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Jenny Ross for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
MEDIA CONTACT: Jenny Ross of Phelps Media Group, Inc. International at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Photo Credit: Volunteers help with the Pony Pavilion at WIHS. Photo by: Diana DeRosa©. High Resolution copies of this image are available by contacting Phelps Media Group, Inc. International at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
Washington International Horse Show Launches Volunteer and Internship Programs
Wellington, FL – June 15, 2006 – The 48th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), held October 24-29, 2006 at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., has created two exciting new programs for volunteers. As one of the most prestigious and competitive events in equestrian sport, the Washington International Horse Show has now implemented an assistantship program as a way for equestrians and local residents to give back to their community.
“We decided to create a volunteer program because we want everyone in the equestrian and local communities to feel that the WIHS is their horse show as well,” commented Ericka Schaefer, Administrative Director of the WIHS. “We want everyone to be involved in the show, regardless of if they are competing or attending.”
Volunteers will help organize groups for Barn Night, distribute posters and ticket brochures, help in the Press Room, assist with the Pony Pavilion, raise general awareness of WIHS events, and contribute in a number of other ways. There are also opportunities to lead specific projects and expand on currently existing programs.
“We have a number of great potential programs we are considering,” said Diana DeRosa, Director of WIHS Public Relations. “During the show, our volunteers may help with some of the new programs we implement, such as assisting spectators in the concourse or handing out surveys. We want our guests to know that we are happy they are there and whatever we can do to make their stay more enjoyable is our goal.”
The Internship program provides an opportunity for college students to work voluntarily in jobs specifically tailored for their studies and areas of interest. From Press Room assistantships to Administrative work, a wide variety of beneficial internships are available. As programs continue to develop, interns have a chance to strongly contribute to changes and program implementation at the show. Whether interns are interested in strengthening their resumes or they are simply horse enthusiasts, becoming an intern is a fabulous way to gain experience, learn about potential employment opportunities, and support one of the most prominent equestrian competitions in our nation’s history.
“Everyone has something to offer,” stated Schaefer. “We also feel that the volunteer and internship programs are a great opportunity to spread the word about the horse show. We want the community to embrace the horse show and be involved!”
For more information on Washington International Horse Show’s Volunteer and Internship Programs, please visit their official website at www.wihs.org and click on “Volunteer Team,” or call Ericka Schaefer at 301-987-9400.
Washington International Horse Show Fast Facts
What: 48th Annual Washington International Horse Show, a championship event with top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, competing for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. Approximately 600 horses compete in the six-day event. Riders from Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Brazil and Ireland are expected to participate.
When: October 24 – 29, 2006 (Local Weekend: October 20-22 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro, Maryland)
Where: Verizon Center, 7th and F Streets NW, Washington, D.C., home of the Washington International Horse Show since 2000, as well as professional and college sports teams including the NBA Wizards, the NHL Capitals, the WNBA Mystics and the Georgetown Hoyas, concerts, family shows and sporting events
Highlights: $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix; $25,000 Puissance; Dressage Musical Freestyle, Barrel Racing, Terrier Races and Side Saddle
Washington International Horse Show – General Information
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) has been one of the world’s top championship horse shows since 1958. Originally based at the Washington D.C. Armory, it moved to the U.S. Air Arena in Prince George’s County in 1975. Since 2000, it has been in its present location at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Each October, the WIHS brings the “country to the city” with local streets adjacent to the Verizon Center turned over to stabling and exercise areas for the finest horses and riders in the country.
Riders of all ages – from children as young as six riding ponies to mature riders in their 40’s and 50’s on powerful jumpers and dressage horses – compete throughout the year and throughout the country to qualify to ride at Washington.
Thursday evening’s “Barn Night” is a favorite with local young riders, who attend in groups and vie for prizes based on best group spirit, best essay, largest group, etc. Groups also walk the course with grand prix riders after the Gambler’s Choice show jumping competition.
On Saturday afternoon, children can get up close and personal with their four-footed friends in the Pony Pavilion where they can pet and ride ponies, learn how to groom, and much more.
The show offers a special opportunity for amateur riders living within 100 miles of Washington D.C. who otherwise may not be able to compete at this top event. Local children and adult amateur hunter riders may compete in a qualifying event October 21-22 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The top finishers will compete in the WIHS Local Hunter Finals at the Verizon Center on Sunday.
The Washington International Horse Show also is a great place to shop. More than 60 vendors set up booths on the arena concourse with jewelry, crafts, saddlery and unique items. In addition, visitors may bid on one-of-a-kind items in the silent auction, including vacations, art, wine, equestrian items and sports tickets. For information about this year’s specialty vendors, visit www.wihs.org.
The WIHS is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, which has benefited many local and national groups, including the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, NBC4’s Camp 4 Kids, Canine Companions for Independence, ASPCA, Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health, Partners in Education, Community Services for Autistic Adults & Children, National Center for Therapeutic Riding, Starlight Starbright Foundation-Midatlantic, etc.
Horse Show Office: 16063 Comprint Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, (301) 987-9400, Fax: (301) 987-9461, website: www.wihs.org, Executive Director: Susan Webb, Susie@wihs.org
Public Relations: Diana De Rosa, Press Link: (631) 773-6155, Cell: (516) 848-4867, dderosa1@optonline.net, website: www.presslinkpr.com
Media: Phelps Media Group/Mason Phelps, Jr. (561) 753-3389, mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com. Press releases and photos are available at https://www.phelpsmediagroup.com. For accreditation, visit https://www.wihs.org/news/media.cfm and complete a media accreditation form.
2006 Washington International Horse Show
Tickets and Schedule (as of 4/19/06)
Tickets – www.ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-SEAT
Performance Day Evening Evening VIP**
Tuesday $15 $20 $40
Wednesday $15 $20 $40
Thursday $15 $30* $45*
Friday $15 $35 $60
Saturday $20 $35 $60
Sunday $15 — —
*Barn Night Groups (10 or more) receive $5 off each ticket on Thursday night.
**VIP seats include premium arena-level seating and a complimentary WIHS program book ($10 value).
Schedule (excluding special events and exhibitions)
Tuesday, Oct. 24: Daytime performance: Regular and Green Conformation Hunters; First/Second Year Green Hunters; Regular Working Hunters; Amateur/Owner Hunters (Riders 35 & Under and Over 35); Evening performance: WIHS Children’s Hunter and Adult Hunter Championships
Wednesday, Oct. 25: Daytime performance: Regular Working and Regular Conformation Hunters; Second Year Green and Green Conformation Hunters; A/O Hunter (35 & Under and Over 35); Amateur/Owner Jumpers; Evening performance: WIHS Children’s Jumper Championships and Adult Jumper Championships
Thursday, Oct. 26 (BARN NIGHT): Daytime performance: Small Junior Hunters (15 & Under); Large Junior Hunters (15 & Under); Small Junior Hunters (16-17), Large Junior Hunters (16-17); $25,000 President’s Cup Qualifier; Amateur/Owner Jumpers, Junior Jumpers; Evening performance: WIHS Dressage Invitational Grand Prix; $20,000 Gambler’s Choice, Side Saddle, Barrel Racing, Terrier Races
Friday, Oct. 27: Daytime performance: Small Junior Hunters (15 & Under); Large Junior Hunters (15 & Under); Small Junior Hunters (16-17), Large Junior Hunters (16-17); WIHS Equitation; Amateur/Owner Jumpers; Junior. Jumpers TFR (time first round); $25,000 Open Jumpers; Evening performance: Dressage Invitational Freestyle Competition; $20,000 Accumulator Class, $25,000 Puissance, Barrel Racing, Terrier Races
Saturday, Oct. 28: Daytime performance: Small, Medium and Large Pony Hunters; $20,000 Hit & Hurry Class; Junior Jumpers; Pony Pavilion; Evening performance: WIHS Equitation Classic (Jumper Phase & Final work-off); $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, Terrier Races, Dressage
Sunday, Oct. 29: Small, Medium and Large Pony Hunters; WIHS Pony Equitation Classic; Local Hunter Finals (Horses); Local Hunter Finals (Ponies)
Photo Credit: Volunteers help with the Pony Pavilion at WIHS. Photo by: Diana DeRosa©. High Resolution copies of this image are available by contacting Phelps Media Group, Inc. International at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
