The Capital Challenge Horse Show, now in its 17th year of competition, strives every year to provide the best possible horse show for its exhibitors. This includes adding new classes that offer special opportunities for every level of rider. This year’s show will once again start with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com, on October 2-3, and the horse show will continue on October 4-10.

Highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the North American Equitation Championship (Oct. 3), the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals (Oct. 3), the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Emerging Pro Challenge (Oct. 6), the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 8-9), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 8), and the the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 8).

The Capital Challenge Horse Show is adding some new classes for this year’s edition. Riders with young horses will have an opportunity to compete in the Future Hunter 3’3″ division on October 4-5 and can qualify for the Future Hunter World Championship on October 6. The popular WCHR Emerging Pro Challenge will consist of two rounds this year, giving more riders the chance to compete in the Show Place Arena.

Sandy Ferrell and Showman 2009 CCHS

Sandy Ferrell and Showman won the 2009 Future Hunter World Championship

Amateur-Owner Hunter riders will be able to choose between their regular 3’6″ division or the new 3’3″ division offered this year. The top ten riders from the division will be invited to compete in the new $2,500 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Challenge. In addition to the top ten, invitations will be extended to the top ten riders from the WCHR Amateur Owner 3’3″ National Standings prior to the start of the show, and the top six riders from all the WCHR Regional Amateur Owner 3’3″ final standings.

Everyone at the Capital Challenge Horse Show looks forward to welcoming the best horses and riders in the country to this year’s show. As always, if you can’t attend, remember you can log on to www.equestriansport.tv to see all the action live.

In its 17th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on October 2-10. Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes. For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Photo Credit: Showman and Sandy Ferrell won last year’s Future Hunter World Championship at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Photo C Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. These photos may only be used in relation to this press release and with full photo credit.