WIHS Partners with Military Charities: TAPS, Operation Silver Spurs and ThanksUSA

Washington DC May 28, 2010 -The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a leading national equestrian event based in Washington, D.C., since 1958, is honored to announce its charity partners for the 2010 Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center, October 26-31: TAPS, Operations Silver Spurs and ThankUSA.

“The Washington International Horse Show is proud to honor our military service men and women by partnering with organizations that support our armed forces and their families” says Eric Straus, CEO, Washington International Horse Show.

TAPS: Caring for the families of the fallen
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 30,000 surviving family members of our fallen military since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars for adults, Good Grief camps for children, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org

Operation Silver Spurs: Horses Helping Veterans
Operation Silver Spurs is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all veterans, military personnel, and their families by providing them with the opportunity to experience the spirit, healing power, and partnership of horses. Through instruction, demonstration, and hands-on interaction with the magic of horses, participants uncover new insights about life goals and
leadership skills as they progress to the goal of independent riding. Participants also learn new ways to apply their military experience to civilian life and enhance veteran to veteran trust and cross-generational communication. OSS works closely with The U.S. Army Caisson Platoon Equine-Assisted Program. For more information, go to www.OperationSilverSpurs.org

ThanksUSA: Offering Gratitude to our Troops with Education Assistance
ThanksUSA is a non-partisan, charitable effort to mobilize Americans of all ages to “thank” the men and women of the United States armed forces. ThanksUSA is doing that by providing need-based college, technical and vocational school scholarships for their children and spouses. Our scholarship program offers a tangible way for Americans to honor America’s men and women in uniform – as well as their spouses and children here at home – to whom we are so indebted. Above all, ThanksUSA offers much-needed hope and encouragement to each military family across all branches of service, as well as a visible role for corporations, individuals and other organizations to re-invest in a healthy military community and a stronger America. For more information, go to www.thanksUSA.org

About the Washington international Horse Show

The Washington International is a longstanding equestrian tradition and a highlight of the show calendar. The top horses and riders from the US and abroad, including Olympic champions, arrive in the nation’s capital each October in hopes of winning prize money and championship titles. More than 500 horses compete in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Special exhibitions, a Pony Pavilion, boutique shopping and educational and community events round out this family-friendly show. Since its debut, the Washington International has been a popular Washington, DC, fixture visited by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. WIHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization. Learn more at www.wihs.org.