Tickets are now on sale for the 60th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most exciting and entertaining equestrian events in North America, taking place Oct. 23-28 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating this historic milestone,” said Victoria Lowell, WIHS President. “It’s going to be an exciting year as we pay tribute to the wonderful horses and riders, supporters, friends and volunteers, over the past six decades with special exhibits and events. We’re proud to welcome more than 26,000 spectators, award $518,000 in prize money, support our charitable partners and bring together equestrians, horse enthusiasts and the local community to experience horse showing at its best in the heart of our nation’s capital.”
Spectators, riders, sponsors and all attending this year’s 60th event will enjoy historical displays and events plus special pricing going back to the inaugural WIHS held Oct. 10-15, 1958, at the D.C. National Guard Armory. A special $2.00 price per ticket for opening day and evening, Tuesday, Oct. 23, reflects general admission that first year. In addition a special history-based commemorative souvenir program will be sold at the 1958 price of $1.00.
If you like championship sport and fast-paced entertainment and fun, WIHS is an event you’ll enjoy, young or old. More than 500 of the best horses and riders in the world, including Olympic veterans, will arrive in the nation’s capital for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition. In addition, the event will feature entertaining exhibitions, community and charity events and boutique shopping.
Beat Mändli, of Switzerland, and Dsarie were best in the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington presented by Events DC. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
The highlight of the week is Saturday night’s $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington presented by Events DC, featuring the biggest jumps, most challenging course and richest purse. The winning rider is presented with the show’s most prestigious prize, the President of the United States Perpetual Cup, a trophy given to the show in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Other popular events include the $25,000 Puissance, a thrilling high-jump competition on Military Night presented by Caterpillar, Inc. (Friday, Oct. 26), and the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals for the country’s top junior riders (Saturday, Oct. 27).
Aaron Vale (USA) and Finou 4 earned their second consecutive WIHS Puissance victory last year by clearing 6’7″ to win the $25,000 International Jumper Puissance. Photo by Alden Corrigan Media
Special events for young people and children include WIHS Barn Night (Thursday, Oct. 25) with contests, a scavenger hunt and jumping competition including the Top Score Costume Class, where riders and horses jump in surprising and entertaining costumes.
WIHS Kids’ Day is a popular equine street festival with free, fun and educational horse-based activities, and is held Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. This event is located both inside Capital One Arena and on a closed street in front of Hotel Monaco at F and 7th Streets NW.
Pony kisses on Kids’ Day! Kids’ Day is a free, fun and educational event taking place Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10-2, both inside Capital One Arena and on a closed street in front of Hotel Monaco at F and 7th Streets. Photo by Jump Media
Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining exhibitions, including renowned Australian horseman and entertainer Guy McLean, who will perform his one-of-a-kind liberty horse demonstration with his team of Australian stock horses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Australian horseman, entertainer and bush poet Guy McLean and his Australian stock horses will perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Photo by Shawn McMillan Photography
The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series presented by Charles Owen will be back Thursday and Saturday nights with junior jockeys riding the most adorable and wily Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.
Junior jockeys will compete in the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series presented by Charles Owen on Thursday and Saturday nights. Photo by Ashley Neuhof
Highlighted events support community organizations and charities, including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the WIHS Official Military Charity, Capital Breast Care Center and U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
Tickets are available online on www.Ticketmaster.com, at the Capital One Arena box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday with day and evening performances except Sunday (daytime only).
Special $2.00 commemorative pricing is available on opening day, Tuesday, Oct. 23. All tickets, day or evening, are $2.00 (plus applicable service charges), reflecting the cost of general admission at the inaugural show in 1958.
Daytime tickets (general admission) Wednesday through Sunday, are $15 (plus applicable service charge) with children 12 and under admitted free. For evening performances, VIP, reserved and general admission tickets are available starting at $25.
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 www.wihs.org/tickets.
For event details, visit WIHS Event Schedule. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com. For VIP Hospitality, contact maryhelen@wihs.org.
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.
About Washington International Horse Show
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events attracting more than 26,000 spectators annually to Washington, D.C., for Olympic-level competition plus community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders arrive from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $135,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup, presented by Events DC, the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals, the $25,000 Puissance high jump on Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc., and Kids’ Day, a free, fun and educational community event. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Washington, D.C. wihs.org.