Washington, D.C. – September 6, 2012 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce “What’s Your Dream?” as the theme for this year’s Barn Night. Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, will be featured on Thursday, October 25, during the 54th annual WIHS. The competition will be held on October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
Returning sponsor Dover Saddlery is excited to be a part of this year’s Barn Night and looks forward to a fantastic event. “It is great to see so many young riders coming out to support the Washington International Horse Show and get involved in the sport,” said Dover’s Janet Nittmann. “Barn Night is such a fun event and we love seeing the dedication and excitement of all of the barns that come out each year.”
Barn Night at WIHS is a favorite with local young riders and horse enthusiasts who attend in groups and have a chance to enter contests, win big prizes, and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening. Join us on Thursday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. for activities on the concourse, including a Stablemates painting activity hosted by Breyer Animal Creations. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a special prize, also courtesy of Breyer. Enjoy the evening’s entertainment, like the exciting and hilarious Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, the Mutton Busting exhibition, a t-shirt toss, plus an autograph session with top riders! The famous WIHS Puissance wall will also be on the concourse for photos ops.
WIHS is thrilled to announce some amazing prizes for the Barn Night contests. For Best Group Spirit, the Champion group will receive a clinic for their barn from Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis. Fargis was an individual and team gold medalist in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and is one of the most successful and respected trainers in the United States. Honorable mentions for the Best Group Spirit contest will receive Gift Certificates courtesy of Dover Saddlery.
Barn Night is a terrific opportunity for the region’s horse lovers to come together and enjoy a night of entertainment and camaraderie. At last year’s Barn Night, there were many enthusiastic local barns that participated. The incredible turnout is something that makes Thursdays at WIHS so special.
In addition to runner-ups and honorable mentions, the 2011 contest winners were:
Largest Overall Barn Contest: Meadowbrook Stables, Chevy Chase, MD
Largest Barn, Maryland: Full Moon Farm, Finksburg, MD
Largest Barn, Virginia: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Largest Barn, DC/Other: Rock Creek Park Horse Center, Washington, DC
Barn Banner Contest: Rock Creek Park Horse Center, Washington, DC
Best Barn Video: Cedar Creek Farm, Sterling, VA
Best Barn Spirit: Meadowbrook Stables, Chevy Chase, MD
