World No. 2 Kent Farrington, Olympic medalists, and international show jumping stars set to compete in Maryland
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Some of the world’s best equestrian athletes, including Olympic medalists and international show jumping stars, will descend on the Washington, D.C. area for the 68th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™, October 19–25 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Widely regarded as one of North America’s premier equestrian events, this year’s show brings together an outstanding lineup of world-class horses and riders for a week of top-tier competition, exciting entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
Leading the international field is world No. 2 Kent Farrington (USA), joined by fellow American Olympic medalists Laura Kraut and McLain Ward, Brazilian Olympic medalist Rodrigo Pessoa, and Olympians Shane Sweetnam (IRL), Nina Mallevaey (FRA), Daniel Bluman (ISR), and Daniel Coyle (IRL), among other top competitors. Currently, nine countries are expected to be represented in the international jumper division.
“WIHS celebrates equestrian sport from the highest level of jumping to the youngest competitors on small ponies, and this year’s lineup reflects extraordinary talent and dedication,” said Vicki Lowell, President of the Washington International Horse Show. “Prince George’s Equestrian Center provides an ideal home for WIHS, bringing together elite competition, passionate fans of all ages, and the energy that makes this event so special. We invite everyone to come experience the thrill of horses and ponies first hand.”
Event Highlights Include:
Opening Night Salute to Service
Thursday, October 22, 6:30pm – The excitement begins with a patriotic tribute honoring military personnel, first responders, and teachers, along with two thrilling international jumping competitions: the $63,000 Welcome Stake and the $63,000 Stars and Stripes Speed Stake.
MARS Barn Night: Star-Spangled Red, White and Blue
Friday, October 23, 6:00pm – One of the show’s most entertaining evenings features top riders and horses competing in the $63,000 Accumulator Costume Class, complete with imaginative and creative costumes. Fans can also cheer on pint-sized ponies and their young jockeys in the crowd-favorite WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Race, presented by Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC; watch the new WIHS Pony Jumper Championships, presented by World Wide Technology; enjoy special Barn Night festivities and contests; and meet international riders during an autograph session.
Kids’ Day and the Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI2*
Saturday, October 24, 10:00am – Families can enjoy free Kids’ Day, presented by Land Rover Alexandria, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring pony rides, face painting, crafts, a pony kissing booth, and more, immediately followed by the Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI2*, with free admission for guests under 18.
World Cup Night: Legends Are Made Here
Saturday, October 24, 6:15pm – The week’s biggest night shines a spotlight on Olympic stars and international champions. The evening kicks off with the WIHS Equitation Finals Top 10 Work-Off at 6:15 p.m., followed by the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W at 8:30 p.m.
Ticket Information:
Daytime admission is free throughout the week. Evening event tickets can be purchased at www.WIHS.org/tickets. Parking is free every day, including for ticketed night events. For event information and the full schedule, visit www.WIHS.org.
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, featuring 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 Final, the WIHS Pony Jumper Championships, and the 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.
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SOURCE Washington International Horse Show
