Upper Marlboro, MD – October 1, 2010 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole wreaked havoc in many cities on the Mid Atlantic coast, dropping over ten inches of rain in some areas causing streams and rivers to rise while roads closed due to flooding.
Rain always puts a damper on a horse show, but excessive rain can create unique challenges for horse show management. Keeping rings drained and stalls dry becomes a full-time job. The Capital Challenge Horse Show is located at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, a facility that sits in the middle of the winding Western Branch of the Patuxent River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
The backside of the show grounds is especially close to the water and is where management is keeping a close watch.
“The guys did an unbelievable job of keeping us dry,” said show manager Oliver Kennedy. “They worked around the clock trenching and pumping, and hopefully the gusty winds today will continue to dry us out. If it wasn’t for our amazing crew and the guys from the Equestrian Center, we would have seen some flooding. Everyone pitched in.”
Co-show manager Billy Glass added, “In order to accommodate the best show hunters in the world we have the best staff, and they did a phenomenal job. They went above and beyond the call of duty.”
With the river so close to the back tent, everyone is still prepared to divert water, but so far all the stalls are dry. Thanks to Dean Rheinheimer and Rick Rollins’ careful footing management, the outdoor show ring has nearly ideal conditions for a full day of classes tomorrow.
The Equitation Championship Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com, will begin tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. in the outdoor ring and 8:30 a.m. in the Show Place Arena. The Capital Challenge Horse Show will continue through Sunday, October 10th.
Join us at the Capital Challenge Horse Show to see the the best that the hunter sport has to offer. As always, if you can’t attend, remember you can log on to www.equestriansport.tv to see all the action live.
Highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the North American Equitation Championship (Oct. 3), the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals (Oct. 3), the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Emerging Pro Challenge (Oct. 6), Future Hunter World Championship (Oct. 6), $2,500 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Challenge (Oct. 7), the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 8-9), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 8), and the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 8).
In its 17th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on October 2-10. Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes. For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!