Presented by The Peterson Fellows Family
The 2026 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Championship will be held October 15-18, 2026 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.
15th Annual Laura Pickett Award for Excellence in Horsemanship nominations now open.
Now in its 15th 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 19. The presentation will take place at the Washington International Horse Show on Barn Night, Friday, October 23, 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)
2025 Victoria Roemer / Laura Leroy
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
College & University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Sweet Briar College
Lower School & High School
Dana Hall School
Garrison Forest School
The Madeira School
Oldfields School
St. Timothy’s School
Champion Sponsor
Archie Cox
Captial Challenge Horse Show
Charles Ancona
The Clothes Horse
EverGRO
Frank Mangano Foundation
Garrison Forest School
The Heisley-Bishop Family
Kimberly Prince LLC
The Lowham-Ruzzo Family
The Madeira School
Mars Equestrian™
Maryland Horse Show Association
Oldfields School
Orchard Manor Show Stables
Parley Row
The Peterson Fellows Family
Sweet Briar College
United Metro Golf Cart
USHJA Zone 3
Victoria Lowell
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Anne Taylor
Best Horse Shows
Breckenridge Manor
Code Four Show Stables
Dream Catcher Farm
Kim Hopkins Training And Sales
Marion Dupont Scott Equine Center
Mitchell And Morin Eye Institute
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The Plaid Horse
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Anne & Peter Dattels
Deloise Noble-Strong
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Katie McNeil Francella
K2 Show Stables
Lake View Farm
Little Clovelly Farm
Meadowbrook Stables
Omar Del Valle
Patuxent Run Stables
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Robert Laycock
Shades of Bay
Turner Farm Events Inc
St. Timothy’s School
Walnut Pond Farm & The Listrani Family
Willow Wood & Kim Williams
Vineyard Haven Farm
