This year’s Barn Night will feature a High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed competition, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, the exciting and hilarious $20,000 Gambler’s Choice Show Jumping Costume Class, fun activities along the concourse, as well as an autograph signing with top riders.
In one of the highlight events, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races will give fans a chance to cheer on adorable jockeys and ponies as they race over a course of mini hurdles at Verizon Center. WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races are run like professional racing events with a bugler, race caller and photo finish, but the jockeys are youngsters from ages seven to 16.
The first leg of the 2014 WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, was held at the historic Devon Horse Show in May. The second leg will be held at the first ever Central Park Horse Show, presented by Rolex, later in September, and the 2014 series will conclude with its final leg of races at WIHS in October. The ponies will race at Verizon Center on two nights, including Thursday’s Barn Night and again on Saturday night before the President’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC.
All barns, equestrian groups, teams, and horse enthusiasts are invited to take part in the exciting competition, contests, and fun activities of Barn Night 2014. Barns can register to participate in group contests and enter for the chance to win great prizes, such as a clinic with Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde courtesy of Cavalor, a custom golf cart courtesy of United Metro Golf Cart Rentals, Sales & Service, and valuable Dover Saddlery gift certificates. Barn Night is also generously supported by The Peterson Family Foundation, The Equiery, and Breyer.
This year’s WIHS Barn Night group contests include: Largest Group Contest, Group Spirit Contest, Banner Contest, and Video Contest. All Registration Forms are due by October 16, 2014. Register early, by October 1, 2014, to be automatically entered in a raffle for a chance to win a $250 Dover Saddlery Gift Certificate.
Along with the great competition and contests, the third annual ‘Buck Breast Cancer’ party will be held in the Acela Club during Barn Night beginning at 7 p.m. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Capital Breast Care Center. Guests are invited to wear pink and attend the reception in honor of Laura Pickett, a well-loved local equestrian and trainer who touched the lives of many in the horse world and who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2012. Tickets are $150 per person and include dinner and an open bar. Call 202.525.3679 to purchase tickets or tables.