From October 23-29, 2023, the 65th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ showcased the beauty and athleticism of the finest horses and riders in the country and the world, including Olympic veterans, at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Taking place during Maryland Horse Month, in addition to thrilling competition, WIHS 2023 featured fun for all fans with its entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping, historical displays, VIP hospitality, an autograph session with top jumping athletes, and Kids’ Day.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell of WIHS 2023. “The support that we have had at this new venue across the board is phenomenal. Everybody is getting behind this: the county, the sponsors, the local and D.C. media. They want to see the horses in this area. The venue is great for the horses, and it’s great for the sport. I think we have a good place to be for a while.”
Athletes also praised the world-class event, the venue, and the electric atmosphere.
Katie Dinan (USA)
1st place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s
“WIHS is always a highlight of my competition calendar. The show combines its rich history and respect for tradition with the highest level of modern show jumping and riders from around the world. The new venue allows ample space for the horses while still having the excitement of indoor show jumping. The crowd is fantastic all week and the enthusiasm of a full house of spectators was palpable all weekend. I really think the crowd helped me in the jump off — the cheers definitely encouraged our speed at the end!”
Rene Dittmer (GER)
1st place: $78,000 Welcome Stake
1st place: $40,000 International Jumper Accumulator
2nd place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s
“Obviously, I really like Washington! It’s great to come in here because it’s such a great atmosphere. The spectators really cheer you on. It’s a super good feeling to come into this indoor. I really love it.”
Tessa Downey
1st place: $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
“It’s Washington; it’s just such a great feeling that can’t be replicated. Even how they dress the ring up, the prizes, the ribbons, everything – it’s just so special.”
Stephanie Danhakl
Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35
Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 18-35
Leading Amateur-Owner Rider
WIHS Board of Directors Member
“I always love coming to this show. The first time I was champion at this show was 19 years ago in the Small Junior Hunters, so there’s a lot of personal history for me at this show. To come back again after a long break and be grand champion in both sections really means a lot.”
Hear From Major Winners and Rewatch Major Moments
Watch All WIHS Highlight Videos
Visit ShawnMcMillen.com To View and Purchase Photos
WIHS will return to The Show Place Arena on October 21-27, 2024.
For more information about WIHS, visit wihs.org, join WIHS on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Tag using #WIHS2023, #FEIJumpingWorldCup, and #Longines.
About Washington International Horse Show, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events with competition for international, professional, amateur, junior and child riders. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, top national hunters and jumpers, plus popular community, and charity events. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition. For more information, visit wihs.org.
Contact: Jennifer Wood | Jump Media | jwood@jumpmediallc.com
Images available on request