Washington, DC - September 12, 2003 - The Washington International Horse Show will hold its popular Local Weekend at Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19, 2003. Entries close October 1.

The top riders in the Local Hunter and Jumper sections will qualify to show for free at the MCI Center in the Washington International Horse Show Local Finals on Sunday, October 26. The overall Children's and Adult Hunter and Jumper Champions will automatically qualify to compete in the Championship Finals held at the MCI Center Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, October 21 - 22 ($10,000 prize money in each of the four classes).

In addition to the Children's and Adult classes that are qualifying for the MCI Center, Local Weekend will include a wide range of other classes including Pony Jumper, Hopeful Jumper, Pony Equitation, Novice Equitation, Short Stirrup (Equitation and Hunter), Intermediate Equitation, Leadline, Special Hunter, Low Children's/Adult Hunter, and Modified Hunter.

On Saturday evening, Local Weekend will host the MHSA Adult Amateur Hunter and Gittings Horsemanship Finals.

WIHS Local Weekend is sponsored by B & B Saddlery (hunters) and Saddlery Liquidators (jumpers). Local Hunter Champions will receive coolers and Reserve Champions will receive leather halters and leads. The Grand Champion Horse and Pony hunters at the MCI Center will each receive a shadbelly, groom tote and other gifts. Reserve Champion Horse and Pony hunters will receive bridles, martingales, girths and other gifts - all courtesy of B & B Saddlery. Local Jumper Champions will receive coolers, and Reserve Champions will receive leg wraps. The Grand Champion Adult and Children's Jumpers at the MCI Center will each receive a saddle, and Reserve Champions will each receive a bridle - all courtesy of Saddlery Liquidators.

For Prize Lists, entry forms, and further information, go to www.wihs.org or call 301 987-9400.

Take Metrobus or Metrorail to the Washington International Horse Show Oct. 21 - 26, 2003 at the MCI Center. A non-profit event benefiting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. For more information visit www.wihs.org.