The 2025 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship will be held October 16-19, 2025 at the Salem Farm Showgrounds in Upperville, VA. The popular four-day competition offers a wide range of hunter, jumper, equitation, and exciting WIHS qualifying classes. Recognized by USEF, USHJA, VHSA, MHSA.
Exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and family and friends will enjoy great sport and hospitality in a picturesque and convenient setting.
14th Annual Laura Pickett Award for Excellence in Horsemanship nominations will open September 17, 2025.
Now in its 14th year, the Laura Pickett Excellence in Horsemanship Award presented by Victoria Lowell and Charles Ancona, will be given to an “up and coming” adult or child rider and their trainer competing at the WIHS Regional Horse Show who best exhibit the enthusiasm, dedication, style, and commitment to excellent horsemanship that brings out the best in horse and rider.
Nominees will be designated by wearing a pink armband and will be judged both in and out of the show ring. The winner will be chosen by committee and will be notified on Monday October 20. The presentation will take place at the Washington International Horse Show on Barn Night, Friday, Oct. 24, at The Show Place Arena.
The winner will receive a custom show coat by the iconic brand, Charles Ancona.
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, in addition to good horsemanship, and her award is presented to an “up and coming” rider who best exhibits the same qualities.
Past Winners (Rider / Trainer)
2024 Kaitlyn Boatman/Rick Harris
2023 Emma Foster / Katie Cooper and Katie Francella
2022 Savannah Smith / Dorna Taintar and Michelle Mahoney
2021 Madison Smyth / Kim Williams
2020 Kayla Wolfe / Kristin Mangum
2019 Kaitlyn Nicely-Harvey / Carolyn Krome and Jamey Prettyman
2018 Beatrice VanSant / Virginia Wilbrandt
2017 Emily Gebhardt / Kimbreley Hill
2016 Daisy Fenwick / Miranda Scott
2015 Bailey Austin Doloff / Dorna Taintor
2014 Louise Whitner / Marti Bigler
2013 Morgan Bland / Chris Wynne
2012 Mary Elizabeth Cordia / Jenny Graham
Champion Sponsor
Archie Cox
Captial Challenge Horse Show
Charles Ancona
The Lowham-Ruzzo Family
The Heisley-Bishoo Family
The Clothes Horse
EverGRO
Frank Mangano Foundation
Garrison Forest School
The Madeira School
Mars Equestrian™
Maryland Horse Show Association
Oldfields School
Orchard Manor Show Stables
The Peterson Fellows Family
Sweet Briar College
United Metro Golf Cart
USHJA Zone 3
Victoria Lowell
Blue Ribbon Sponsor
Anne Taylor
Best Horse Shows
Breckenridge Manor
Code Four Show Stables
Dream Catcher Farm
Kim Hopkins Training And Sales
Lake View Farm
Marion Dupont Scott Equine Center
Mitchell And Morin Eye Institute
Pam C Baker LLC
The Plaid Horse
Tudane Farm
Rolling Acres Farm
Turner Farm Events Inc
Star Sponsor
Big Easy Farm
CK Sporthorses
Clairvaux LLC
Colt Hills Farm
Anne & Peter Dattels
Deloise Noble-Strong
Endeavor Farm
Katie McNeil Francella
K2 Show Stables
Little Clovelly Farm
Omar Del Valle
Quiet Haven Farm & Rachel Howell
Quinn Haven Stables
Robert Laycock
Willow Wood & Kim Williams
College & University
SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
Lower School & High School
THE MADEIRA SCHOOL
OLDFIELDS SCHOOL
GARRSION FOREST SCHOOL
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