Fairfax Student Named to Washington International Horse Show Junior Committee

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, announced the 20 members of its Junior Committee for the 2013 show, which will run Oct. 22-27, 2013 at Verizon Center. WIHS received many applications from very qualified students. The Junior Committee consists of students from public, charter and private schools in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and as students graduate and go to college, a new class of members comes on board. Of the 20 members, 11 are returning members, who will mentor the new class.

Fairfax resident, Erin Suidikas, 17, attends WT Woodson High School and has been riding for ten years, working and training with professionals in several disciplines. This is her second year on the WIHS Junior Committee.

The program was created in 2009 to engage young equestrian enthusiasts from the local community who have an interest in learning about WIHS and working side by side with the WIHS staff to produce the event. WIHS also relies on the youth perspective in developing many special programs and community-related events

“It’s great to see how interest in the Junior Committee program has grown over the past five years,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. “It’s terrific to see the kids working together throughout the summer and fall, and the incredible energy, great ideas and enthusiasm they bring to the projects they take on.”

Members of the 2013 Junior Committee, chaired by Youth Ambassador Elizabeth Kruse, are:

Mary Elizabeth Cordia, 15

Terry Daniels, 16

Jessica Diaz, 17

Miriam Dupree, 15

Emily Lunsford, 16

Olivia McCarren, 13

Caroline McGranahan, 16

Rachel Michael, 14

Alexis Mozeleski, 16

Madeline Poss, 16

Hanna Powers, 16

Natalie Ralston, 15

Gaby Ruff, 16

Casey Schmitz, 16

Jenny Searles, 14

Chace Simmons, 14

Isabel Stettinius, 14

Erin Suidikas, 17

Natale Wachowiak, 15

Madeline Zehner, 18

About the Washington International Horse Show, wihs.org

An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show. Top horses and riders from the U.S. and abroad, including Olympic champions, compete for almost half a million in prize money and championship titles. About 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping, Kids’ Day and educational and community events round out this family-friendly show. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.