Capital Challenge Announces Move to World Equestrian Center

Capital Challenge Horse Show management has announced, after careful consideration, that this year’s show will be held at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, OH, on the original dates of September 25 – October 4 pending US Equestrian approval.

For the past 26 years, the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, has been home to the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Due to the Prince George’s County Parks Department’s tightened regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its decision to decrease the number of horses allowed at the facility, management made the difficult decision to move the horse show.

“We have been grateful for the Roberts family’s continued support of Capital Challenge,” said Capital Challenge show manager Oliver Kennedy of the owners and operators of the World Equestrian Center.  “When things were looking difficult recently, they stepped right up to the plate. This was not an easy decision to make, but it will be a way to still have the Capital Challenge Horse Show that everyone knows and loves, in a format and venue that will provide the best experience possible.”

The World Equestrian Center has been the presenting sponsor of Capital Challenge Horse Show since 2016, and now the well-regarded, state-of-the-art equestrian sports venue will also provide a safe, top-of-the-line facility for the popular year-end horse show.

The Wilmington, OH, location offers more than 200,000 square-feet of riding space, featuring premium footing and an additional new indoor ring with large floor-to-ceiling doors running the length of the arena that will be open for maximum airflow. The facilities have excellent ventilation, pertinent to ensuring the best possible environment for competitors and staff.

With similar weather to Maryland, more permanent stalls, and a wide range of amenities, the Capital Challenge team aims to provide exhibitors with the same positive experiences that have become synonymous with the horse show.  

Capital Challenge will continue to host all slated classes, with the North American League (NAL) Jumper Finals and Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers to be held on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29. A revised schedule and prize list will be released this week so that exhibitors can make plans that work best for their situation.

For jumper competitors, the location change also provides the opportunity to compete at the Split Rock Jumping Tour Columbus International II CSI2* events before or after Capital Challenge in nearby Columbus, OH.

The World Equestrian Center also offers 36 on-site, two-bedroom efficiency cabins and 73 home-away-from-home two-to-three-bedroom units with full kitchens and washers and dryers. In addition, there are 96 available RV spaces on-site, as well as Airbnb and VRBO options, and numerous hotels nearby. 

Wilmington, OH, is within an hour drive from the Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, OH, airports and is less than two hours from Lexington, KY. For updates and recommendations to help plan your trip to Ohio, follow Capital Challenge on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To change entries, please contact Michele Markward at secretary@capitalchallenge.org or (305) 340-7554.

Learn more about the Capital Challenge Horse Show by visiting www.capitalchallenge.org.

About the Capital Challenge Horse Show

Now in its 27^th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by the World Equestrian Center, sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter and equitation competition. Held each autumn, the 2020 edition of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will take place September 25 through October 4 at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, OH. The 10 days of competition will include prestigious equitation events, jumper divisions, the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Finals, the $25,000 3’ and 3’3” Green Hunter North American Championships, and more, with many of the country’s best horses and riders competing in junior, amateur, and professional divisions.