Upper Marlboro, MD –– The nation’s best equitation riders will converge on The Capital Challenge Horse Show for the opening weekend’s events. Sponsored by Monarch International, the first two days of the horse show are dedicated to classes judged on the rider. This year’s Monarch International Equitation Weekend will be held October 1st and 2nd and will feature the prestigious North American Junior and Adult Equitation Championships, as well as the Show Circuit Magazine National Children’s Medal Finals. The weekend kicks off the Capital Challenge held October 1-9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Saturday’s events will include flat and over fence classes for junior, children’s, and adult riders. Classes are held in two outdoors arenas as well in the beautiful Show Place Arena. Classes begin at 8am in the outdoor arena and 8:30am in the indoor ring.

Sunday’s action begins at 8:30am in the Show Place Arena. Three championship classes are held back-to-back and are known for drawing the best equitation riders from the east, west and from as far away as Alaska. The Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine North American Junior Equitation Championship is the first event of the day and is immediately followed by the Show Circuit Magazine National Children’s Medal (NCM) Finals. The Show Circuit NCM Finals are only open to the top children’s equitation riders who have participated in qualifying shows throughout the year. The high point rider in each United States Equestrian Federation Zone and Canada is invited, along with additional top riders off the National Standing list. Approximately thirty riders are invited to compete in the two-round class.

The final class scheduled for Sunday is the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine North American Equitation Championship for amateur riders. The amateur and junior equitation championships are run in the same format. Riders show over a first-round course and are scored under the open numerical scoring system by a panel of five judges. The scores from the five judges are averaged and posted on the scoreboard. The top twenty riders will return for a second phase consisting of a shortened course. The scores from both rounds will be totaled to determine the top four riders overall. Additional testing is optional at the discretion of the judges.

The Capital Challenge Horse show not only offers exhibitors the highest level of competition in one of the finest equestrian venues on the east coast, it is also a spectator-friendly event. 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.