Prize Money Doubles for WCHR Pro Challenge

​The Capital Challenge Horse Show has become known as a showcase for top hunter horses and riders. This year, in honor of celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, to be held September 28 – October 7 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, has doubled the prize money for the World Championship Hunter Rider Pro Challenge. 

In a nod to the show’s 25th anniversary, Capital Challenge is adding $1,000 for each of the show’s 25 years to the prize money for the WCHR Pro Challenge class to bring the total from $25,000 to $50,000. The Gochman Family and Radwanski Enterprises are generously helping to make the increase possible. 

“We’re thrilled that the Gochman Family and Radwanski Enterprises are helping us recognize not only the achievements of competitors in the WCHR Pro Challenge, but also the legacy of 25 years of the Capital Challenge Horse Show,” said Capital Challenge Horse Show manager Oliver Kennedy. “The Capital Challenge Horse Show makes it a priority to put the spotlight on hunters and this increase in prize money will help reward the stars of the sport for their excellent performances.” 

Tracy Fenney rode MTM Outbid to the win in the $25,000 WCHR Pro Challenge at the 2017 Capital Challenge Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography 

“The increased prize money in the Pro Challenge is exciting for our program, which showcases the best riders and best hunters in the country,” said Carl Weeden, Chairman of the USHJA WCHR Task Force. “It’s a validation for those horses and riders to be able to be riding for that kind of prize money. “It’s very apropos that it’s happening this year in conjunction with the Capital Challenge’s 25th anniversary. We really thank Oliver Kennedy and the whole Capital Challenge team for making that happen.” 

The WCHR program was founded in 1992 to recognize and celebrate the hunter rider and the inaugural WCHR Professional Finals ran the same year. Since then, the program has expanded to include coveted year-end awards for professionals, developing professionals, amateur-owners, adult amateurs, juniors, children, and pony riders. Each year, after gaining points at member horse shows across the nation, the top 10 nationally-ranked riders and top six regionally-ranked riders in each category go head-to-head in Challenge classes. Previous winners of the WCHR Pro Challenge include riders like Liza Boyd, Scott Stewart, John French, Peter Pletcher and Kelley Farmer. 

“Radwanski Enterprises is honored to be part of the 25th anniversary celebration for the Capital Challenge,” said Debi Radwanski. “We want to wish all the horses and riders the best of luck.” 

“I strongly believe to keep life in the hunter discipline it is important to keep the special hunter classes going,” said Becky Gochman. “Nowadays, the hunters have a variety of unique classes and awards throughout the year that celebrate both the horse and the hunter rider. The Capital Challenge Horse Show provides great classes to showcase the hunters while also providing a sense of team community through the WCHR zones. The classes are always fun to watch, and a lot of pride shines through the show. Capital Challenge also provides a great way to start indoors with some of the classes indoors and a chance to enjoy the outdoor rings as well.” 

In addition to the WCHR Pro Challenge, riders compete in Challenge classes in the Developing Pro, 3’6” Amateur-Owner, 3’6” Junior, 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 3’3” Junior, Adult Amateur, Children’s, and Pony divisions. Another highlight is the WCHR Professional Rider Final, and multiple prestigious equitation classes. Riders also collect points in their respective divisions throughout the year at select WCHR shows to earn special year-end prizes.