They're Coming ... and so should you!

For six days only, 500 of the finest horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad will gather in the nation's capital for thrilling jumping competition, entertaining horse exhibitions, special events and parties, and great shopping ... all at the 51st annual Washington International Horse Show, Oct. 20-25, at Verizon Center.

The rider lineup is spectacular-2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Mclain Ward and his amazing mare, Sapphire; Brazilian superstar Rodrigo Pessoa; Canadian Olympic team riders Jill Henselwood, show jumping, and Ashley Holzer, dressage; riders from Ireland, plus Margie Goldstein, Todd Minikus, Kent Farrington, Hillary Dobbs, Georgina Bloomberg, Mario Deslauriers and a full slate of top equestrians.

New! Sunday afternoon, Washington's World of the Horse, a celebration of horses in all their beauty and variety-an equine extravaganza featuring dressage, Friesians, driving, reining, Saddlebreds, jumping, barrel racing, vaulting and lots more! A perfect 90 minutes of family entertainment.

Highlights (see www.wihs.org for details)


Tuesday evening: Opening Night Gala Honoring the Amateur Rider, for the benefit of Equestrian Aid Foundation (EquestrianAidFoundation.org for tickets)
Thursday evening: $20,000 Gamblers Choice Costume Class
Friday evening: $25,000 Puissance (high-jump)
Saturday evening: $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix; Hunt, Jump & Pony Up, an evening of casino fun in the VIP Acela Club Cafe (www.wihs.org for Casino tickets)
Friday/Saturday: WIHS Equitation Finals
Plus: Animal Planet pet trainer and star of SuperFetch, Zak George, and his dog, Venus, perform amazing tricks (Fri./Sat. evenings). Jack Russell Terrier Races (Thurs./Fri./Sat. evenings; Sun. afternoon), Circus performer Caroline Williams guides her Paint using yards of chiffon as reins! (Thurs./Fri./Sat. evenings; Sun. afternoon); Canadian Dressage star Ashley Holzer (Thurs./Fri./Sat. evenings; Sun. afternoon)

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Tickets & Discounts

Children 12 and under are free for all daytime performances, courtesy of Comcast
Tickets: Visit Ticketmaster.com or call 202-397-SEAT. Tickets also available in person at Verizon Center Box Office.
Discounts of $5 off regular-priced tickets (non-VIP) are available for seniors, military, students over 12, Metrocard holders and Comcast employees.
Groups: call Verizon Center Group Sales at 202-661-5061. Group Sales can assist you with ticket discounts, special seating arrangements and personalized service.

WIHS, a 501©(3) charitable organization, is proud to partner for the third year with Autism Speaks, and welcomes two new partners this year, Equestrian Aid Foundation and Horses and Humans Research Foundation.

51st Annual Washington International Horse Show
October 20-25, 2009
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
www.WIHS.org
www.facebook.com/horseshow
www.twitter.com/wihs