Coming Soon: 2026 Capital Challenge Horse Show Prize List and Entries Open
The prize list for the Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), which returns for its 33rd year in 2026, will be available on www.CapitalChallenge.org on Sunday, July 26. Entries will open on Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m. EDT.
CCHS begins with the Equitation Showcase, presented by BIGEQ.com, from Wednesday, September 23, through Sunday, September 27, and continues with hunter, jumper, and equitation competition from Monday, September 28, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Exhibitors can submit entries electronically for the Capital Challenge Horse Show through the Show Management System™ starting Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT. All entries must be received before midnight EDT on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
At the time of entry, exhibitors may also register their horse for consideration for the Connaway & Associates North American-Bred High Point Horse Award, which honors the horse bred in the United States, Canada, or Mexico that has earned the highest score in a jumping round in a professional division or special class.
The tentative schedule for the 2026 Capital Challenge Horse Show is now available online.
For more information about sponsoring and being a part of the CCHS Circle of Sponsors, email Jen Glass at jen.glass@capitalchallenge.org.
When did you first come to the Capital Challenge Horse Show?
The first time I attended Capital Challenge was in 2005. Coming from California, I remember how beautiful it was to see the leaves changing colors on the trees and in the landscaping around the show grounds. I was competing against top riders, and I didn’t think I was good enough to get a ribbon in the equitation, but I ended up second in the 16 Year Old Equitation. That meant the world to me.
What is your fondest memory of being at the show?
To date, my favorite memory at Capital Challenge is one of my favorite memories in my whole life: the first time I won the WCHR Professional Finals. It was a lifelong dream come true to win one of the most prestigious awards in the hunter sport.
Why do you return to Capital Challenge every year?
I keep coming back to Capital Challenge because I love being motivated. Studying, watching, and learning from the best riders in the country there inspires me to become a better rider and horseman. I thank Capital Challenge for that!
How long have you been coming to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as a vendor?
It's almost where everything started for me. I’ve been coming to Capital Challenge for about 14 years. It was one of my first big shows. Back then, I was just there by myself, and I met a lot of people there. So many things came out of being there; I met other people that I still see there, and they have led to other opportunities, like providing show coats for the U.S. jumping team.
What do you enjoy most about the show?
Capital Challenge is a big deal for us because my business revolves around hunters, equitation, and ponies. I love that all of my core business is right in front of me, at the show, and I like the arena. We sponsor the back numbers and heavily promote our brand during the show. We always speak highly of Capital Challenge and tell everybody about it. We have grown alongside the show. It's a partnership that's pretty darn good.
Why do you choose to be a vendor at Capital Challenge?
Everyone on the Capital Challenge team is a pro. The way it’s run is how everyone should run a show. It's just really well done and easy to work within. It’s one of our best shows and a great showcase for me. Capital Challenge is so aligned with what I do, and we get to see all our returning clients there from across the country.
What is something new for Charles Ancona?
Our factory is on the 17th floor of a building on 39th Street in New York City. I managed to secure the 18th floor, which is also the penthouse, for a new showroom. We will have a full studio for photo shoots and 4,500 square feet to showcase everything we offer. It's different from horse shows, where you're usually operating in a 10-by-20-foot space. Plus, there's no dirt and no rain. It's a controlled environment. I'm so excited to have a space where I can bring people through.
Wednesday, September 23-Friday, September 25
Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final - East
Jumping Seat Medal Standings
Thursday, September 24
North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships
Saturday, September 26
Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals
THIS Standings
Sunday, September 27
Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) North American Junior Equitation Championships
Friday, October 2
Ariat National Adult Medal Finals
Ariat Standings
The Capital Challenge Horse Show schedule also features a series of World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Challenges and Finals. The program awards year-end honors to riders at all levels for their excellence in the hunter discipline and hosts an exciting championship competition for professionals held in a unique head-to-head format.
Wednesday, September 30
Professional Challenge and Developing Professional Challenge
Thursday, October 1
Amateur Owner 3’3” & 3’6” Challenges
Friday, October 2
Professional Finals and Adult Amateur Challenge
Sunday, October 4
Children’s Hunter Challenge, Pony Challenge, Junior 3’3”, and Junior 3’6” Challenges
WCHR Standings