February 16, 2026 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is delighted to announce the addition of the WIHS Pony Jumper Championships, expanding its competitive opportunities for junior riders and building on the growing interest in pony jumper competitions. The championships will debut at WIHS 2026, Oct. 19-25, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Open to junior riders, the WIHS Pony Jumper Championships will feature Small, Medium, and Large Pony championships. Those wanting to collect points towards qualifying must be a WIHS Member. Membership information can be found at wihs.org/membership.com.
The WIHS Pony Jumper Championships reflect the growing popularity of pony jumpers nationwide,” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “By adding the championships, WIHS continues to offer competition that reflects the sport’s direction and provides young riders with new opportunities in a championship setting.”
The WIHS Pony Jumper Championships will include approximately twenty-four (24) pony-and-rider combinations:
- Eighteen (18) qualify through the WIHS qualifying classes (six (6) per height division)
- Three (3) qualify based on the highest-placed ponies from each height section at the USEF Pony Finals.
- Three (3) qualify from the WIHS Regional Show, the champions from each height.
Pony Jumper riders are limited to two ponies in the finals, no more than one per height. Qualifying classes are now open. To find a horse show near you that hosts WIHS qualifying classes, use the following link to find Ryegate’s WIHS Upcoming Events page.
The WIHS Pony Jumper Championships will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, during MARS Barn Night, in addition to the fan favorite FEI Accumulator Costume Class.
We are excited to have WEF, Thermal, GSWEC Winter, and Pin Oak onboard to kick-off WIHS Pony Jumper Championships qualifying classes, with more shows to come! The first available qualifying shows start this week:
- WEF Week 7
- Desert Circuit Week 7
- Great Southwest Winter Series IV
Competitions inquiring about hosting a WIHS Pony Jumper Championships class, please fill out the online Show Application here or contact results@ryegate.com.
WIHS looks forward to welcoming competitors and honored to host the WIHS Pony Jumper Championships.
Photo Credit, Shawn McMillen Photography.
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