November 7, 2025 – Upper Marlboro, MD
The 67th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ once again brought world-class equestrian sport, community spirit, and unmatched energy to The Show Place Arena on October 20–26, 2025. Nearly $1 million in prize money, a star-studded lineup of Olympians, a dynamic Kids’ Day, and packed stands made this year’s WIHS one for the record books.
With two sold-out nights, including MARS Barn Night and World Cup night, the atmosphere was electric. The upgraded schedule, community engagement, and return of fan-favorite events delivered a memorable experience for riders and spectators alike.
Five-time U.S. Olympic team medalist McLain Ward and First Lady won the opening international jumper class at the 2025 WIHS.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
A Week of Unforgettable Highlights
WIHS 2025 raised the bar for excitement and entertainment. Opening Night, held in honor of the U.S. Military on Thursday, October 23, honored service members with patriotic pageantry and elite sport, including the $63,000 Welcome Stake and the thrilling new $63,000 Stars and Stripes Speed Stake for the General Dwight D. Eisenhower Trophy. Twelve Olympians from 13 different countries highlighted the international jumper division.
The Racing Presidents from the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team entertained the audience, along with WIHS mascot Major and the M&Ms.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
On Friday, October 24, MARS Barn Night, presented by Walkenbach Equestrian returned in full force, drawing barns and fans from across the region for the $63,000 Accumulator Costume Class, the fan-favorite WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship, and an autograph session with top athletes. This year’s safari-themed “Wild for WIHS” celebration kept energy high all evening.
Internationally renowned performer Sylvia Zerbini and her Grande Liberté troupe of 12 Arabian horses performed on both Friday and Saturday, captivating audiences with their artistry and harmony.
Ben Maher went all out to win the Best Costume Award with his ”Day of the Dead” outfit for horse and rider.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
Sylvia Zerbini and her Grande Liberte Arabians were a fantastic new exhibition at WIHS.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
The WIHS Shetland Steeplechase Championship is always an exciting part of the show.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
MARS Barn Night wasn’t finished until fans met their favorite international jumping athletes and received signed posters.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
Saturday’s Kids’ Day presented by Delta brought hundreds of families to WIHS for a free day of pony rides, crafts, and performances. With local schools, volunteers, and sponsors uniting to celebrate the joy of horses, it was one of the most well-attended Kids’ Days in WIHS history.
The Embassy Night Reception on Saturday evening, hosted in partnership with Prince George’s County, welcomed local leaders, government officials, and diplomats from more than 20 nations, underscoring the show’s cultural and economic impact in the region.
In a thrilling jump-off on Saturday, October 25, U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Laura Kraut wowed the crowds as they cheered for her victory in the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W, presented by Maryland Sports Commission on Tres Bien Z, owned by St. Bride’s Farm.
Kids’ Day, presented by Delta, was a big hit with the smallest equestrians.
Local leaders and diplomats were welcomed at the Embassy Night Reception.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
A Renewed Spirit of Success
“We couldn’t have asked for a more vibrant and inspiring week,” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “To see two nights completely sold out, to watch Kids’ Day thrive, and to host so many members of the Maryland and D.C. community at the Embassy Reception — it’s a true reflection of the incredible spirit surrounding WIHS right now. The show continues to evolve and grow, and this year felt like a turning point — a renewed feeling of success that celebrates both our history and our future.”
The new WIHS Sports Bar was a popular space for everyone.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
The Show Place Arena was full on Friday and Saturday nights.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
Rider Reflections
Grand Prix winner Laura Kraut: “I’ve come to Washington for many, many years, and I really feel like it’s one of the goals of the year, particularly in the United States, for everyone — jumpers, hunters, and equitation. I hope that it stays that way. I think it’s a goal that every rider should look to work towards.”
Laura Kraut and Tres Bien Z captured the biggest victory of the week in the grand prix.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
WIHS Pony Equitation Final, presented by Evergate Stables, winner Finley Baras: “This is probably my best experience yet here. It was a good way to close out indoors. Washington is always such a special show — the ring, the crowd, everything about it makes it feel really big and exciting.”
Finley Baras and On Your Mark
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Grand Pony Hunter Co-Champion Grace Stenbeck-Werner: “Washington was the first big show I ever won, two years ago. I feel like I have such good memories here, so it’s always nice to come back and win again. I’m really happy it came together.”
Grand Hunter Co-Champion Laena Romond: “It’s a pinch-me moment to win here. The level of competition is so high, and the arena has such a special atmosphere — it’s truly magical to ride in this ring.”
Grace Stenbeck-Werner and Clovermeade Heartthrob.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Laena Romond and Forsini
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
WIHS Equitation Final winner Olivia Sweetnam: “Winning at Washington means a lot to me and to my team. There’s so much history at this show, and to be part of it — it’s an honor. The whole week has such an energy; everyone brings their best.”
2024 Grand Prix winner and 2025 Accumulator Costume Class, presented by Turnham Green, winner Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA): “The facility is really good. Although I didn’t have a grand prix horse for WIHS this year, we still wanted to come and compete. The atmosphere at Barn Night was great. It’s always a pleasure to compete here.”
Class Act receives a thank-you kiss from Ali Sweetnam after her daughter, Olivia, won the WIHS Equitation Final.
Photo by Devyn Ivy Media
Maverick Rodrigo Pessoa and little fighter jet, Corrie 9, won the Accumulator Costume Class, presented by Turnham Green.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Looking Ahead
With its growing fanbase, world-class competition, and unwavering commitment to excellence, WIHS 2025 once again proved why it stands as one of the most beloved indoor horse shows in the world. The event will return to The Show Place Arena on October 19-25, 2026, promising even more magic, community, and competition.
For more information, visit www.wihs.org.
Written by Jump Media LLC
Olivia Sweetnam rode through three phases to win the WIHS Equitation Final.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
The Kind Wins pledge wall was a visual representation of the incredible reach of the program, which debuted at WIHS in 2024 to spread kindness and an anti-bullying message.
Photo by Hannah Jones Photography
