From Oct. 21 through Oct. 27, one of North America’s premier equestrian events makes its yearly return to the Washington, D.C. area. The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), hosted at the Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, boasts a packed schedule of both high-level competition and festive fun for the whole family.
The WIHS has been an annual tradition in the D.C. area for the past 66 years, bringing some of the most talented horses and riders in the country to a local stage. Over the course of seven days, competitors participate in the core disciplines of jumping, hunting and equitation contests.
The WIHS is one of the premier CSI5* competitions in North America, meaning that it is the highest level of equestrian show jumping. Because of this, the WIHS is an influential Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cup Qualifier. The competitive stakes are high, and riders have the chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars for winning performances. WIHS President Vicki Lowell spoke about the competitive spirit of this year’s competition.
“WIHS has a long-standing tradition of showcasing the best in equestrian sport, and we are thrilled to bring together such an elite group of competitors this year,” she announced in a press release.
Since its founding in 1958, the WIHS has been recognized by the FEI for its prominence in the sport with a five-star rating. It has been proud to call the D.C. area home for its entire history, never straying farther than a venue 30 miles from the White House. In the WIHS press release, President Lowell also referenced the significance of hosting the competition at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.
She noted, “The return to Prince George’s Equestrian Center has allowed us to offer fans an intimate, yet world-class experience, with thrilling performances throughout the week.”
If the world-class equestrian competitors aren’t enough to bring you to the WIHS, then the full lineup of entertainment and engaging activities will be. Some highlights of this year’s event include a Sip & Shop with complimentary wine, Barn Night featuring a Costume Class, Military Night that honors U.S. armed forces and first responders, and Kids Day with pony rides and face painting. The main event – the $320,000 Longines FEI Jumping Contest – will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8:30 PM.
To witness the best of the best in equestrian right here in the D.C. area, attend daytime events for free or purchase evening event tickets at the Show Place Arena Box Office or on Ticketmaster. If you can’t make it in person, you can keep up with WIHS news by using the hashtag #WIHS2024 on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.
