Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: WIHS

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we’re recognizing the Washington International Horse Show’s charity partnerships.

Photo by Lorraine Jackson

For one week every autumn at the end of October, the horses take the capitol and the Washington International Horse Show comes to town. WIHS holds USEF Heritage Competition status, indicating that it has real historical significance that extends beyond the horse world into the very timeline of Washington itself. WIHS has always emphasized giving back to the world that already gives it so much, and we’re proud to honor the show’s two charity partners and the unique ways the show is handling donations.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Caring for the Families of the Fallen

TAPS provides compassionate care and support for the families of fallen military members since 1994, including 24/7 crisis intervention and special adult and youth programs. Services are provided free of charge.

Funds are raised at WIHS through the “Jump for TAPS” Challenge: in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final, the Schaufeld family will make a monetary donation to TAPS each time the vertical flag jump is cleared. Since 2010, WIHS has raised more than $80,000 for TAPS.

Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

The CBCC provides culturally-sensitive breast cancer screening services, as well as health and wellness education, for all women in the DC metropolitan area regardless of their ability to pay. WIHS holds a WIHS Buck Breast Cancer Benefit on Thursday night, of which CBCC is the beneficiary. Through “Clear for the Cure,” WIHS and Julie Springer sponsor a $500 donation to CBCC each time the pink ribbon jump is cleared in the Accumulator class. Since 2013, WIHS has raised more than $32,500 for CBCC.

We salute Washington International Horse Show’s charity programs — and the way that riders can literally jump for charity. Learn more about WIHS at the event’s website and follow our sister site Jumper Nation, reporting on the scene.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.