UPPER MARLBORO, Md., Nov. 04, 2022 – The 64th Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ had a triumphant return to the Washington, D.C. area on October 24-30, 2022, at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
This year, WIHS was designated as an FEI five-star event for the first time and featured the prestigious $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s.
In addition to hosting top jumping competition at The Show Place Arena, WIHS’ partnership with the National Harbor waterfront complex in nearby Oxon Hill, Maryland, offered exhibitors, spectators, and sponsors special access to top lodging, entertainment, and community events.
“I’d like to give special thanks to Maryland state officials, as well as our sponsors, supporters, competitors, and attendees, for making this year’s WIHS the biggest and best yet,” said Victoria Lowell, President, WIHS. “WIHS is a unique event. While the nation’s and world’s top riders compete, we also enable access to horses through various exhibitions and hands-on activities for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Being able to share this thrilling sport with Maryland’s horse lovers and surrounding communities is special, and we absolutely achieved that thanks to a tremendous team effort.”
The athletes also enjoyed the world-class event, the venue, and the electric atmosphere. “I’ve competed here a lot of years, and it’s always been one of my favorite horse shows,” said 12-time Best Hunter Rider winner Scott Stewart. “It’s all the best horses and riders here, and it was super conditions with great footing, so it was pretty high level competition.”
“It’s a very nice arena,” said the number five-ranked rider in the world, Ireland’s Conor Swail, who etched his name in the President’s Cup as the winner of the grand prix. “I must say I’ve been impressed enough with it. The stadium is good; the footing was very good. [Course designer] Bernardo [Cabral] did a great job, and there were good jumps. The horses are very comfortable here. There’s a lot of space, which is very nice for them, so they’re relaxed going into the ring in a good frame of mind. The crowds were super.”
Olympic gold medalist for the U.S. Laura Kraut, and winner of the $75,000 International Jumper Speed Final, echoed Swail’s sentiment. “I’m just thrilled that the Washington International Horse Show is back in the Washington area,” she remarked. “I think that they’ve done a magnificent job of making it feel really special. I’ve never been to this venue before, so I’m really impressed. I know how hard everyone works for the show, and I really hope that it will continue to grow here.”
WIHS will return to The Show Place Arena on October 23-29, 2023.
