Relive the Thrill and Excitement of the 2024 Washington International Horse Show

WIHS Dashboard: Schedule of Events and Results by Date

November 14, 2024 – Upper Marlboro, MD

From October 21-27, 2024, the 66th 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 (PGEC) in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Notably, the international jumper field at WIHS this year was one of the strongest ever, with 14 Olympians, 13 countries represented, and seven riders ranked in the world’s top 20.

In addition to thrilling competition, WIHS 2024 featured fun for all fans with boutique shopping, VIP hospitality, an autograph session with top jumping athletes, the crowd-pleasing WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Finals, as well as MARS Barn Night and Kids’ Day presented by Delta Air Lines.

The Prince George’s County Executive’s Office also hosted the Prince George’s County Washington International Horse Show & Embassy Night Reception on Saturday, October 26. Local diplomats, government officials, and Olympic athletes had the opportunity to network with 25 represented embassies and celebrate the power of horses and the historic competition’s positive impact on the surrounding community. Notably, in 2023, WIHS and the Capital Challenge Horse Show, held earlier in October also at PGEC, collectively generated more than $24.5 million for the local economy.

Conor Swail and Count Me In Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Abdel Said and Arpege du Ru with Julia Erlach Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

“We had a fantastic week, and I’m very grateful to everyone who had a hand in the success of this year’s event,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell of WIHS 2024. “Our goal is to stage a world-class five-star indoor show and produce the best show we possibly can. Thanks to our dedicated team, supporters, sponsors, fans, and exhibitors. I know we will continue to evolve the show and make it bigger and better.”

Athletes also applauded their competition experiences at the world-class event.

Katherine Mercer and Colina SN Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Conor Swail (IRL)

1st Place: $63,000 FEI Speed Final
Leading International Jumper Rider Award, presented by Fab Finds By Sarah
Leading Foreign Rider Award

Swail noted that WIHS is on his calendar every year, thanks to the fantastic prize money and the opportunity to earn World Cup qualifying points. “If you win here, you deserve it,” Swail remarked. “It’s nice we have a good group of riders here, a lot of top riders. It’s always nice to compete against the best.”

Abdel Saïd (BEL)

1st Place: $63,000 FEI Welcome Stake

This was Saïd’s first time competing at WIHS, but after making the decision to base a business in the U.S., he has added more shows in North America to his schedule. “Washington is an incredible horse show,” Saïd expressed. “I wanted to try the indoor shows. I’ve heard so much about them and about their history, so I really wanted to come to Washington.”

Katherine Mercer

1st Place: $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship, presented by MARS Equestrian^TM

“Competing here is really, really cool because when I was younger, I always watched the professionals show here,” Mercer stated. “It’s really amazing to get to do the jumper classes here. I really hoped this would happen, but that was kind of a hope; I didn’t think it would actually happen, so it’s honestly kind of surreal that my dreams came true.”

At the 2024 WIHS, the “Kind Wins” campaign was introduced with the support of a generous grant from the Max Stenbeck Charitable Fund. This initiative brings an inspiring anti-bullying movement from Sweden to the U.S., supported by Friends, a Swedish anti-bullying organization. With guidance from the WIHS Junior Committee and Swedish partners, “Kind Wins” promotes positivity, good mental health, and preventing bullying. The goal is to foster a positive atmosphere for everyone: first-time fans, competitors, trainers, parents, local equestrians, and grooms while encouraging open communication, inclusivity, and a shared love for horses. A discussion panel was held during WIHS to talk about the initiative and start the movement. Read about Kind Wins.

Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom won the $340,000 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, presented by Experience Prince George’s for the President’s Cup. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Adriana Forte and Candescent jumped to victory in the WIHS Equitation Finals. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

(L-R) Special Assistant for Intergovernmental Relations at Office of Maryland Secretary of State Alexandria Liu; Strategic Partnerships at Office of the County Executive and Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board Sheila M. Curry; Irish Olympian Daniel Coyle; Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam; Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson; Adjutant General of Maryland Major General Janeen L. Birckhead; Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard; Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee; WIHS President Victoria Lowell; Acting Secretary of Maryland Higher Education Commission Dr. Sanjay Rai; Executive Assistant at Office of Maryland Secretary of State Cathy Bauer; Maryland Chief Administrative Judge Chung Pak; and Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Thai Nguyen at the Prince George’s County Washington International Horse Show & Embassy Night Reception. Photo by Hannah Jones Photography

Rewatch Major Moments

Watch Rodrigo Pessoa’s Winning Ride

Watch All WIHS Highlight Videos

Relive WIHS and Watch Rides on USEF Network

Visit ShawnMcMillen.com To View and Purchase Photos

Save the Date! WIHS will return October 20-26, 2025.

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.