The Legacy Continues for 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues its legacy in 2025 as a premier horse show destination in 2025 celebrating its 32nd edition at Prince George’s Equestrian Center from September 24-October 5, 2025.

Each year since 1994, the Capital Challenge Horse Show has hosted top-notch competition, drawing exhibitors from across the country to Upper Marlboro, MD. The show has evolved to offer a comprehensive schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes across its 12-day run, including several prestigious year-end championship classes.

Hear from some of last year’s winners on what makes Capital Challenge significant to them:

“This is a special horse show; I've won three finals in this ring now,” said Maddie Tosh of her past CCHS experiences. “All the best of the best people are here, and I think it's a great way of opening competition for the rest of the fall indoor season.”

Nick Haness won several professional hunter division championships and noted, “It’s great to be here amongst the very best in the country and have such nice horses.”

Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship winner with Spencer and Washington D.C. resident Lily Sonneborn said, “It’s incredible to be grand champion. This was such a bucket list item for me. I’m so lucky to have my team behind me and these incredible horses that make my dreams come true. My trainers work so hard to make everything happen. I’m kind of in shock. I never thought this would happen, so I’m so grateful.”

“It never gets old to come to a great show like this against the best of the best and deliver great rounds and come out on top,” said Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter Champion Stephanie Danhakl, who rode her longtime partner Quest.

The 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show will lead off with the Equitation Showcase, presented by BIGEQ.com, featuring five days of competition on September 24-28. New this year, the Marshall & Sterling Insurance/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East Coast will begin on Wednesday, September 24, with the horse inspection followed by the flat phase, then continue on Thursday, September 25.

Additional highlight classes during the Equitation Showcase include the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals, the Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) North American Junior Equitation Championships, and the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships.

The 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show will then host hunter and jumper competition. The World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Hunter Challenges will test the country’s best professionals, developing professionals, amateur owners, adult amateurs, juniors, children’s, and pony riders. The top six professional hunter riders will take to the arena to vie for the 2025 championship in the WCHR Professional Finals on Friday, October 3.

Additionally, hunter enthusiasts can look forward to the Green Hunter North American Championship at the 3’ and 3’3” heights, while adult equitation riders will compete for top honors in the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals.

The Capital Challenge will also host the North American League (NAL) Finals, featuring six divisions: the 1.10/1.15m Amateur Jumper, 1.10/1.15m Junior Jumper, 1.20/1.25m Junior/Amateur Jumper, 1.30/1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper, Children’s Hunter, and Adult Hunter.

Private VIP tables for six are available at the Taylor Harris Club to watch every class, every day, while enjoying all-day amenities, a place to spread out, and refuge from the hustle and bustle when things get busy. Amenities include espresso coffee, tea, and a variety of hot and cold beverages all day; breakfast options every day starting bright and early; light choices at lunch, small bites in the evenings, and all-day snacks; evening beer and wine from 5 to 7 p.m.; plus Wi-Fi internet access. Tables are limited, and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so book your table today from the “Ringside Tables” tab at www.Capitalchallenge.org. For further information or to reserve directly, call or text Lisa Rossi at 202-255-8805 or email LisaRossi@CapitalChallenge.org.

With incredible competition, a vast array of vendors, fun ice cream socials, an exhibitor party, and a comfortable way to watch the show, Capital Challenge offers everything you need for a superior show experience.

For more information on the 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show, please visit www.CapitalChallenge.org. Additional information, photos, and coverage can be found on Facebook or Instagram. For winning rounds and rider interviews, check out the Capital Challenge Horse Show YouTube channel.