The Washington International Horse Show returned to Maryland this year at its new location, the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. This year’s show certainly did not disappoint with top quality competition mixed with demonstrations, additional activities at the National Harbor, and plenty of shopping.

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Barn Night!
Thursday’s WIHS Barn Night was presented in partnership with Green is the New Blue and the contest theme was Gallop Green. Over 20 stables from Maryland and Virginia competed in six contests for some great prizes.

Tamarak Stables (VA) won the Group Spirit Contest and earned a $1500 Dover Saddlery shopping spree. The runner up, Oakcrest Farm in Harwood received a $750 Dover Saddlery gift certificate.

The Best Video this year was won by Serene Acres Riding Center (VA). Barns were asked to show how their farm promoted green practices. Serene Acres won a clinic with top Hunter/Equitation trainer Archie Cox. The Madeira School (VA) earned second place and received a $500 Dover Saddlery gift certificate.

A new contest this year was to create a recycled or living jump and the winners received a barn photo shoot courtesy of Hannah Jones Photography. The winner was Quinn Haven Stables in Friendship with Serene Acres earning second place and a $500 Dover Saddlery gift certificate.

Continuing with the going green theme, the Best Poster Encouraging Green Practices contest was won by St. Margaret’s Pony Club of Bowie. They earned a Maryland Saddlery basket full of goodies. Iron Bridge Pony Club (Sandy Spring) was second in the poster contest and got a $250 Dover Saddlery gift certificate.

The Overall Largest Group to attend this year’s Barn Night was Enticement Stables of Harwood. They won a Briar Hill Signworks custom sign. In addition, Enticement won a $250 Dover Saddlery gift certificate for being the largest barn from Maryland. Tamarak Stables was the largest Virginia barn in attendance.

WIHS also recognized two barns for traveling the farthest to attend this year’s show. Serene Acres, who came up from Bluemont, VA, won a $250 Maryland Saddlery gift certificate while Loudoun 4-H Canterlopes, from Purcellville, VA, came in second and received a $150 Maryland Saddlery gift certificate.

In addition to all the Barn Night prizes, Savannah Smith was presented with the Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship, which is given each year in honor of the late Maryland-based trainer Laura Pickett.

One of the big draws of Barn Night at WIHS is the costumes that the riders wear during the $37,000 Accumulator Costume Class and boy, this year did not disappoint! From the Mother of Dragons to Maverik, Winnie the Pooh and Batman, the costumes were fabulous and the competition was fierce. Ultimately it was Grace Debney (GBR) that won the Best Costume title but Daniel Bluman (ISR) who topped the class earning the max number of points in the fastest time. He rode Ubiluc for the win.

Military Night
Friday evening was dedicated to those who have served and currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and was presented by Boeing. Part of the evening’s festivities included the presentation of the WIHS Honor and Service Award, presented by the EQUUS Foundation. This year’s award winner was Allison Smith for the countless hours of volunteering she has done at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Lisbon.

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut rode Calgary Tame to win the $75,000 Speed Finals CSI5* while there ended up a three-way tie in the $25,000 Defender Puissance. Brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle of Ireland tied with McLain Ward of the U.S. to jump the big wall at 6’10’’.

Also that evening was the $7,500 Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, which was won by Ellie Ferrigno and Queen Elizabeth.

World Cup Night
Finishing out the evening competitions for the week was the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, presented by Experience Prince George’s. Ireland’s Conor Swail rode Count Me In to win the class.

Earlier in the evening, Augusta Iwasaki finished out her junior riding career by winning the WIHS Equitation Finals aboard Attendu de Lannois Z.

For more results and photos, stay tuned to The Equiery’s WIHS recap in the December print edition!