February 2022 Issue

Page 8 February 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Edited Press Release The Washington Internation- al Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS EquestrianTM has officially applied to the USEF and FEI for a change of venue to return home to the greater Washington, D.C. area and to upgrade the show to the FEI 5* level, continuing as a member of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM North American League in 2022. In 2020 and 2021, the show was temporarily relocated outdoors to the Tryon Interna- tional Equestrian Center in North Washington International Horse Show to be Held at Upgraded Prince George’s Equestrian Center Carolina due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Pending FEI and USEF final approval, the 64th edition of the competition will be held October 25-30 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. The Show Place Arena will be transformed with the support of Prince George’s County, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, and the State of Maryland to provide the outstanding exhibitor and unique spectator experience WIHS has always provided, including world-class footing, hospitality, entertainment, food, and shop- ping. WIHS will partner with the popular National Harbor water- front complex in nearby Oxon Hill, Md., to create a WIHS Hotel and Hospitality Campus offering exhibitors, spectators, and spon- sors special access to top lodging, entertainment, and community events, including the popular WIHS Kids’ Day. “We embarked on an exten- sive, multi-year search for a new venue when we learned our spe- cial downtown home for nearly 20 years, Capital One Arena, would no longer be able to accommodate the show,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “We looked at every possible scenario in the D.C. area inside and outside of the city. We’re committed to creating a special, ‘one of a kind’, exhibitor and horse friendly indoor experi- ence at The Show Place Arena that honors the history and tradition of WIHS with significantly increased prize money and a major commit- ment to delivering a world-class venue inside and out. “The Washington, D.C. area is our heritage and our home,” continued Lowell. “We have moved several times in the past from our original home in D.C. at The Armory, to Landover, Md., to the Capital One Arena down- town. We believe Prince George’s Equestrian Center is the right destination for us at this time.” Lowell added, “The enthusi- astic and generous support of the Maryland Horse Industry Board and Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, provides a wonderful foundation to build on for the future. Antic- ipated public investment in the facility coupled with community outreach and engagement will ensure the special elements of WIHS thrive in our new loca- tion.” Continuing as a member of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League, WIHS will offer not only increased prize money and ranking points throughout the international division, but also the return of the popular Exhibitors’ Lounge and VIP Dining Platform, in addition to new hospitality opportunities and special events at National Harbor. The return of WIHS to the D.C. metro area signaled the commitment of Prince George’s County and Maryland state officials as well as The Mary- land-National Capital Park & Planning Commission to an- nounce a significant investment toward improving The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center to accommo- date the world-class horses and riders the show attracts. Among the expected upgrades are im- proved footing, updated and mat- ted stabling, a covered schooling area, and overall enhancements to improve the fan experience. “WIHS has a long and re- vered history in the Washington, D.C., area, and we’re pleased it’s found a home with us in Mary- land,” said Ross Peddicord, Ex- ecutive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “Mary- land’s successful investment and staging of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star eventing competition at Fair Hill, which drew more than 20,000 fans, is a prime example of local officials’ dedication to horse sport. “In that endeavor, we worked with county government and vari- ous state agencies and private do- nors to secure significant funding for infrastructure improvements and event operations,” continued Peddicord. “It is part of the Mary- land Horse Park System plan, as outlined by the Maryland Stadi- um Authority. That's the game plan we are following here. We are extremely gratified that Prince George's County government has already stepped up to get the ball rolling and to bring this world- class competition to their county. It will have an enormous eco- nomic and cultural impact." WIHS will become a major attraction during the month of October as Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has designat- ed October “Maryland Horse Month.” WIHS will be a high- light along with the Maryland 5 Star eventing competition taking place October 13-16, 2022, at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Md., and the Maryland Million horse race in Laurel, Md. WIHS will also bring back its popular Kids’ Day and continue to evolve its mission of educating and entertaining the community through equestrian sport within Prince George’s County and the greater Washington, D.C. area. “For more than 60 years, WIHS has been known for its unique ability to bring the joy of horses and jumping to specta- tors and fans in the D.C. region who otherwise may not have a chance to experience these wonderful animals,” said Lowell. “The partnership with Maryland and National Harbor coupled with exciting competition at the nearby Show Place Arena indoor complex will provide the best of both worlds for athletes, horses, and spectators alike.” Additional details will be announced in the coming months.