WASHINGTON, August 17, 2016– Tickets are now on sale for the 58th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America, which will take place Oct. 25-30 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Harrie Smolders of The Netherlands and Emerald, winners of the 2015 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC. ©Shawn McMillen Photography.
More than 500 of the best horses and riders in the world, including Olympic veterans, will arrive in the nation’s capital for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition plus entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping and community and charity events.
Tickets Now on Sale at Ticketmaster.com
Excitement is building for Saturday night’s $130,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, where the winning rider will be presented with the show’s most prestigious prize, the President of the United States Perpetual Cup, a trophy given to the show in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Other popular events include the $25,000 Puissance, presented by The Boeing Company, a thrilling high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and the prestigious WIHS Equitation Finals for the country’s top junior riders (Saturday).
US rider Callan Solem and VDL Wizard. © Shawn McMillen Photography.
Special events designed for children include WIHS Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, with contests, a scavenger hunt and the entertaining Top Score Costume Class, where riders jump in costume (Thursday), and WIHS Kids’ Day, the popular street festival with free, fun and educational horse-based activities for the local D.C. community (Saturday).
Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining exhibitions including the adorable WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races, presented by Charles Owen (Thursday and Saturday nights), with junior jockeys in the saddle racing the cutest Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.
Highlighted events support community organizations and charities including TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the WIHS Official Military charity, the Capital Breast Care Center at Georgetown Hospital and the U. S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
Tickets are available at the Verizon Center box office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday with day and evening performances except Sunday (daytime only). Daytime tickets (general admission only) are $15 (plus applicable service charge) with children 12 and under admitted free. For evening performances, VIP, reserved and general admission tickets are available starting as low as $20. For group discounts, contact Verizon Center Group Sales at 202-661-5061. For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors and students, visit https://www.wihs.org/tickets/.
Junior jockeys prepare to race in the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen.
© Alden Corrigan Media
For event details, visit WIHS Event Schedule.
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events in North America. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC (Saturday night), the Puissance high jump presented by The Boeing Company on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is currently ranked #7 in the Top 25 Horse Shows by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.
