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Washington, DC - October 25, 2008 - At the 2008 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), today was the fifth day of competition. Riders spent all year competing for points in order to qualify for this show. The show will run through October 26^th and award more than $400,000 in prize money.

The WIHS Pony Equitation Classic was held follo wing the pony hunters. A class of 26 riders competed in the first round jumping phase, and the top twelve riders were invited back for a second round flat phase.

Coming home with the blue ribbon was 13-year-old Shawn Casady and pony Liseter Clever Star, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker. Helping to present the award was last year's winner, Taylor Ann Adams.

There were a few differen t options in the course that Casady and trainer Bill Schaub took into account to put together a plan while walking the course.

"I was really thinking about the seven to the two stride, and we were thinking maybe I would bow out a little bit and take it in the eight," said Casady. "It was a vertical to vertical, and it was pretty up and down with no base line. I got down there early, and he was in the mood to gallop around. On course I had to make a decision and I saw what I wanted out of the corner, so I did it in the seven strides."

Dr. Parker is the owne r of the pony and purchased him from a well-known individual. She spent a lot of time trying to find the right rider.

"His barn name is Brucie after the previous owner, Bruce Springsteen. He laughed and clapped his hands and said he loved it. Bruce was up there in the stands whistling and cheering for him in the class," said Dr. Parker. "I bought him a year ago, and I had been watching riders. I had watched Shawn ride about a year ago and I absolutely thought he was going to go big places, so I asked him to ride the pony. It has been a sensational year. We almost don't dare talk about it, it's been so good; we don't want to jinx it. Next year he will ride both my ponies, Vanity Fair and Liseter Clever Star. George Morris said he is the future. Joe Fargis said remember the name; the boy will be famous."

Schaub thought the course rode great, and Liester Clever Star was in the perfect mood to tackle it.

"It was a nice, forward cours e. We were going to go for the nice easy options, but he was just in the mood to gallop around," said Schaub. "He just got a nice gallop and off he went. Shawn used to start out a little slow. That is what we have been working on; mostly to start with a good pace and keep it throughout. The pony just likes a nice, confident ride. Shawn's very soft, and the pony likes that. He likes your leg to be a little bit definite."

This was Casady's first time qualifying and competing in the class, but he has been to the WIHS before.

"It's a nice show, and I real ly enjoy it here. It's different because you get to be downtown, and it makes you feel important," said Casady.

In the WIHS Hunter Classic Derby, Scott Stewart and his horse World Time took home the win with a two round total of 181.999. Jessica Springsteen and mount Tiziano were second with a two round total of 176.333. Katie Dinan and her horse Angelo rounded off the top three with a two round total of 167.333

Tomorrow is the l ast day of competition at the 2008 WIHS. Highlights for the day include the concluding classes for the pony hunters, championship presentations, Grand Champion Pony Hunter award, Best Child Rider on a Pony award, and Local Hunter finals with award presentation. Scheduled to be held at 1:45 p.m. will be the Autism Speaks Day of Champions Pageant featuring Chester Weber Four in Hand driving demonstration. 

For full results and more information, please visit www.wihs.org