October 25, 2012–More than 40 groups from three states and Washington, DC attended Barn Night 2012, presented by Dover Saddlery, at the 54th Annual Washington International Horse Show on Thursday, October 25. It was a night to remember!
The evening started with a Painting Party on the Verizon Center concourse hosted by Breyer Animal Creations then moved into the arena for an exciting equestrian program.
First up was the WIHS Color Guard led by Sgt. Rick Pelicano of the Maryland National Park Police and comprised of mounted police units from the region. Megan Nusz and Vesuvious then beat all comers with the speediest time to win the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class. A new addition to the show last year was so popular it’s back again (and surely will become a show tradition)—it’s Mutton Busting (kids riding sheep!). The rider who stayed on longest to win the event was Petra Smith from Serene Acres Riding Center, Round Hill, VA, who managed to stick to the ovine for a record 19.11 seconds.
The highlight of the evening, the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, was won by America’s favorite teenage Olympic equestrian—Reed Kessler. Adding to the fun was a tee-shirt toss and an autograph session with grand prix riders, including Beezie Madden, a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Entries for the Barn Night group contests were both creative and reflected a lot of teamwork. The winners are:
Best Group Video
Champion: Rock Creek Horse Center, Washington, DC
Reserve Champion: Serene Acres Riding Center, Round Hill, VA
Honorable Mention: DeVaux Farms, Leesburg, VA
Honorable Mention: NFF Stables, Poolesville, MD
Honorable Mention: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Best Group Banner
Champion: Harmony Ridge, Deale, MD
Reserve Champion: DeVaux Farms, Leesburg, VA
Honorable Mention: NFF Stables, Poolesville, MD
Honorable Mention: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Honorable Mention: Serene Acres Riding Center, Round Hill, VA
Best Group Spirit
Champion: Serene Acres Riding Center, Round Hill, VA
Honorable Mention: Loudoun Canterlopes 4-H Club, Purcellville, VA
Honorable Mention: Tamarack Stables, Lofton, VA
Honorable Mention: Dream Catcher Farm, Adamstown, MD
Largest Group
Overall Largest: Meadowbrook Stables, Chevy Chase, MD
Largest, MD: Wheaton Park Stables, Wheaton, MD
Largest, VA: Tamarack Stables, Lofton, VA
Largest, DC/Other: Rock Creek Horse Center, Washington, DC
Winners received prizes including gift certificates from Dover Saddlery; a riding clinic with Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis and a $1,000 cash prize donated by Gaithersburg Equipment Company.
Barn Night at the Washington International would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Dover Saddlery, presenting sponsor; Gaithersburg Equipment Company and Breyer Animal Creations.
Barn Night 2013 will take place Thursday, October 24. Start planning now!
