Washington International Horse Show: 60 and Still Jumping (photos)


The 60th annual edition of the Washington International Horse Show took place at the Capital One Arena from Oct. 23 to 28. The show featured more than 500 national and international horses and riders, including several Olympic gold medalists.

Four-time Olympian Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden (USA) riding Breitling LS took the featured event, the $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington on Saturday night, topping a 24-horse field. It was the third time she took home this trophy. Madden edged out Katherine Dinan (USA), her 2016 Rio Olympic games teammate, riding Dougie Douglas in a four-horse jump-off. The difference was just 0.19 seconds. This competition serves as an important qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Göteborg, Sweden.

On Friday night, Aaron Vale (USA) riding Finou 4 conquered a 6-foot-11-inch wall to take the $25,000 Land Rover Puissance. He won the same event a year ago. Also on Friday, Georgina Bloomberg (USA) on Paola 233 sped to victory in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final, edging out McLain Ward (USA) on Queen Jane by just 0.25 seconds.

The show offered its familiar brand of family entertainment, including free activities such as Breakfast with the Mounted Police and Kid’s Day. A highlight of Thursday night’s Barn Night, especially for the younger generation, was Halloween on Horseback, in which both riders and horses dress in costume. A Shetland Pony Steeplechase and Australian horseman, entertainer, and bush poet Guy McLean rounded out the program.

View Jeff Malet’s photos from the 2018 Washington International Horse Show by clicking on the photo icons below.

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