The 2018 Washington International Horse Show Draws to a Close
by Stacey Wells
The 60th Anniversary of the Washington International Horse Show ended on Sunday October 28 after a week full of tough and exciting competition at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
The big jumper classes kicked off on Thursday, October 25, with 17-year-old Brian Moggre winning the $35,000 Accumulator Jumper Class aboard MTM Flutterby. Dressed as Danny Zuko from Greece and with his horse decked out as the famed car Greece Lightning, Moggre scored an impressive 65 points in a time of 40.23 seconds.
On Friday, October 26, the Puissance Wall, sponsored this year by WIHS newbies Land Rover, took center stage during Military Night with Aaron Vale riding Finou 4 to win for the third consecutive year. Vale successfully jumped the wall throughout five rounds of competition and cleared the final wall height of 6’ 11 ½”.
Saturday night, October 27, showcased the $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. Over 23 entries entered the ring with four making it back for the jump-off. Four-time U.S. Olympian Beezie Madden won the class with the fastest time of 30.74 seconds. Her mount for the win was Breitling LS. (pictured above – photo by Shawn McMillen Photography)
The WIHS Regional Hunter Finals took place on Sunday, October 28, with both Pony and Horse divisions. Mckenna Gregorio and Autumn Frost took the blue in the Pony division while Brittani Director won the Regional Hunter Finals – Horse Division, aboard Rococo.
Congratulations to all horses and riders who competed in the 2018 Washington International Horse Show!
If you are a Marylander and competed in WIHS this year, please send us your photos to editor@equiery.com for a chance to be featured in our December issue! Look for WIHS Regional and WIHS Show highlights in the December Equiery!