WASHINGTON, August 4, 2016–The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America, is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted for the Fourth Annual WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor & Service, presented by Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation.
The Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor & Service is named for Klinger, a special horse who has touched the lives of many in his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon. Photo: Alden Corrigan Media
The award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger, a special horse who has touched the lives of many in his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon.
At The Old Guard, Klinger performs solemn duties as a funeral escort bringing departed military members to their final resting spot at Arlington National Cemetery, and serves as the official escort to the President of the United States and has led the Presidential Inaugural Parade.
Beyond his official duties, Klinger brings comfort to veterans and families of our fallen heroes in his role as a Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Ambassador and he has been an important part of WIHS for many years–visiting with children on WIHS Kids’ Day and participating in the Caisson Platoon Exhibition on WIHS Military Night. It is both fitting and a great honor that WIHS should salute him through this special award program.
The 2016 Klinger Award recipient will be recognized during a presentation at center ring with Klinger and representatives of the Caisson Platoon, WIHS, Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation on Friday, October 28 during the annual WIHS Military Night. The recipient will receive a prize courtesy of Ariat International and will have the opportunity to select an equine charity on EQUUS Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network to receive a $1,000 grant.
Last year’s award recipient was Andy, a Haflinger pony from Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center in Leesburg, Va. The 20-year-old gelding is the embodiment of service and honor when in the presence of adults and children with emotional, physical, or cognitive challenges. He is a trustworthy and steady presence, serving in multiple disciplines including therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy, carriage driving, equine-facilitated learning and trauma recovery.
2015 Klinger Award Winner: Andy, a 20-year-old Haflinger pony from
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center in Leesburg, Virginia.
Shawn McMillen Photography
“He does not put a hoof wrong in a healing session with a participant, especially veterans,” said therapeutic riding instructor Allison Goldfarb. “Andy serves by choice, with complete presence and attention to his riders and non-riders.”
Nomination forms are available at WIHS Klinger Award Nomination Form. All nominations must be received by Friday, September 16, 2016.
To nominate a special horse, individual or organization for this award, please complete and return the nomination form to ally@wihs.org or by mail to: Washington International Horse Show, Attention: Klinger Award, 3299 K Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007. For more information, please contact Ally Leff at 202-525-3679 or ally@wihs.org.
Learn more about Klinger and the WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service.
About Washington International Horse Show
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC (Saturday night), the Puissance high jump presented by The Boeing Company on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is currently ranked #7 in the Top 25 Horse Shows by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports
About Ariat International
Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800-899-8141 or visit www.ariat.com.
About EQUUS Foundation
The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact us by phone at 203-259-1550 or by email at equus@equusfoundation.org. Visit us at www.equusfoundation.org.
