WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2017–Tickets are now on sale for the 59th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most exciting and entertaining equestrian events in North America, which will take place Oct. 24-29, 2017, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Horse-crazy or not, if you like championship sport and fast-paced entertainment and fun, this is the event for you. 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 events.
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Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala, winners of the 2016 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC. ©Shawn McMillen Photography
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The highlight of the week is Saturday night’s $130,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, with the biggest jumps and the most challenging course. The winning rider is 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, Oct. 27), and the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals for the country’s top junior riders (Saturday, Oct. 28).
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| McLain Ward (USA), currently ranked #2 rider in the world, and ZZ Top VS Schaarbroek Z cleared 7′ to tie for first with Aaron Vale and Finou 4 in the 2016 Puissance, presented by The Boeing Company. ©Shawn McMillen Photography |
Special events for children include WIHS Barn Night (Thursday, Oct. 26) with contests, a scavenger hunt and the colorful Top Score Costume Class, where riders and horses jump in surprising and always entertaining costumes. WIHS Kids’ Day, presented by Discovery Communications and EQUUS Foundation, is the popular equine street festival with free, fun and educational horse-based activities for the local D.C. community, held on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. This event is located both inside Verizon Center and on a closed street in front of Hotel Monaco at F and 6th Streets NW.
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Pony kisses on Kids Day! Kids’ Day is a free, fun and educational event held Saturday, Oct. 28, from
10-2 both inside Verizon Center and on a block closed to traffic at F and 6th Streets. |
Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining exhibitions, including renowned Australian horse master and entertainer Guy McLean, who will perform his one-of-a-kind liberty horse demonstration with his team of Australian stock horses on Friday and Saturday nights.
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| Australian horseman and entertainer Guy McLean and his Australian Stock Horses will perform on Friday and Saturday nights. © Shawn McMillan Photography |
The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will be back Thursday and Saturday nights with junior jockeys in the saddle racing the most adorable, and wily, Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.
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| Junior jockeys will compete in the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, on Thursday and Saturday nights. © Shawn McMillen Photography |
Highlighted events support community organizations and charities, including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the WIHS Official Military Charity, the Capital Breast Care Center and the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
Tickets are available online on www.Ticketmaster.com, at the Verizon Center box office 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) 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 at $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.
For event details, visit WIHS Event Schedule.
Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com.
For VIP Hospitality, contact Lindsay Pologe
About Washington International Horse Show
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events attracting more than 26,000 spectators annually to Washington, D.C., for Olympic-level competition plus community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders arrive 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, the $25,000 Puissance high jump and $50,000 Speed Final on Military Night and Kids’ Day, a free, fun and educational community event. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Washington, D.C.
