Friday, October 20, 2006

Washington International Horse Show Announces Riders for $25,000 Invitational Dressage Championship

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the four riders that have accepted the invitation to compete in the $25,000 WIHS Invitational Dressage Championship, which will be held on two evenings, October 26-27, at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The “returning champion” Ashley Holzer of New York, New York, aboard Pop Art will defend her title. against Courtney King of New Milford, Connecticut, riding Idocus; Suzanne Dansby-Phelps of Atlanta, Georgia, with Cooper; and George Williams of Delaware, Ohio, on Marnix.

To determine the champion, the four contestants will ride the Invitational Grand Prix on Thursday evening, October 26, and then the Invitational Grand Prix Musical Freestyle on Friday evening, October 27, under FEI (international) rules. Each test will constitute 50% of the overall combined score. Officiating will be Judge Gary Rockwell (“I”) of Wellington, Florida. The riders will each be awarded a percentage of the $25,000 prize money, with the winner receiving $10,000; second place, $7,500; third place, $5,000; and fourth place $2,500. The show organizers have graciously waived entry fees and there are no stabling costs for the horses.

“The WIHS Dressage Invitational promises to be one of the top dressage competitions in the U.S.,” said WIHS Executive Director Susie Webb. “Top riders, top horses all competing for top prizes!"