October 19, 2026 – Upper Marlboro, MD
The 2026 Washington International Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™ opened competition on Monday, October 19, and Allison Carter and Twenty Twenty claimed victory in the $12,500 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, presented by MARS Equestrian™. In the $12,500 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, presented by MARS Equestrian™, Riley Treace and Paisley Park took the top prize. WIHS runs through Sunday, October 25, at The Show Place Arena and brings together the top horses and riders in the nation and from around the world for hunters, jumpers, and equitation.
Carter Starts a Winning Tradition
Allison Carter of Davidsonville, MD, notched her first-ever win at WIHS with her horse Twenty Twenty in the $12,500 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, presented by MARS Equestrian™. Carter moved up from fourth place and a first-round score of 82.5 to a high score of 86 in the second round for a winning total of 168.5. The pair was presented with the Diane Wade Memorial Award.
Carter has shown at WIHS multiple times with top placings, and she was able to guide “Biggie” to the ultimate prize. “My horse has always been wonderful, and this time I was lucky enough to manage to take the top,” said Carter, who trains with Rachel Agee and Gabby Conte. “When I found out I won, I was in shock. I thought I laid it down pretty good, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to be enough to take the win. I’m always happy to ride my horse, so anytime I get a win is icing on the cake.”
Carter, 22, has been riding Biggie for five years, and he has become an important part of her life.
“He’s been the best thing ever,” she said of the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Lordanos. “He’s such a trooper. He gives me 120% every time he steps in the ring. If I can put two and two together, he can usually work out the rest for me.”
WIHS holds a special place in Carter’s family; her grandmother brought her mother to watch the show as a child, and Carter started attending with her mother when she was young. “To be able to compete here and do this well is the best thing in the world,” she expressed. “My mom has always been a great support system for me, and I always appreciate having her here.”
With a total of 168.25, Cara Garito and her own Ever Wonder, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding, were just edged into second place. Kate Chan and her horse, Fan Favorite, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, finished in third place on a total of 167.5.
