From SNL Tickets to Private Lessons with Beezie Madden, the WIHS Silent Auction is Insane

No matter what your taste — fine wines, a cozy week in Paris’ Latin Quarter or an unlimited Tailored Sportsman shopping spree — the Washington International Horse Show’s silent auction apparently has it all.

Photo courtesy of WIHS.org. Photo by Alden Corrigan.

The Washington International Horse Show is this week in our nation’s capital (America’s, not Horse Nation’s – I suppose HN’s capital would be between the ears of whatever Belgian / Quarter Horse / Percheron Kristen’s perched atop at the moment) and the show is already abuzz in downtown DC as horses arrive in style. Frankly, we’re just happy to see DC abuzz about literally anything besides the presidential election. (#Beezie/Mclain 2020, anyone?)

It’s a rather remarkable event that brings together the world’s best young equitation riders, some of the best show jumpers, and all the random bits in-between, like the Shetland Pony Steeplechase.

In their 58th successful year, the WIHS has stayed strong not only by bringing great competitors and large crowds, but also by throwing one of the most audacious, insane over-the-top silent auctions in the equestrian world. If you’re the spending sort, you can bid in person or online starting Tuesday, October 25. Here are a few of our favorite things on the list!

Private Lessons at WEF with Olympic Champion and Hero to All, Beezie Madden

Donated by:
Beezie Madden
Starting Bid $300
Minimum Raise $75
Category: Exclusive Experiences
Description: Enjoy a private riding lesson from reknown rider Beezie Madden at WEF. You will also get to meet her horse! To finish this one of a kind experience you will receive a signed photograph from Beezie herself!

Signed Breyer Snowman Model Horse

Donated by:
Harry deLeyer
Starting Bid $100
Minimum Raise $25
Category: Home Decor & Wellness
Description: Harry deLeyer’s horse, ‘Snowman’ was a rescued Amish plow horse that turned into an international show jumping champion! This Breyer model is signed by Harry deLeyer himself, which is perfect timing, given the release of their new movie, ‘Harry & Snowman’ which hit theaters on September 30, 2016.

Unlimited Wholesale Shopping Spree at Tailored Sportsman in New York City

Donated by:
The Tailored Sportsman
Starting Bid $1000
Minimum Raise $250
Category: Equestrian Attire
Description: Enjoy an unlimited wholesale shopping spree at the Tailored Sportsman Showroom in the heart of NYC, or from the comfort of your own home! While the winner doesn’t have to go to NYC to select their items, all items must be selected at one time, and include all style numbers, colors and size preferences as the items are non-exchangeable or returnable.

Studio Audience Tickets to Saturday Night Live 

Donated by:
Lorne and Alice Michaels
Starting Bid $2400
Minimum Raise $600
Category: Tickets, Please!
Description: Two (2) tickets to a live Saturday Night Live Show in NYC good from October 2016 to May 2017.
Exceptions: Date to be mutually agreed upon. The recipient must reserve tickets three weeks prior to show. The first, last and Christmas shows are not available. Children under the age of 16 will not be permitted.

A Week in Paris, France in a Beautiful Apartment in the Latin Quarter

Donated by:
The Rossi Family
Starting Bid $400
Minimum Raise $100
Category: Getaway
Description: A week in Paris to immerse yourself in this most romantic of cities. This petite-but-sweet apartment located in the Latin Quarter, one of the finest neighborhoods in town. The fourth-floor walkup sleeps four in a fully equipped, one bedroom apartment (sans TV, but includes wifi). With the Seine and Notra Dame just a 5 minute stroll away, you’ll feel fully Parisian in no time. Availability is flexible, but time must be used before the 2017 Washington International Horse Show.
Exceptions: Time and date to be mutually agreed upon by winner and donor. Must be used before 2017 WIHS.

Custom WIHS 5L Bottle of Arista Wine

Donated by:
Arista Winery
Starting Bid $260
Minimum Raise $65
Category: Wining & Dining
Description: The 2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a compelling mix of fruit and minerality. The nose is mélange of crushed raspberries, wet granite, pine needle, and ripe bing cherry. The cherry component continues on the palate and is accompanied by a fresh black plum note and an iron-like minerality. Firm tannins carry the rich and savory finish. A mouth-watering salted caramel component balances the broad, ripe-fruit core for a lengthy 45 second finish.

Exclusive Full-Sized WIHS Vertical Jump

Donated by:
Fuzzy
Starting Bid $1200
Minimum Raise $300
Category: For Your Horse
Description:Bring WIHS back to you own barn with an exclusive, full-sized WIHS verticle. An oxer version of this jump is featured at WIHS!

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available, so be sure to check out their auction site and bid if you’re so moved!

Also be sure to swing by our sister site Jumper Nation for complete and moment-to-moment coverage of the Washington International Horse Show all week (and weekend!) long.