The 2006 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) returns to the Verizon Center this year, October 24-29, in downtown Washington, D.C., to host one of the most exciting and innovative horse show events in the country. This year, the WIHS proudly welcomes ladies’ side saddle as a new division and evening feature.

Eight exhibitors will be chosen from the USEF Horse of the Year standings as of September 18, 2006. The eight invited competitors will participate in the $10,000 Ladies’ Side Saddle Hunter division, sponsored by Monica and Hermen Greenberg, Foxchase Farm and Maureen Hanley.

“We are thrilled to add side saddle to the Washington International Horse Show,” commented Susie Webb, Executive Director of WIHS. “We are excited to incorporate this new discipline into our program, and I think it will bring an element of elegance to the show. We want to extend our thanks to our sponsors, Monica and Hermen Greenberg, Foxchase Farm and Maureen Hanley, for their gracious support.”

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 26, the under saddle class will be held, with side saddle exhibitors competing at the walk, trot and canter in formal hunting attire and with appointments, which include detailed equipment that reflect historical fox hunt requirements and traditions. Seventy-five percent of the rider's score will be judged on performance, manners, style and the horse's way of moving. Twenty-five percent of the rider's score will be based upon appointments, attire and general overall appearance.

Following the under saddle class will be the Ladies’ Side Saddle Hack, which includes two fences measuring at 2"6" in height. After performing at the walk, trot, and canter horses will be judged on their jumping talent over the fences. After negotiating the two fences, competitors must hand gallop and then bring their horse to a halt. The walk, trot and canter portion determines 50% of the rider’s score, while their jumping performances make up the other half.

On Thursday evening, riders will return to the Verizon Center arena for their final class, the $10,000 Ladies’ Side Saddle Stake. The class is judged according to the horse’s performance, suitability, manners, jumping form, consistency and pace over a course of eight fences standing three feet in height. At the division’s conclusion, champion and reserve championship awards will be presented to the competitors with the most points overall.

The Washington International Horse Show is pleased to offer an array of classes for a variety of different equestrian disciplines. In addition to side saddle, the WIHS holds classes specifically designed for hunters, show jumpers, equitation riders, ponies, dressage, barrel racing, polo and the crowd pleasing Puissance high jump. The festivities also include terrier races, barn/group night, a pony pavilion for children, autograph signing, and much, much more.

For more information on the Washington International Horse Show, please visit www.wihs.org.


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