Who We Are
The heart of Capital Challenge has always been about creating a world-class event for the exhibitor, the owner, the breeder of fine sport horses. We strive to shine a spotlight on excellence in our industry. When we built this show we wanted to create a special moment for anyone walking in the ring, and certainly for those walking out with a ribbon.
The History
In 1994, Billy Glass and Oliver Kennedy created a unique event at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. That year a new member of the elite indoor circuit was born and Capital Challenge Horse Show quickly became a prominent event on the fall circuit.
The show’s unique combination of indoor and outdoor arenas and the elaborate championship presentations drew people to Maryland, but it is the high-quality horses that drew people from around the country to compete. Every year the quality of the animals brought to the ring is unsurpassed. Trainers keep that bar high, finding exceptional horses that draw people to the stands to watch.
Today’s Events
The Capital Challenge is proud to host the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals, the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals, the NAL Finals, as well as the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and year-end presentations.
The horse show is open to all, and competitors from as far away as Alaska have made the trip to show with us. The Capital Challenge does offer a limited number of entries in each division, which are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. This system has proven to be very successful and limiting entries has created a more exhibitor-friendly schedule, kept class sizes manageable, and has ensured the proper functioning of the facility.
The 2020 show marked a new chapter in our history as we pivoted in the wake of COVID. Although we were unable to hold the show at the Prince George's Equestrian Center, we were fortunate to have the World Equestrian Center host the show. In 2020, we began hosting the NAL Children's and Adult Hunter Finals as well as the NAL Children's, Adult and Low Jr/AA/AO Jumper Finals.
For the 2022 Capital Challenge, we added a day to the Equitation Weekend sponsored by BIGEQ.COM. The show began on Thursday, September 29th, giving management the opportunity to showcase the prestigious equitation finals in the Show Place Arena.
We invite you to come join us for this year’s Capital Challenge Horse Show as we return to Prince George's Equestrian Center. We wish you luck and hope you enjoy your experience.