Since its inception, the Capital Challenge has experienced tremendous growth. The show has been always been celebrated for  tough competition in the hunter ring, but today spectators can also watch the best professional jumper riders from across the country competing in the $50,000 ARIAT Congressional Cup Grand Prix.  On Saturday night, the final evening performance at the Show Place Arena, Olympic veterans grace the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in an FEI World Cup Qualifying class that demands power and speed.  Some of the past winners of the class include Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington, Leslie Howard and Molly Ashe.

The show also brings the best equitation riders to Upper Marlboro to compete in the Monarch International Equitation Championship Weekend; the Show Circuit National Children’s Medal Finals; and the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals.

As always, the show will draw the top hunters from across the United States.  The most talented horses and ponies will compete not only to lead the victory gallop but to earn points toward the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Finals.  The Capital Challenge is proud to host all of the WCHR classes including the prestigious $7,500 WCHR Professional Finals.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show is not only exhibitor friendly, offering the highest level of competition and numerous year-end finals in one of the finest equestrian venues on the east coast, it is also a spectator-friendly event.  Spectators are invited to watch these top horses and riders free of charge.  In addition, the weather never effects the action running in both indoor and outdoor rings. Classes begin on most days at 8am and run throughout the day. Evening classes are held in the Show Place Arena Wednesday through Saturday.

Aside from the top hunter and jumper action running in two rings, the horse show also offers some of the best in equestrian shopping. The boutique areas are located inside and out, with the expanded shop area on the concourse featuring over twenty vendors. Pick up your holiday gifts early from shops offering unique gift items, artwork, the finest jewelry and a variety of quality equestrian equipment.  

Admission and parking are free throughout the week. The schedule and results can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org.  For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 260-2467 prior to the show or (301) 952-7944 during the show.

Press Contact: Michelle Bloch, Capital Challenge Media Relations  973-219-1827