About the Capital Challenge Horse Show

In 1993, Billy Glass and Oliver Kennedy created a unique event at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. It was then that a new member to the elite indoor circuit was born, and The Capital Challenge Horse Show became a part of the fall circuit.

There are many reasons why the Capital Challenge Horse Show has become such a prominent event - from the unique combination of the Show Place Arena and large outdoor ring, to the elaborate championship presentations. But truly there is only one reason why the horse show is so successful at drawing people from across the country to compete, and that is the quality of the horses. From the old favorites to the fresh new faces each year in the Future Hunters, the quality of the animals brought to the ring is unsurpassed.

Each year it seems impossible that some new young hunter is going to captivate the judges and the spectators like the past stars have done. But they do. Trainers keep that bar high, finding exceptional horses that draw people to the stands to watch.

The Capital Challenge is proud to host the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals and the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and year-end presentations.

The horse show is open to all and competitors from as far away as Alaska have made the trip to Maryland. The Capital Challenge does offer a limited number of entries in each division, which are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. This system has proven to be very successful and limiting entries has created a more exhibitor-friendly time schedule, kept class sizes manageable, and has ensured proper functioning of the facility.

We invite you to come join us for this year’s Capital Challenge Horse Show. We wish you luck and hope you enjoy showing at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center.