Washington, DC - October 30, 2003 - The largest crowds in history at a hunter/jumper show in the United States packed the MCI Center in Washington, DC for the Friday and Saturday evening performances of the Washington International Horse Show, October 24 and 25.

Thrilling exhibitions and competitions including the Puissance and President's Cup Grand Prix, terrier races, bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding (including jumping over fire) kept the spectators cheering and the atmosphere in the MCI Center electric.

Ticket sales were up 33% over last year, and the show, a charitable non-profit organization, gave $150,000 to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and will donate the remainder of its proceeds to other worthy local and national charities.

Christopher Reeve received the donation check from Show President Dr. Sheila Johnson on Saturday evening. Before he could begin to speak, he was given a 6-minute standing ovation. "This is one happening horse show," Reeve told the thousands of spectators. "Rock on!"

"Johnson has turned the show into an A-list celebration of all people and things equine," wrote the Washington Post. Johnson hosted an invitation-only party in the café overlooking the arena attended by key sponsors, participants, and VIPs including Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa, who were there to cheer on their daughter who qualified for the prestigious WIHS Equitation Finals. Johnson also
arranged for singers Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson to perform during course builds.

"This show has just been unbelievable. I've never seen so many spectators at a horse show. It's great to ride out there and have so many people cheering," commented Aaron Vale, who won the $100,000 President's Cup for the second time in 3 years. "There's nothing else like this in the United States," said McLain Ward, who won the Leading Jumper Rider award. Course designer Richard Jeffery stated, "There was a
fabulous audience here this week. The audience here was the biggest I have ever seen at a horse show, and the audience seems to be getting more educated about the different equestrian competitions each year."

Extensive media coverage of the show, including all the NBC's Today Show, all local television networks and the Washington Post, Washington Times, and many top radio stations helped achieve records crowds. The Friday and Saturday evening performances were designed for spectators, complete with pyrotechnics, acrobats from France who jumped the courses on foot, and Kiss Cam and Fan Cam.

Johnson commented on next year's plans which are already underway, "My only problem now is figuring out what can we do next year to top this!"