UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--The Capital Challenge Horse Show, Sept. 25 - Oct. 4 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, will offer the same top-level competition, prestigious finals, and high-quality exhibitor experience for which the year-end horse show has become known, in addition to important new protocols put in place for safety.
Capital Challenge showgrounds“Prince George’s Equestrian Center has been our home for the past 26 years, and we’re looking forward to welcoming exhibitors there again this fall,” said show manager Oliver Kennedy. “In order to do that, we are working closely with both the facilities team at Prince George’s and with local and state government officials on protocols and guidelines that will allow us to host a safe competition.
“With a number of safety protocols in place, some things are going to look a bit different than they have in the past, but the level of competition, the finals that we offer, and the prestige of doing well at Capital Challenge are all the same,” continued Kennedy.
The 10-day Capital Challenge Horse Show is largely unique from other horse shows, in that it regularly utilizes both indoor and outdoor rings, as well as a covered arena simultaneously throughout the show.
THIS YEAR, as part of the event’s rigorous effort to adhere to coronavirus health and safety guidelines, the covered arena and outdoor ring will be used for many of the under saddle classes previously held in the indoor arena.
“By using the covered arena, we can allow riders to enter through one in-gate and go out a separate exit gate to allow plenty of distance between themselves and other riders, rather than having a situation where riders are congregating on the ramp to the in-gate where they all come in and out,” explained Kennedy.
The open-air, outdoor barns and stabling tents at Prince George’s Equestrian Center also provide safe conditions for exhibitors, and spaces will be left empty between neighboring barns.
Exhibitors at the 2020 Capital Challenge Horse Show will also notice changes to the show’s prize-giving procedures.
“We won’t be conducting our prize-giving ceremonies in the same way that we usually do. If anything, they’re going to be even better!” said Kennedy.
To keep up with the latest protocols, updates, and news from the Capital Challenge Horse Show, find the show on Facebook here or visit www.CapitalChallenge.org.
The North American League (NAL) is moving this year’s National Finals to the Capital Challenge Horse Show.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on this year’s horse show activity,” said Annette Longenecker of Ryegate Show Services which produces the NAL. “Our goal with the Finals is to accommodate as many of our exhibitors as possible and we feel that the Capital Challenge provides the best opportunity to accomplish that given that the Pennsylvania National Horse Show is moving outside the region for this year.
The NAL season runs from Sept. 1 to Aug.31. NAL qualifying classes are open to all competitors, but only current members are awarded points.
For this year, riders are able to count their best 8 shows towards the National standings while still showing in as many classes as they like.
Annual memberships are only $40 per rider.
For more information regarding the North American League series please call (717) 867-5643, email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ryegate.com. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NALFinals
