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Washington, DC - October 21, 2008 - Today kicked off the first of six days of competition for the Washington International Horse Show. Held at Verizon Center in Washington, DC, the show runs through October 26, 2008.

This evening showcased the $10,000 WIHS Chi ldren's Hunter Championship and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Amateur Hunter Championship. A culmination of the top 30 qualified riders were invited to compete.

The child ren's class went first with 29 riders. Competitors received one high score after another. At the end of the first round, there was only one elimination. The top 12 riders were invited back to jump a revised second round course.

Coming out on top was Kristen Mohr and her horse Marvel. The 12-year-old grey Holsteiner was just recently passed down from older sister Lindsey Mohr to younger sister.

"I am really happy with my horse and how I rode. My horse and I get along so well. My sister rode him first in the junior hunters and I moved up to him; he is my first horse," said Mohr. "He is amazing; he is so reliable and he is always there for me. I show him in the 3'6" equitation and I also ride him in the hunters. He is just amazing."

Mohr was impressed wi th the simplicity of the course. She liked the straight forward hunter aspects with the added bending line. Her plan was to be as smooth as possible and lay down a consistent ride. This is one of her favorite shows.

"I qualified last year as well so I was looking forw ard to coming back," said Mohr. "It is such a cool show. There is a great atmosphere in the ring and it is so different from other shows. My favorite part is walking into the ring and seeing everything."

11-year-old Mohr trains wi th Beacon Hill. Mohr's older sister Lindsey also trains with them. Mohr looks up to her sister for confidence and advice.

"She gives me my motivation to do what I am d oing; I want to be just like her. I listen to her a lot because she rode the horses before me and can tell me things I may not know," said Mohr. "A little pressure is a good thing; it gives you your motivation."

After the children's division was finished, a short course change led to the Adult Hunter Championship. Following the same format, 29 riders were pared down to the top 12 scores. Those exhibitors then returned to jump a revised second course.

Taking home the championship award was 19-year- old Lindsey Mohr and her Dutch Warmblood Lion King. She has owned him for five years.

&qu ot;I love my horse; he is my favorite to ride," said Mohr. "He is so consistent and I don't have to worry about him going into the ring and spooking or taking off. He is just a very quiet horse and he is so sweet."

Just like her younger sister, Mohr also thought the course to be straight forward with the rideable bending line. She is also a fan of Verizon Center.

"I liked the bending line because you could really see who stayed out and who took the inside track," said Mohr. "I also liked how the lines were open. He has a big stride and we could actually move up out there. I loved the jumps; it is very colorful in there with a lot to look at."

Wh en asked what she thought about her sister calling her an inspiration, Mohr was humble.

"I don't know what to say to that. It mean s a lot to me because she is my little sister. We have been riding together since she was four," said Mohr. "Before she goes into the ring I always tell her to relax and have fun. She has the eye and the horse and just needs to relax. When she is relaxed she does the best."

Mohr was ecstatic when she received the high est score of the night with a 92. Both of her parents were there to watch her victory. Mohr said her dad does not attend many shows but he was there to watch her win tonight and also watched her win at Harrisburg. Mohr calls her father her good luck charm.

Now at C entenary College for Equine Studies, Mohr has aspirations of becoming a trainer one day. "After seeing all the success my sister has had; I like the thrill of when she wins and I feel like I had a small part in that," said Mohr.

Last year she purchase d a young horse to bring along. "This is my first real baby horse," she explained. "I have never started one from scratch. It is so cool to work with them when they start to do things like trot or canter a circle or jump a jump. He is an Oldenberg/Thoroughbred mix. He's got it in all the right spots."

Tomorrow's highlights include the Adult Jumper Championship, Children's Jumper Championship, Professional Division Championships, and Amateur Owner Hunter Championships. During the Adult Jumpers will be the Urban Cowboy Party Benefit for Autism Speaks which is scheduled to be held from 6:30-10:30 p.m.

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

$10,000 WIHS Children's Hunter Championship

1. Marvel, Kristen Mohr, 171 .5
2. Protocol, Kelsey Jefferies, 165.5
3. Nevada, Katie Dawson, 162
4. Bentley, Brougan Brown, 161
5. Night Game, Lauren Tyree, 159
6. Meant To Be, Cecily Waud, 158.5
7. Edison, Piper Donnelly, 158
8. Red Carpet, Ashley Ree d, 157.5
9. Sam Adams, Ashley Foster, 156
10. Cognac, Wendy Sly, 155


$10,000 WIHS Adult Amateur Hunter Championship

1. Lion King, Lindsey Mohr, 179
2 . Damascus, Lynley Reilly, 176
3. Saracen, Tiffany Hammack, 172.5
4. Red Carpet, Tiffany Hammack, 169
5. Samaritan, Jennifer Munday, 162.5
6. Sliver, Caitlin Lane, 159
7. Keep the Faith, Katie Meagher, 158.5
8. No Surrender, Laurie Kutz, 157
9. Car ize, Kelly Champion, 154
10. Night Game, Mary Tyree, 142

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