One of the most exciting American Saddlebred promotions of the year will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2008, at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C. The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this event, the American Saddlebreds have been invited back once again to perform in Washington, D.C., as they did 36 years ago. American Saddlebreds will perform an exciting exhibition before a spectator audience of several thousand on Friday night to see the annual Puissance Open Jumper class. This event receives significant press coverage and the possibilities of exposing the American Saddlebred to the general public will be endless.

The lineup of world champions and reserve world champions is phenomenal and not to be missed.

Actor and fashion guru Carson Kressley will present the colors aboard CH A Magic Surprise, proudly owned by Pat Johnson and trained by North Wind Stables.

In addition, the reigning Three-Gaited World’s Grand Champion CH Our Charming Lady with Mary Marcum Orr is sure to charm the Washington crowd; along with her three-gaited counterpart—making his final appearance—CH Blackberry Delight, owned by Shannon Sewell and Rachel Machamer, and trained by Lynda Freseth.

The current Fine Harness World’s Grand Champion, Mother Mary with Sandy Lilly, and Reserve World’s Champion Kiri, owned and presented by Sheri Wechsler, will represent the fine harness division.

Likewise, the Five-Gaited Reserve World’s Grand Champion According to Lynn with Mary Gaylord McClean aboard, and World’s Champion Amateur Five-Gaited mare Callaway’s Winning Ways, owned and presented by Barclay DeWet will be participating.

The present Amateur Park World’s Champion CH His Supreme Reflection ridden by Jacqueline Manzo and owned by Kimberly Jones will also play a role in this exciting event.

Diane Hauslein, President of the Mid-Atlantic Saddlebred Association, representing the Washington, D.C. area, is the acting liaison between the American Saddlebred world and the WIHS management. Carol Reedy, President of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia, and member of ASHA's Charter Club Council has also served as a liaison for the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

"The efforts are a labor of love for the future success of our breed," stated Hauslein. "The WIHS is an incredible opportunity to show a large, horse-savvy audience our beautiful, athletic, and versatile breed."

ASHA will provide a public information booth for the entire week of the Washington International Horse Show.

For further information, contact Diane Hauslein at (202) 415-1633, or Carolyn Folkers at (434) 386-4350.