About WIHS
.... Abe Pollin, Chairman, Washington Sports and Entertainment
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the leading equestrian events in the country, is celebrating its 50th year in the nation’s capital in 2008. This championship event, drawing leading horses and riders from around the nation and the world, is one of the few remaining major metropolitan indoor horse shows and is the pinnacle of the annual equestrian season. The show takes place each October at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., attracting the attention of tens of thousands of equestrians, non-equestrians, celebrities and politicos alike with events such as show jumping, dressage, hunter and equitation competition, plus special exhibitions, shopping and hospitality.
WIHS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to partner with the National Capital Area Chapter of Autism Speaks, an organization working to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.
Since its inception in 1958, the WIHS has provided a showcase for the finest horses from many breeds and disciplines, including Nations Cup international show jumping, hunt teams, side saddle, and Saddlebred, Quarter Horse, Morgan and other breed divisions, and driving, dressage, barrel racing and lots more. Over the years, the show has gradually focused more on its core disciplines of show jumping, hunters and equitation, and has sought to bring together the best riders, the most discerning judges and the most creative course designers in a forum to determine the best of the best.
The show has had homes at three local venues. Originally it was held at the Washington D.C. National Guard Armory. In 1975, it began a 25-year run at the more spacious U.S. Air Arena (Capital Centre) in Prince George's county. Since 2000, the state-of-the-art Verizon Center (MCI Center) in downtown Washington, D.C., has been its home.
