May 2008
Dear Potential Sponsor,
On October 21-26,2008, the Washington International Horse Show will celebrate its 50th Anniversary.
This is a time both to commemorate the history of this great horse show and to chart a course for its
future.
The WIHS holds the distinction of being the last of the classic, major metropolitan indoor horse shows
and the pinnacle ofthe equestrian calendar. The current WIHS Board of Directors is committed to the
survival of this historic horse show and feels it is essential for the show to remain at Verizon Center in
Washington, D.C. The logistical complexities of staging a horse show at a major urban sports arena,
makes the WIHS the most challenging and expensive horse show in the country. But it's this special
location in the heart of the Nations Capital that creates an atmosphere of excitement unmatched
anywhere else.
Since moving to Verizon Center in 2000, the horse show has been extremely fortunate to have had two
very generous benefactors who have covered significant expenses associated with the show. The
objective ofthe current Board is to put the horse show on broad-based financial footing, not dependant
on a single individual. The goal is to design a show that is so memorable for both exhibitors and
spectators that corporate sponsors will find it a very attractive vehicle to reach their target audience.
Through strong corporate revenues, increased ticket sales and continued exhibitor support, the WIHS
can build a solid financial foundation that will ensure the long-term future of the horse show.
My objective as Treasurer is to assure all exhibitors, spectators, patrons, and sponsors that the next 50
years will be as exciting as the first. It is important for the entire horse show community to recognize
that the continuation of this show cannot be taken for granted. It would be a major loss to have the
Washington International Horse Show go the way of the National Horse Show formerly held at Madison
Square Garden. I am extremely optimistic that many of you share my love for this horse show and
understand how important it is to have it remain in downtown Washington.
I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this great event so that we can all enjoy it for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Juliet W. Reid, Treasurer
