Washington, D.C. - The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), the leading indoor championship horse show in the country, is pleased to announce Bridget Love Meehan as the new executive director. Meehan joins the executive leadership of WIHS - Juliet W. Reid, President; Greg W. Gingery, Chairman; and Anthony F. Hitchcock, Chief Operating Officer - as the show prepares for its 53rd annual event taking place October 25-30, 2011, at Verizon Center.

Meehan comes to WIHS from Discovery Communications, the world's number one nonfiction media company, where she served in a variety of senior roles since 2004. Most recently, as director of strategic planning and communications, she was responsible for the development and execution of marketing solutions and brand-building opportunities for the domestic distribution market. Prior to that, she was vice president and managing director at Hayes & Associates, specialists in Washington, D.C. event production and sponsorship management, where she designed and executed national marketing and public affairs campaigns for corporate and non-profit clients.

Meehan also served as the director of communications for the United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for horse sports, and is an active rider and competitor. She received her M.B.A. from Fordham University and her B.A. from Kenyon College. Originally from the Buffalo, N.Y. area, she currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her husband and daughter.

"On behalf of the entire Washington International Horse Show community, I am extremely pleased to welcome Bridget Love Meehan as our new Executive Director. Bridget brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of marketing and sponsorship and she has a strong background and understanding of the requirements needed to produce a world class event. Having taken part in WIHS as a spectator, an exhibitor and a member of the marketing and communications committee, she brings a unique perspective to our team. We look forward to her contributions toward the future success of the show," said Reid.

About the Washington International Horse Show
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, including Olympic champions, to the nation's capital to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money and championship titles. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Highlights include the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix - a World Cup Qualifier, where top competitors, including Olympic medalists, vie for the President of the United States Perpetual Cup; the Puissance high jump competition; and WIHS Equitation Championship Finals featuring the country's top junior riders. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities round out this family-friendly event. Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington, D.C., institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, is headquartered in Washington, D.C. www.wihs.org.

ENDS