come into this indoor. I really love it.”

Rene Dittmer and Corsica X. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Tessa Downey

1st place: $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic

“It’s Washington; it’s just such a great feeling that can’t be replicated. Even how they dress the ring up, the prizes, the ribbons, everything – it’s just so special.”

Ringmaster Steve Rector, Show Jumping Hall of Fame Executive Director Marty Bauman, Tamara Makris of Lauracea, trainer Peter Pletcher, and groom Elmer Alegria in the winning presentation with Tessa Downey and Isabelle. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography


Stephanie Danhakl

Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35
Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 18-35
Leading Amateur-Owner Rider
WIHS Board of Directors Member

“I always love coming to this show. The first time I was champion at this show was 19 years ago in the Small Junior Hunters, so there’s a lot of personal history for me at this show. To come back again after a long break and be grand champion in both sections really means a lot.”

Stephanie Danhakl and Bright Side. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Hear From Major Winners and Rewatch Major Moments

Find Your Photos

WIHS Equitation Finals winner Maddie Tosh and Daktari 38.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

WIHS will return to The Show Place Arena on October 21-27, 2024.

About Washington International Horse Show

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events. Highlights include the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, plus popular community and charity events, including WIHS Kids’ Day and Barn Night. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition, and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit wihs.org.
 
 
 
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ABOUT WIHS

WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition, and holds a CSI5*-W rating, the highest awarded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale,the governing body of international equestrian sport, as well as US Equestrian ratings of 6* Jumpers and  Premier Hunters. It is recognized by the US Hunter Jumper Association, Maryland Horse Show Association, and Virginia Horse Show Association. WIHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.