Washington International Horse Show Brings Together Show Jumping Elite at MCI Center in Nation’s Capital
Equestrian News Release
Washington, DC – October 14, 2005 – This year’s edition of the Washington International Horse Show, scheduled for the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., on October 25-30, 2005, will bring together a slate of this country’s finest show jumping riders. Eight United States Olympians highlight this year’s roster of equestrian superstars. In addition, the show, one of the country’s most prestigious and competitive indoor equestrian events, will feature some of Europe’s legendary and most successful equestrian stars.
Nick Skelton and Michael Whitaker, both four time Olympians for their home country of Great Britain, have confirmed that they will attend this year’s show. Both riders were key members of this year’s British Samsung Super League Teams. Skelton is the 1995 World Cup Champion while Whitaker, who was second at the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas earlier this year, won the European Championship in 1995.
Also coming to the MCI Center this year is Philippe Rozier, a two time French Olympic Team veteran. 2004 Olympian Gerco Schroeder of the Netherlands will also attend. Schroeder, with three World Cup Finals appearances, was the Young Rider Gold Medalist at the European Championships twice. Harrie Smolders, also from the Netherlands, rounds out the contingent from Europe.
The MCI Center will showcase a battle of the best riders the United States has to offer, including sixteen of the top twenty-five riders on the United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Computer Rankings.
The star studded field of American riders is headlined by 2004 Olympic Team Gold Medalist McLain Ward. The 2004 President’s Cup Champion and Washington International’s Leading Jumper Rider, Ward returns to defend his title in 2005 and looks forward to the enthusiastic crowds at the MCI Center. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of the great crowds at Washington,” Ward said. “The fan support we get is very exciting and induces good competition.”
Ward, who produced double clear rounds in Aachen, Germany this summer to propel the United States to the championship in the summer long Samsung Super League Series, says that Washington has emerged as the preeminent indoor show in the United States. “The Washington International is a real first class, international indoor horse show. It rivals what Madison Square Garden once was,” asserted Ward. “It’s in the middle of downtown. There’s electricity in the air. They pack the place on President’s Cup night, probably more people than the Garden ever got on grand prix night. And, it’s a very horse educated crowd. They understand what’s going on, and they’re very supportive. That’s the key to making any event great,” he said.
In addition to Ward, other United States Olympic veterans competing at this year’s Washington International Horse Show include two time Olympian, Leslie Howard, with Gold and Silver Team Medals from Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and in Atlanta in 1996.
Also returning to the MCI Center is Norman Dello Joio, the Individual Olympic Bronze Medalist from Barcelona in 1992. Dello Joio won the President’s Cup at Washington in 2000. Other Olympic veterans include Margie Goldstein Engle (Sydney 2000), Lauren Hough (Sydney 2000), Laura Kraut (Sydney 2000), Alison Firestone (Athens 2004) and Todd Minikus (Sydney 2000). Minikus captured the President’s Cup at Washington in 1990.
Two time President’s Cup winner Aaron Vale (2001-2003) will try to make it three in 2005. Vale is on fire, chalking up 23 grand prix wins this season including the $100,000 USGPL Finals. Vale, a part of the United States Equestrian Team’s efforts in Europe this summer, won a Lexus automobile by capturing the Lexus Queen’s Cup at Barcelona, Spain.
Schuyler Riley will make Washington a stop on this year’s tour. Riley galloped her way into show jumping history this summer when she won the $175,000 Chrysler Classic at Spruce Meadows for the second year in a row. Her back to back victories were the first since legendary Canadian Ian Miller posted consecutive wins with Big Ben in the late 80s. She’s the only woman to ever capture that prestigious event.
Georgina Bloomberg and Danielle Torano, who dominated last year’s Amateur Owner Jumper division, will be competing in the WIHS Open Jumpers in 2005. Danielle’s husband Jimmy Torano, who put together an amazing string of six consecutive grand prix wins this summer, will challenge as well.
“This is without a doubt the greatest field of open jumper riders at the Washington International Horse Show in the last fifteen to twenty years,” said WIHS manager Hugh Kincannon.
The $100,000 President’s Cup sponsored by Salamander Hospitality, LLC highlights this year’s jumper division and will take place on Saturday night, October 29, 2005.
Other exciting jumper action includes the $25,000 International-Open Jumper Time First Jump-off, a President’s Cup Qualifier, sponsored by Split Rock Farm and the Braun Family on Friday, October 28th and the $20,000 International-Open Jumper Time First Round, sponsored by Monarch International/Show Circuit Magazine on Thursday afternoon, October 27th, also a President’s Cup Qualifier, Also on the agenda for 2005 is the $20,000 International-Open Gambler’s Choice on Thursday evening.
The all new AOL.com Night at the Washington International Horse Show features two exciting show jumping events, the $20,000 International-Open Jumper Accumulator and the $25,000 AOL.com International Open Puissance classes.
Tickets for the 2005 Washington International Horse Show are still available at http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-SEAT. Barn Night Groups (10 or more) receive $5 off each ticket.
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW FAST FACTS
Washington International Horse Show Media Credentials Available Online
Media interested in covering the WIHS can apply for accreditation through the official website http://www.wihs.org. The WIHS will accept any legitimate requests for applications, even if received after the deadline of October 10th.
If you would like to cover the WIHS, please fill out the accreditation form at http://www.wihs.org/news/media.cfm.
Washington International Horse Show – (Office) 16063 Comprint Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 – 301-987-9400 Fax: 301-987-9461 – http://www.wihs.org – Susan Webb - Susie@wihs.org
During Show at MCI Center: 202-661-5227 – Fax: 202-661-5228 – Web Site: http://www.wihs.org (#s TBD)
WHAT: Washington International Horse Show
WHO: Elite equestrians and their multi-million dollar horses competing for some of the most coveted trophies in the world.
WHEN: October 25 – 30, 2005
WHERE: MCI Center, Washington, DC
TICKET PRICES
Day
Day
Evening Regular
Evening VIP**
Tuesday
$15
$20
$40
Wednesday
$15
$20
$40
Thursday
$15
$30*
$45*
Friday
$15
$35
$60
Saturday
$20
$35
$60
Sunday
$15
No Evening
No Evening
Anytime Package
$85
Regular admission for each performance ($235 package)
Barn Night Groups (10 or more) receive $5 off each ticket. See back panel for rules or visit http://www.wihs.org
VIP Seats include premium arena-level seating and a FREE WIHS Program Book ($10 Value). Take ticket stub to WIHS Souvenir Booth.
http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-SEAT
2005 SPECIAL “ANYTIME PACKAGE” OFFER:
This year the Washington International Horse Show is offering an “Anytime Package” ticket deal for $85.00. The “Anytime Package” allows admittance for spectators to all events and performances from Tuesday, October 25th through Sunday, October 30th. The cost of tickets if purchased for each event would total $235.00, at the very least, so this opportunity is a great way to save money while enjoying all that the show has to offer. Also included in the Anytime Package is free admittance into the Starlight Starbright Pony Pavilion which will have a host of activities for families to enjoy on Saturday, October 29th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
SCHEDULES:
10/25 – Daytime: Regular & Green Conformation – 1st & 2nd Green – Regular Working – A/O Hunter (35 & Under and Over 35) – Evening: WIHS Children’s Hunter Championships & Adult Hunter Championships
10/26 – Daytime: Regular Working & Regular Conformation – 2nd year Green & Green Conformation – 1st year Green
A/O Hunter (35 & Under & Over 35) – A/O Jumpers – Evening: WIHS Children’s Jumper Championships and Adult Jumper Championships
10/27 – Daytime: Small Jr. (15 & Under), Large Jr. (15 & Under) – Small Jr. (16-17), Large Jr. (16-17)
$25,000 President’s Cup Qualifier – A/O Jumpers – Evening: WIHS Dressage Invitational Grand Prix, $20,000 Gambler’s Choice
10/28 – Daytime: Small Jr. (15 & Under), Large Jr. (15 & Under), Small Jr. (16-17), Large Jr. (16-17), WIHS Equitation, A/O Jumpers – Jr. Jumpers TFR - $20,000 Open Jumpers – Evening: AOL.com Night features Dressage Invitational Freestyle Competition, $25,000 AOL.com Puissance
10/29 – Daytime: Small, Medium, Large Pony - Afternoon: $15,000 Open Jumpers Speed Class – Jr. Jumpers, Starlight Starbright Pony Pavilion and Mystics Family Fun Day
Evening: WIHS Equitation Classic: (Jumper Phase & Final work-off) - $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, Tracy Byrd Concert
10/30 – Small, Medium, Large Pony – WIHS Pony Equitation Classic – Local Hunter Finals (Horses) – Local Hunter Finals (Ponies) – Jr. Jumpers TFJO – Local Jumpers Finals
Exhibitions to Include: Barrel Racing – Terrier Races – Musical Free Style – Dressage - Tracy Byrd in concert- AOL.com Night- Mystics Family Fun Day- Starlight Starbright Pony Pavilion…and more
SPONSORS: Salamander Hospitality, LLC, RLJ Development, Mignon C. Smith, Washington Mystics, Monarch International/Show Circuit Magazine,Gotham North, Arwen Stables, The Braun Family, Stadium Jumping, Inc., Salamander Resort & Spa, J. Aron Charitable Foundation, Newstead Farm, Legg Mason Funds, MasterfoodsUSA, Shalanno Farm, Tara Management, JPC Equestrian, ITS Industries, Ernie & Betty Oare, Pennfield Feeds, Linda C. Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. Austin Kiplinger, S. Craig & Frances Lindner, Chris Rogers/Hillary Stiff, EMO Insurance Agency, Inc., Tad Coffin Performance Saddles, The Tack Box, Inc., Pat Carleton, Phillips Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. David Pollin, Rill & Decker, Potomac Valley Builders, Tony Weight, USTrust, Lilly Elizabeth & Stella Gray Pollin, Lake Placid Horse Shows, Delaware Park Racing Association, Keshishian Family, McGuire Woods, LLP, Horse Watch
MEDIA PARTNERS: NBC4 – Metro – Practical Horseman – The Gazette – The Journal – The Chronicle of the Horse – Equiery – WAMU 88.5 FM – The Washington Post – MIX 107.3 FM – Sidelines – Horse Talk – 97.1 Wash-FM – The Washington Times – Primedia Equine Network- 98.7 WMZQ- Washington Life Magazine- Press Link PR- Towerheads- Phelps Media Group, Inc.- Virginia Equestrian- Reins & Manes- Equine Journal
Publications interested in covering the Washington International Horse Show can fill out an accreditation form at http://www.wihs.org.
ABOUT THE MCI CENTER: The MCI Center offers sponsors luxury hospitality, an upscale spectator base, prime media exposure, and a highly-visible corporate presence.
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES: Thursday Evening’s Performance, WIHS Equitation Classic, WIHS Championships, $20,000 Gambler’s Choice, Junior Jumper Division, Amateur Owner Jumper Division, WIHS Pony Equitation, Exhibitor’s Lounge,$25,000 Open Jumpers – Friday, $15,000 Open Jumper Speed Class – Saturday, Small Junior Hunter Divisions, Large Junior Hunter Divisions, Pony Hunter Divisions, Lunches for Judges & Officials, Leading Jumper Rider Award, Exhibitors Numbers, Hunter Divisions, Soda & Snacks For Exhibitors, Individual Hunter Classes, and Individual Pony Hunter Classes
QUICK FACTS:
-English Style Horse Show Spectators & competitors have one of the richest income/economic demographics of any sports audience.
-USEF members average HHI - $134,500 – net worth $955,400 – Professional/managerial positions – 60%
27 million Americans ride a horse at least once a year – More than 10% of U.S. households currently participate in riding – 2,000,000+ people currently own horses – An additional 18% of U.S. households have an interest in riding – 33% of American households own/ride horses or would like to own/ride horses – 2/3 of current horse owners own more than one horse.
-The MCI Center offers sponsors luxury hospitality, an upscale spectator base, prime media exposure, and a highly-visible corporate presence.
-With everything from shopping at the specialty vendor booths and bidding on silent auction items to cheering on Olympic riders, the WIHS combines affordable family fun, shopping, glamour and international equestrian competition.
-The WIHS is a charitable organization; proceeds donated to local and national charities. Past recipients include: CRPF, NBC4s 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, etc.
- This year’s chief charity for 2005 is the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, founded by Steven Spielberg, the foundation is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Their website is http://www.slsb.org.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The 47th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) has served as one of the world’s elite show jumping competitions since its genesis in 1958. From its birthplace at the DC Armory, to the Capital Centre, and now at the state-of-the-art MCI Center, the WIHS brings the “country to the city” every October with Olympic horses and riders competing throughout the 6 days of competition for some of the most coveted and prestigious awards in the world.
The Washington International Horse Show takes place each year at the MCI Center, Washington, DC. The musical freestyle dressage exhibitions by top dressage riders are a crowd favorite. Musical freestyle dressage is often referred to as “dancing on horseback” since riders and horses perform a routine of complex movements – all to the beat of music.
Each year, equestrians from all across the US competed in horse shows to qualify to compete at Washington. The world’s top riders fly their multi-million dollar equine athletes to Washington to view for top honors in this world class show jumping event.
The Washington International Horse Show is a great place to start shopping for the holiday season with amazing bargains in both the Silent Auction and at the 60-plus specialty vendor booths along the concourse of the MCI Center. To view information about this year’s specialty vendors and descriptions of their products, visit http://www.wihs.org
WIHS EQUITATION QUALIFYING INFORMATION
Competitors must be WIHS members for qualifying points to count. Membership forms and Show Application Equitation forms may be downloaded at http://www.wihs.org – or contact Ryegate Show Services, 717-867-5643 - wihs@ryegate.com
RULES & REGULATIONS (new for 2005): Riders must be members of the WIHS Equitation to earn points in the standings.
The WIHS Equitation and Washington Pony Equitation are open to USEF and CEF member shows that request an application to hold an equitation qualifier class.
Shows must apply 30 days prior to the start of the show in order to offer the equitation class(es). Upon receipt of the application, the show contact will be mailed all pertinent forms.
Completed results forms and payment ($7.00 fee per rider in each class) must be returned to the Ryegate office within 10 days from the conclusion of the recognized horse show.
Qualifying period: shows starting on or after September 1st through shows starting on or before August 31st. The top 30 riders in the WIHS Equitation and the top 25 riders in the Washington Pony Equitation will be invited to compete in the Finals at the Washington International Horse Show.
Multi-day horse shows are permitted to hold either a one or two phase WIHS equitation qualifier. One-day horse shows are only allowed to hold a one-phase event. Washington Pony Equitation Classes may only be held as one phase.
The WIHS Equitation classes are open to junior members of USEF or CEF. Three riders must complete the course for the class to be included in the National Ranking.
· The same horse must be used in all phases of the event...No Exceptions.
· One rider per horse, unless the judge requests a change.
· Classes to be judged in accordance with the current USEF standards for equitation.
· Riders may only compete in one WIHS Equitation class at a show.
· Splitting of classes must be in accordance with USEF Article 2203.3.1.
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