What: 51st Annual Washington International Horse Show
Contact Information: 301-987-9400, info@wihs.org, www.wihs.org, and follow on Facebook and Twitter
When: October 20-25, 2009
Why: Horse-crazy or not, if you like championship sport and fast-paced entertainment and fun, this is the event for you. An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, including Olympic champions, to the nation's capital to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. About 500 horses will participate in show jumping, hunters and equitation events during the six-day show. Plus special horse exhibitions, shopping in more than 50 specialty boutiques and a new event this year, Washington's World of the Horse on Sunday afternoon, will round out this family-friendly show. WIHS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to partner for the third year with Autism Speaks, and new this year, Equestrian Aid Foundation and Horses and Humans Research Foundation. Since its debut, the Washington International has been a popular Washington D.C. fixture visited by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages.
Where: Verizon Center, 601 F Street, NW (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.
2009 Highlights
Tuesday evening: Opening Night Gala Honoring Amateur Riders, for the benefit of Equestrian Aid Foundation
Thursday evening: $20,000 Gamblers Choice Costume Class!
Friday evening: $25,000 Puissance (high-jump)
Friday/Saturday: WIHS Equitation Finals
Saturday evening: $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, WIHS Hall of Fame Inductees Betty Oare, Hermen Greenberg
Saturday: Special exhibition by the Caisson Platoon
• Jack Russell Terrier Races (Thurs., Fri., Sat. evenings, Sun. afternoon)
• Circus performer Caroline Williams combines artistry and skill to guide her Paint using yards of chiffon as reins!
(Thurs., Fri., Sat. evenings, Sun. afternoon).
• Animal Planet pet trainer and star of SuperFetch Zak George and his dog, Venus, perform amazing tricks on Friday and Saturday evenings.
SUNDAY - NEW THIS YEAR: Washington’s World of the Horse is a 90-minute family-focused event that will run on October 25 from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. Some of the acts include the Jack Russell Terrier Races, circus performer Caroline Williams combining artistry and skill to guide her Paint using yards of chiffon as reins, dressage, vaulting, barrel racing, Saddlebreds, reining, polo, Friesians, and more. To make it more affordable for families kids 12 and under get in for free.
2009 WIHS Hall of Fame Inductees
Betty Oare, Warrenton, VA & Hermen Greenberg, Middleburg, VA and Washington, DC
Some of the finest horsemen and horsewomen in the country have been named to the WIHS Hall of Fame since the award was established in 1997: George H. Morris (1997), William C. Steinkraus (1998), Mrs. Jane Dillon (1999), Kenneth and Sallie Wheeler (2000), Austin H. Kiplinger (2001), H. Fenwick Kollock (2002), Sheila C. Johnson (2007) and Miss Mignon C. Smith (2008.)
How To Get There: Take Metrorail or Metrobus to Gallery Place-Chinatown for an easy trip to the show.
2009 WIHS Fast Facts continued…
TICKETS
Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 202-397-SEAT. They also are available in person at Verizon Center Box Office.
Groups: Organize a group outing to the show with your barn, club, team, school, church, or group of friends. For Group Ticket Sales, call Verizon Center Group Sales Department at 202-661-5061. Group Sales can assist you with ticket discounts, special seating arrangements and personalized service.
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 20-Oct 21-Oct 22-Oct 23-Oct 24-Oct 25-Oct
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Day--Kids ( 12 and Under) Free Free Free Free Free Free
Day--Adults $15 $15 $15 $15 $15 $15
Night--Kids (12 and Under) $10 $10 $10 $20 $20 n.a.
Night--Adults $20 $20 $20 $30 $30 n.a.
Night--VIP (center sections, lower rows) incl. prog. $40 $40 $40 $50 $50 n.a.
Week Pass Discounts
Kids (12 & under)--$50 Student (over 12 years of age)--$5 off
Adults--$90 Military--$5 off
Metro Card Holders--$5 off
Group--$5 off
Comcast Employees--$5 off
Two performances daily except Sunday
• Day (Tues-Sat): 7:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M
• Evening: (Tues-Sat): 7:00-10:30 P.M. (ending times approx.)
• Sunday 7:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M (Washington's World of the Horse starts at approx. 1:00 P.M.)
Special Historical Moments
Over the years, notable guests included Alice Roosevelt Langford, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, President Gerald R. Ford, General William Westmoreland, Christopher Reeve, John Cleese, Bruce Springsteen, William Shatner, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Arthur Godfrey and many more.
Show memories abound, including in 1970, a carriage marathon with horse-drawn vehicles parading to the White House to give Mrs. Nixon a carriage ride around the South Lawn of the Executive Mansion.
The standing North American indoor Puissance (high jump) record of 7 feet 7 1/2 inches was set at Washington in 1983 by Anthony D'Ambrosio and Sweet N' Low.
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE AT ALL DAYTIME PERFORMANCES INCLUDING SUNDAY’S WORLD OF THE HORSE!
2009 WIHS CHARITY PARTNERS
Washington International Horse Show is proud to give a national platform and support to Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Activities and charities that support those in need (both medical and financial) in our sport. Please visit our Charity Partner Information table to learn more about our charity partners.
American Hippotherapy Association
Autism Speaks
Child Help
Equestrian Aid Foundation
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
The Caisson Platoon
ALL PHOTOS BY DIANA DE ROSA
