WIHS Barn Night is Back at Capital One Arena Thursday, October 25

Highlighting the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is the return of Barn Night to the newly renovated Capital One Arena. One of the most popular nights at WIHS, Barn Night takes place Thursday, October 25, and welcomes local barns and horse enthusiasts of all ages for an evening of fun and exciting jumping competition, presented by Barn Manager, Charles Owen, The Clothes Horse, The Equiery, The Loft at Meadowbrook, United Metro Golf Cart, and US Equestrian.

Get ready for Barn Night 2018!

Competition and equine-themed entertainment will be at their peak during Barn Night 2018. Highlighting the schedule is the $40,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake, WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class, a performance by famed horseman, entertainer, and bush poet Guy McLean, and much more!

Local barns, equestrian groups, teams, and horse enthusiasts are invited to take part in Barn Night activities, which begin on the concourse at 6 p.m., however, registration is required to participate in group contests, including Group Spirit, Group Banner, Group Video, and Largest Group (Md., Va., D.C./Other and Overall). In celebration of the 60th anniversary of WIHS, this year's contest theme is "Riding Through the Decades."

Stacia Madden, one of the top equitation trainers in North America and head trainer at Beacon Hill Show Stables based in Colts Neck, NJ, has been tapped to teach a clinic for the winner of the Group Video Contest, sponsored by BarnManager, on WIHS Barn Night.

“WIHS has always been my favorite show because of its energy; seeing young equitation riders qualify and then compete as the prelude to the grand prix on Saturday night is a wonderful experience and a feeling you can’t beat,” said Madden, who has coached many of her students to qualify for and find success at WIHS, especially in the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals. “Watching young riders be able to rub elbows with the top level like that creates a sense of camaraderie that you don’t see at other horse shows.

“Every aspect of WIHS feels important and Barn Night is no different with the excitement from the local barns,” continued Madden. “I did not hesitate at all when I was asked to be the Barn Night clinician and I am looking forward to bringing a focus on the equitation to the clinic. I love the experience of working with new people, seeing some grassroots talent, and meeting new horses.”

Barn Night is presented with the generous support of Barn Manager, Charles Owen, The Clothes Horse, The Equiery, The Loft at Meadowbrook United Metro Golf Cart, and US Equestrian. Visit WIHS.org to learn more and register for a chance to win the following prizes.

2018 Prizes
• Clinic with top equitation trainer Stacia Madden, presented by BarnManager
• Custom drape set from The Clothes Horse
• Prize Surprise from The Loft at Meadowbrook
• $2,500 in Dover Saddlery shopping sprees, courtesy of US Equestrian
• Custom Golf Cart from United Metro Golf Cart
• and more!

Barn Night registration forms are due Monday, October 15. Barns that register early, by October 1, will be entered automatically in a raffle for a chance to win a $250 Dover Saddlery Gift Certificate thanks to U.S. Equestrian. The winner will be announced October 15 on Facebook and Instagram. Forms and rules are available at WIHS.org/barn-night.

In addition to in-ring events, the fifth annual Buck Breast Cancer Benefit will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, during Barn Night. Guests are invited to get in the spirit and support the cause by wearing pink and celebrating the lives of survivors, friends and family at 7 p.m. in the PwC Club at Capital One Arena. Tickets are $150 per person, and include dinner, an open bar and arena ticket. Party tickets will be available late September at Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for WIHS are available online on Ticketmaster.com, at the Capital One Arena box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For group discounts, contact Capital One Arena Group Sales at 202-661-5061. For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors and students, visit WIHS.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org, join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Tag us using #WIHSTurns60, #WIHS2018 #HorsesInTheCity, #FEIWorldCup, and #Longines.