August News
- Celebrating America’s 250th
- WIHS tickets now on sale with special discounts for military, first responders, and teachers
- Rider Alert: WIHS entries close Tuesday, September 1
- New $65,000 FEI CSI2*, Pony Jumper Championships presented by World Wide Technology, Green Hunter 3’3″ Competition
- From the Archives: Moments from the 1976 Bicentennial at WIHS
Heads up, heels down, first horse in 60 days!
Tickets, Discounts, Watch & Dine
Counting Down to WIHS 2026
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of WIHS from thrilling competition, featuring Olympic and international stars, to crowd-favorite exhibitions, one-of-a-kind shopping, and affordable fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The show runs Oct. 19-25 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center with seven days and three nights of world-class competition.
Tickets for the 2026 Washington International Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™ are available for purchase. For details and schedule, visit: www.WIHS.org/tickets, or go directly to Ticketmaster.
Reserve your seats now for Thursday’s Opening Night Salute to Service with special discounts for military, first responders, and teachers through Ticketmaster with code “USA2026.”
On Saturday’s World Cup Night, there are two ticket options: reserved ticket seating or a Watch & Dine ticket package that includes a hot buffet-style dinner to enjoy at your seat, unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages, and two complimentary drinks of beer or wine for guests aged 21+.
MARS Barn Night
Learn more >Â MARS Barn Night
Saddle Up for a Star-Spangled Night!
Celebrate America’s 250th by rocking your red, white, and blue, rallying your barn herd, and cheering on the horses in true patriotic style. Trot out your stars and stripes and make it a mane event to remember!
Join in for a Star-Spangled WIHS!Â
- Dress up in all your favorite red, white, and blue
- Participate in a variety of MARS Barn Night contests. Open to barns and groups of all sizes.
- Register for contests and purchase tickets for your group using the Barn Night Registration Form at link.Â
- Are there rules for each contest? Yes! A MARS Barn Night Packet is available and provides details about each contest.
Rider Alert
WIHS Entries close Tuesday, Sept. 1Â
New Events for 2026
The $65,000 CSI2* division gives horses and riders a new level of FEI competition to take on in a world-class indoor setting. The FEI CSI2* complements WIHS’ longstanding Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Washington CSI5*-W for the iconic President’s Cup.
The WIHS Pony Jumper Championships presented by World Wide Technology expands competitive opportunities for junior riders. WIHS membership is required to earn points for the Pony Jumper Championships.
The addition of the 3’3” Green Hunter section joins the 3’6” & 3’9” Green, Conformation, Amateur Owner, Junior and Pony sections.
The Spirit of WIHS 1976
WIHS celebrated the 1976 bicentennial with great sport and special events at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland.Â
Sport: The USET won the Nations Cup, a regular event at WIHS at that time, with Michael Matz riding Grande, Buddy Brown on Flying John, Dennis Murphy on Do Right, and Frank Chapot riding Coach Stop. The team, coached by Bertalan de Nemethy, defeated Belgium, Canada, and Ireland. Â
Rodney Jenkins, WIHS Hall of Fame 2015, won his first of three President’s Cups riding Number One Spy, and Mary Lisa Nicholson (Leffler) at age 9, was crushing side saddle.
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Parade of Breeds: Helen “Fen” Fenwick Kollock, a WIHS board member and Maryland trainer, coach, and barn owner, presented a Bicentennial Parade of Breeds celebrating American history and horse breeds. The event was so well received it was later included under Fen’s guidance at the 1978 World Championship Three-Day Event in Lexington, KY. In 2002 Fen was inducted into the WIHS Hall of Fame.
Former show president Austin Kiplinger famously rode into the ring outfitted as General George Washington, and greeted
guests, including US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
In attendance at the 1976 WIHS was an 11-year-old boy, RJ Stansbury, from Hagerstown, Maryland, whose mother recorded the event on 8mm film.
He kindly shared with us some of the videos of Rodney Jenkins and Idle Dice, Scrimshaw and Michael Hunter, the ‘streaker,’ a general warm up, and side saddle.
As RJ recalls: “Of course seeing the famous ‘streaker’ at WIHS was a surprise,” he said. “I don’t think we ever knew who it was though there were rumors. No doubt that ‘tradition’ stopped a long time ago.
“I’m a history professor now at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY, and I also coach the IHSA Hunt Seat team at Nazareth University.Â
“As a junior, I showed mostly in MD and VA, and did my last year with Judy Richter riding with her for the medal finals in 1982 before I went pro riding and training. I rode professionally at Four Seasons Farm in NJ, Leo Conroy Stables, and at Ralph Caristo’s Glenview Stables.”
(Below left: RJ Stansbury)
WIHS President Austin Kiplinger as General George Washington at the show’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.
US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (left) with WIHS President Austin Kiplinger.
Lydia, 1976 Small Pony Hunter Champion owned and ridden by Carol Louise Moss of Shelby, NC. Photo Al CookÂ
Videos from 1976
1976 USET Nations Cup Team
WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship
A competitive horse show in its own right, the WIHS Regional Horse Show presented by the Peterson Fellows Family, Oct. 15-18, in Upperville, VA, also offers riders a chance to earn a spot at the Washington International Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian: Grand champions in the Children’s and Adult Hunter, Junior and Amateur Jumper, and each section of the new Pony Jumpers division automatically will qualify for the WIHS Championships.
Top entries in the WIHS Regional Hunter and WIHS Regional Pony Hunter division will also qualify for the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals and WIHS Regional Pony Hunter Finals at WIHS.
Now in its 15th year, the Laura Pickett Excellence in Horsemanship Award presented by Victoria Lowell and Charles Ancona will be judged at the Regional Show and awarded at WIHS. See details at link.
Learn more >Â WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship
WIHS/EQUUS Foundation Honor and Service Award
Apply now! Applications are now open for the 2026 WIHS/EQUUS Foundation Honor and Service Award and will close on Sept. 15.
This special award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service, as exemplified by the Caisson Platoon’s Klinger, a special horse who touched the lives of many through his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon.
The 2020 winner, Mystery, is a miniature horse just 26 inches tall that has an outsized impact on schools, hospitals, hospice and more. Read more at link.
Mystery became a registered team member with Pet Partners in May 2013 and has completed testing with over 20 handlers since then. Mystery (with her handlers) has visited hundreds of hospitals, schools, hospices, community events, and libraries, spreading comfort, joy, and solace wherever she goes.
- Learn more and apply >Â WIHS/EQUUS Foundation Honor and Service Award
- EQUUS Foundation Equine Ambassadors Program
Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities
Join WIHS in the Winners Circle
Partner with WIHS through tailored corporate and personal sponsorship packages designed to meet your specific goals. Leverage premium on-site branding, livestream integration, international television exposure, and targeted social media campaigns to connect directly with a highly engaged audience of riders, trainers, and equestrian enthusiasts. Contact Kim Tudor.Â
Learn more >Â Sponsorship
Showcase your Products and ServicesÂ
Don’t delay – Spaces are filling up!
Become a WIHS vendor and showcase your brand to a dedicated audience of equestrian enthusiasts. Reach motivated buyers during the prime pre-holiday season, when attendees are looking both for show souvenirs and holiday gifts. Indoor and outdoor opportunities are available.
Learn more >Â Vendors
Are you ready to shop? Get ready for an unforgettable shopping experience! WIHS will have an amazing lineup of top-tier vendors offering fantastic equestrian gear, stylish apparel, unique gifts, and luxury items for everyone in your life.
Shopping Highlights
- Equestrian Gear: Premium saddles, bridles, and show apparel
- Unique Gifts: Handcrafted jewelry, home decor, art, toys, and games
- Apparel & Style: High-end fashion and riding boots
We’re delighted to welcome a wonderful (and growing) group of vendors this year!
Alorian, Ann Becker Gifts, Buckeye, Catherine Michele Photography, Charles Ancona, Chocolate Moonshine, Core Holistics LLC, Enise Jewelry, FarmVet, Fab Finds By Sarah, The In Gate, Parlanti, Remarkable Leather Goods, Sona Equestrian, Tack N Rider, Thoroughbred Placement Resources Inc., Unicorn Trails.
Kind Wins
Kind Wins Winner!
The 2025 Kind Wins Award winner, 10-year-old Isla Pippin of Berlin, MD, was recognized by her friends and fellow competitors for being “empathetic, supportive, and an all-around positive influence.” Her love for her ponies and her community is seen through her kindness to all.Â
The Kind Wins Award was created to celebrate someone or a group who brings attention to anti-bullying and spreading kindness within the equestrian community. The recipient will be honored at WIHS and awarded $2,500. Nominations open Sept. 8 and close Oct. 6.
Learn more and apply >Â Kind Wins Award
Laura Pickett Award
2026 Laura Pickett Award Registration opens September 15Â
Meet 2025 Laura Pickett Award winner Victoria Roemer and her mother/trainer Laura Leroy. (From left: Ringmaster Philip Thomas, WIHS President Vicki Lowell, Kori Pickett, Victoria Roemer, Laura Leroy and Brian Pickett.)
Now in its 15th year, the Laura Pickett Excellence in Horsemanship Award presented by Victoria Lowell and Charles Ancona is given to an up-and-coming adult or child rider and their trainer competing at the WIHS Regional Horse Show who best exhibits the enthusiasm, dedication, style, and commitment to excellent horsemanship that brings out the best in horse and rider.
The presentation is held at WIHS on MARS Barn Night. The winner will receive a custom show coat by the iconic brand, Charles Ancona.Â
About the Award
The Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship was created by Vicki Lowell in memory of a very special equestrian and trainer, Laura Pickett, who lost her fight against breast cancer after a five-year battle. The trophy honors her contributions to the sport she loved and the legacy she leaves behind. She inspired enthusiasm for life and good horsemanship, and her award is presented to an up-and-coming rider who best exhibits the same qualities.
Learn more about the Laura Pickett Award > WIHS Regional Horse Show
Notable News
Spc. Colin Martin, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), gives a kiss to Hank, an 11-year-old Caisson Platoon horse, before conducting funeral training at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Feb. 6, 2018. (Elizabeth Fraser/ Arlington National Cemetery)
The Army certifies its first equestrians as it revamps horse care
Story by Eve Sampson for Military Times, Aug. 6, 2026
Army soldiers for generations have guided horse-drawn caissons through Arlington National Cemetery as they escort the country’s fallen to their final resting place. Now, as the service overhauls the animals’ care, soldiers who care for the horses have a career classification of their own.
The Army recently established the 08H Army Equestrian military occupational specialty and Staff Sgt. Shawn Tabor and Sgt. Daimien Copeland, both assigned to the Caisson Detachment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, are among the first soldiers to qualify for the new role after completing an 18-week horsemanship program. > Read story
We Remember Wyatt Stewart
Our condolences go to the family and friends of Wyatt A. Stewart III, who served as the Washington International Horse Show President from 1986 to 1989. He was also on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the U.S. Equestrian Team. Wyatt became involved in the equestrian industry thanks to his wife, Renee, and daughter, Margaret, who were avid competitors. We remember Wyatt for his love of sports and support of our industry.
Pictured is Wyatt with then First Lady Nancy Reagan at the 1988 Washington International Horse Show, along with his wife, Renee Bonynge Stewart, and former WIHS President Austin Kiplinger. He was also present when actress Zsa Zsa Gabor greeted Mrs. Reagan at the horse show.
Wyatt was buried at Congressional Cemetery with military honors.
Calendar
- Open Now/Closing Sept. 15: WIHS/EQUUS Foundation Honor and Service Award
- Sept. 1: WIHS Entries Close
- Sept 8: Kind Wins Award Nominations Open
- Sept. 15: Laura Pickett Award Registration Opens
- Sept. 29: WIHS Regional Horse Show Entries Close
- Oct. 6:Â Kind Wins Award Nominations Close
- Oct. 16: MARS Barn Night Registration Closes
- Oct. 15-18: WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship presented by The Peterson Fellows Family
- Oct. 19-25: Washington International Horse Show presented by MARS EquestrianTM
Quick Links
- WIHS Website
- Tickets
- Frequently Asked Questions
- WIHS Membership: Eligibility requirement for WIHS Equitation and Championships
- WIHS Rankings
- WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship
- MARS Barn Night and Packet
- WIHS Hall of Fame
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Become a WIHS Vendor
