Washington, DC - September 16, 2003- The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) announced an all- new Barn Night competition to be held Thursday evening, October 23. Barn Night is sponsored by the Equiery and the Virginia Horse Journal.

To enter the competition, groups of 8 or more purchase discounted tickets for the Thursday evening performance through Group Sales at the MCI Center by calling 202-661-5061. Each group must fill out one Barn Night entry form and fax to MCI Center Group Sales at 202-661-5068. Entry forms available through Group Sales or on-line at www.wihs.org. All entry forms must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, October 23. Groups do not have be members of an actual barn or stable.

All Barn Night participants will receive wristbands allowing them access to the arena following the ICON Gambler's Choice. Open jumper riders will be available for autographs, photos, and to answer questions.

Each barn will be assigned to one horse/rider combination to cheer for in the evening's feature competition, the ICON Gambler's Choice. The barn(s) with the winning horse/rider combination will get to meet their rider and have photos taken following the competition. Announcer will announce the assignment of Barns to riders as the riders enter the arena.

Prizes will be awarded during the Thursday evening performance to:

. Largest group
. Most enthusiastic group
. Barn with best reason why their barn should win
. Grand Champion Barn (judges' pick for the best all-around competitive
barn)

This year's prizes include a ten-foot chain harrow, donated by Ceresville New Holland, Inc.; a horse vacuum cleaner; a muck bucket of grooming supplies, donated by The Grey Pony; and a mystery Grand Prize.

Take Metrobus or Metrorail to the 45th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) October 21 - 26, 2003 at the MCI Center in downtown Washington, DC. A non-profit organization, the WIHS will benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Call TicketMaster 202-432-SEAT or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.wihs.org.