Look Back on the Thrill and Excitement of WIHS 2023

“I couldn’t be happier,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell of WIHS 2023. “The support that we have had at this new venue across the board is phenomenal. Everybody is getting behind this: the county, the sponsors, the local and D.C. media. They want to see the horses in this area. The venue is great for the horses, and it’s great for the sport. I think we have a good place to be for a while.”

Athletes also praised the world-class event, the venue, and the electric atmosphere.

Katie Dinan (USA)

1st place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s

“WIHS is always a highlight of my competition calendar. The show combines its rich history and respect for tradition with the highest level of modern show jumping and riders from around the world. The new venue allows ample space for the horses while still having the excitement of indoor show jumping. The crowd is fantastic all week and the enthusiasm of a full house of spectators was palpable all weekend. I really think the crowd helped me in the jump off — the cheers definitely encouraged our speed at the end!”

Katie Dinan and Brego R’n B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Rene Dittmer (GER)

1st place: $78,000 Welcome Stake
1st place: $40,000 International Jumper Accumulator
2nd place: $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup presented by Experience Prince George’s

“Obviously, I really like Washington! It’s great to come in here because it’s such a great atmosphere. The spectators really cheer you on. It’s a super good feeling to come into this indoor. I really love it.”

Rene Dittmer and Corsica X. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Tessa Downey

1st place: $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic

“It’s Washington; it’s just such a great feeling that can’t be replicated. Even how they dress the ring up, the prizes, the ribbons, everything – it’s just so special.”

Ringmaster Steve Rector, Show Jumping Hall of Fame Executive Director Marty Bauman, Tamara Makris of Lauracea, trainer Peter Pletcher, and groom Elmer Alegria in the winning presentation with Tessa Downey and Isabelle. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Stephanie Danhakl

Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35
Grand Champion: Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 18-35
Leading Amateur-Owner Rider
WIHS Board of Directors Member

“I always love coming to this show. The first time I was champion at this show was 19 years ago in the Small Junior Hunters, so there’s a lot of personal history for me at this show. To come back again after a long break and be grand champion in both sections really means a lot.”

Stephanie Danhakl and Bright Side. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
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