October 20, 2016 
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is just days away and as we get excited for horse showing in the heart of D.C. on October 25-30, we took some time to look back on some of our favorite moments from WIHS 2015.
1. When Harrie Smolders and Emerald the little stallion that could won the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup.
Harrie Smolders and Emerald win.(©Jump Media Photography)
2. When some dramatic Verizon Center lighting made for quite the entrance.
Equitation Finals Top 3. (©Jump Media Photography)
All eyes were on Victoria Colvin, Madison Goetzmann, and Hunter Holloway when they re-entered the ring as the top three in the prestigious WIHS Equitation Finals. The win ultimately went to Colvin, but we can’t get over how good they looked as a trio.
3. Jos Verlooy and Sunshine jumping the lights out.
Jos Verlooy and Sunshine in the Puissance. (©Alden Corrigan)
During WIHS 2015, Jos Verlooy and Sunshine did what not many horses or riders do these days; they won a Puissance! After clearing 2.13m (6’11”), the duo claimed the $25,000 The Boeing Company International Jumper Puissance. But, that’s not all. The then 19-year-old rider also collected the Leading Under 25 Rider and Leading International Jumper Rider Awards to pocket $25,000… not a bad week’s work!
4. The $20,000 International Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume Class!
“African Pharoah” (Artani 2) with Kaitlin Campbell. (©Jump Media Photography)
What’s better than riders in skeleton, nurse, crash dummy, and even flapper costumes? Horses in costume, of course! The obvious crowd favorite during Barn Night 2015 was Kaitlin Campbell and “African Pharoah” (also known as Artani 2). It is rumored that Artani 2 took the longest in hair and makeup.
5. Shetland Pony Steeplechase races.
Shetland Racing (©Alden Corrigan)
The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races have been called “D.C.’s newest and cutest sport” by the Washington Post, and we couldn’t agree more. Pint-sized ponies like Puck, Cricket, Olney, and Smarty Pants, and their young jockeys are a WIHS must-see every year.
6. #HorsesInTheCity
Selfie with the Mounted Police! (©Jump Media Photography)
Let’s face it; it’s impossible to choose just five of our favorite moments from WIHS 2015. So, here’s a bonus moment: on their way to work, these two D.C. natives took a selfie with some four-legged heroes during WIHS’s “Breakfast with the Mounted Police”.
The 58th Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will be held October 25-30, 2016 at Verizon Center in Washington D.C. An equestrian tradition since 1958, WIHS is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show. Each October, more than 500 of the top national and international horses and riders, including Olympic veterans, come together in Washington, DC, to compete in six days of thrilling competition.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.wihs.org.
