The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) at Verizon Center in Washington D.C. will be held from October 20-25, 2009. This event serves as one of the country's most prestigious and competitive indoor equestrian events, with prominent riders, Olympic Gold medalists, and superstar equines competing for top honors and fabulous prize money. The first horses were transported into downtown Washington D.C., on Monday, October 19, to prepare for the beginning of the competition.

Inside Scoop traveled from Canby, OR, to compete in the professional hunter divisions. He will be shown by Sandy Ferrell, one of the top hunter riders in the nation. Also on the first trailer in was San Marino, who came with rider Jack Hammond from Seattle, WA. San Marino will compete in the Second Year Green Hunters. This is Hammond's second time competing at the WIHS, but it is his first time coming to the Verizon Center.

Competition began today at 7 a.m. with the Regular Conformation Hunters and will continue through the afternoon with professional hunters and two divisions of amateur-owner hunters. The evening session begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Children's Hunter Championships and finishes with the Adult Hunter Championships.

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 202-397-SEAT. They also are available in person at Verizon Center Box Office.

For more on the WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.