WASHINGTON, July 10, 2018–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 Sixth Annual WIHS Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service, presented by EQUUS Foundation and The Stephens Family.
The Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and 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. Army 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.
Senator John McCain and Klinger enjoying Kids’ Day at WIHS 2017. Photo: Alden Corrigan Media
The 2018 Klinger Award recipient will be recognized during a presentation at center ring with Klinger and representatives of the Caisson Platoon, WIHS, and EQUUS Foundation on Friday, October 26, during the annual WIHS Military Night. The recipient will have the opportunity to select an equine charity on EQUUS Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network to receive a $750 grant matched by a $750 donation from The Stephens Family.
Last year’s award recipient was Admiral, the mainstay of the equine-assisted activities and therapies programs at Bridle Paths in Leesburg, Va. This 12-year-old Percheron-Thoroughbred cross gelding carries therapeutic riding clients with care and dignity enabling child and adult riders alike to reach new heights. “Perhaps nowhere does Admiral shine more than in his work with veterans, service members, and their families,” said Kathleen Fallon, President of Bridle Paths.
Nomination forms are available at WIHS Klinger Award Nomination Form. All nominations must be received by Friday, September 14, 2018.
To nominate a special horse, individual or organization for this award, please complete and return the nomination form to info@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 the WIHS Office at 202-525-3679 or info@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 North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events attracting more than 26,000 spectators annually to Washington, D.C., for Olympic-level competition plus community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders arrive from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $135,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC, the $25,000 Puissance high jump, presented by The Boeing Company, the $50,000 Speed Final on Military Night, and Kids’ Day, a free, fun and educational community event. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Washington, D.C. Visit us at www.wihs.org.
About EQUUS Foundation
The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States dedicated solely to horse welfare and the horse-human bond. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, (203) 259-1550, mail@equusfoundation.org, www.equusfoundation.org.
