(Washington, DC) ‘ October 14, 2007 ‘ — The Washington International Horse Show concluded today after six days of intense competition, exciting entertainment and milestone dedication ceremonies.
The week opened on Tuesday with the first two classes of the Hunter divisions, and the Championship classes for the Children’s and Adult Hunter divisions. The Champions from each Hunter divisions were invited to participate in the inaugural WIHS High Performance Hunter Classic Championship on Saturday, competing for the ultimate Hunter honor. The class was sponsored by John R. Ingram Advised Fund through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Cortie Wetherill aboard Take Away become the first rider to win the WIHS High Performance Hunter Classic Championship.
The Jumper divisions opened their competition on Wednesday with the Amateur-Owner Jumper (TFJO) class and the Children’s and Adult Jumper Championships. Competing against the clock, as well as against each other, the jumper classes always prove to be a crowd favorite. Marley Goodman, aboard U-2, was victorious during the first Amateur-Owner Jumper class, while Abigail McArdle and Calvin clinched the Child Jumper Championship and Flying Dutchman and Virginia McNeil captured the Adult Jumper Championship.
Thursday evening kicked off the first nights of Barrel Racing, Terrier Races, sponsored by The Davis Family, and the WIHS Dressage Invitational. Barns who participated in the UlcerGard Barn Night at the WIHS were also treated to the Gambler’s Choice and a course walk at the conclusion of the class. McLain Ward won the Gambler’s Choice on Larioso and Hillary Dobbs rounded out second on Marengo.
The Junior Hunter divisions came to a close Friday, with Amelia McArdle, riding MVP, being named the Grand Champion Junior Hunter. The coveted Ambassador’s Cup, the last competition in the Amateur Owner Jumper division, sponsored by Dennis and Mary K. Shaughnessy, was won by Larone and Tracey Weinberg. Larone and Weinberg also earned the title of Champion in the Amateur-Owner Jumper division Champion with Subliem and Whitney Weeks receiving the Reserve Championship.
The Best Child Rider on Horse award, sponsored by The Keshishian Family, and the Style of Riding award, sponsored by Shalanno Farms, were both announced following the Senator’s Cup class on Saturday afternoon. Clementine Goutal received the Style of Riding Award on Due Northr and Jennifer Waxman on Saloon won the Best Child Rider on Horse.
During the Friday evening performance, spectators were allowed onto the arena floor to enjoy a marquis entertainment performance by, three-time Grammy nominee, Jewel. The WIHS also hosted their inaugural Charity Cup Classic, sponsored by Hidden Trail Farm, LLC, on Friday evening, inviting six local non-profit organizations to participate. Each organization was represented by a team of two riders who competed for the top prize. STEEED, represented by Addison Philips and Laura Bowery, won the competition and earned $10,000 towards their organization.
Spectators were also able to see McLain Ward sweep the Friday night Puissance class, for the second year in a row, aboard Equifit Pozitano. The class was sponsored by The Monica and Herman Greenberg Foundation and AEGON. Ward won the jump off when he cleared the final jump set at a height of 6′ 8 ”.
During the Saturday evening performance, the President’s Cup Grand Prix was renamed in honor of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. Joined by Susan Ford Bales, the WIHS hosted a rededication ceremony in his honor. After the dedication ceremony, the class of 23 competitors began the first round. Six riders completed the course cleanly, forcing an immensely competitive jump off. Jill Henselwood and Black Ice captured the title with a time of 32.11 second to receive the $30,000 top prize in the Gerald R. Ford President’s Cup Grand Prix.
Dr. Sheila Johnson, a staple of the WIHS for nearly a decade, was paid tribute during the Saturday evening performance when she was inducted into the WIHS Hall of Fame. Honored for her dedication and leadership, Dr. Johnson is a former WIHS President and Chairman of the Board.
‘The 49th Annual Washington International Horse Show proved to be a tremendous success,’ said Susie Webb, Executive Director of the WIHS. ‘We were able to provide a number of non-profit organizations with donations suited to their needs and honor long-time supporters of the show. We are thoroughly looking forward to next year’s competition and celebrating 50 years of the WIHS in Washington, D.C.’
