Washington International Horse Show Celebrates 65th Anniversary With Five-Star Classes, Prize Money, and Amenities
July 24, 2023 - Washington, DC
Photo by Alden Corrigan Media
Photo by Alden Corrigan Media
$450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President's Cup Headlines International Jumper Division
The 2023 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian, returns on October 23-29 as the only five-star FEI World Cup™ qualifier in the United States with increased prize money and upgraded amenities. WIHS will celebrate its 65th anniversary at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, in front of packed crowds with more than 10,000 spectators anticipated. The complete 2023 prize list is now available online here.
Competition
The 2023 WIHS International Jumper division boasts $656,000 in prize money, and will begin on Thursday, October 26, with the $78,000 Welcome Stake and the fan-favorite $40,000 Accumulator Costume Class, which includes a bonus for the Best Costume Award. The $78,000 Speed Final is featured on Friday, October 27. The International Jumper division culminates in the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President's Cup on Saturday evening, October 28. The newly established Leading FEI Groom Award will also be presented in center ring on Saturday evening in memory of Karen Golding, longtime steward and supporter of WIHS.
After designing the tracks at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final Omaha 2023, renowned FEI Level 4 Course Designer Bernard Costa Cabral (POR) will set the stage on the FEI-approved and -tested 120’x 240’ competition surface, assisted by FEI Level 3 Course Designer Nick Granat (USA). Led by WIHS President Vicki Lowell and WIHS Show Manager David Distler, last year’s international competition included a star-studded field of 30 riders representing 10 countries.
Schooling
Part of the expansive Prince George’s Equestrian Center, the dedicated FEI Complex will include an exclusive schooling arena. Riders will also have access to an additional tented warm-up ring, both newly installed with all-weather premium footing.
Onsite Amenities
All FEI credentialed persons will have access to the WIHS Exhibitor Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast and lunch daily. Additionally, special meals will be served in the FEI Complex in the evening on Wednesday, October 25, through Saturday, October 28, for grooms, riders, and trainers.
Five-star riders will receive access to the WIHS VIP Club, complete with daily breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner and open bar during the evening sessions. VIP Club tables are also available for purchase for owners and sponsors and offer a premium competition viewing experience.
Hospitality
WIHS offers a Hospitality Campus at National Harbor, situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River, just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. National Harbor is home to an MGM Grand Casino, eight hotels, 160 stores, and 40 restaurants. WIHS has exclusive discounted rates at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center for exhibitors.
For more information about WIHS, visit wihs.org, join WIHS on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Tag using #WIHS2023, #FEIWorldCup, and #Longines.
About Washington International Horse Show, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization Established in 1958
The Washington International Horse Show is one of North America's most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events with competition for international, professional, amateur, junior and child riders. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President's Cup, the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children's and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, top national hunters and jumpers, plus popular community and charity events. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition. For more information, visit wihs.org.