Washington, DC – Ireland, Mexico, and the United States showed the “lighter side” of international equestrian competition Saturday afternoon at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) with the return of the international open jumper Pairs Costume Relay class.

A USA team, dressed as the Village People, won the award for “Most Humorous Skit.” The team consisted of Margie Engle, Leslie Howard, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Lynne Little, Beezie Madden, and McLain Ward who re-wrote the song “YMCA” into a patriotic “US of A” version. The group had the new words to the song displayed on the Jumbotron at the MCI Center during their skit so the audience could sing along.

The “Best Costume” award went to the Irish team of Capt. Gerry Flynn, Cian O ’Connor, Robert Splaine, and Kevin Babington who dressed as women from the “Moulin Rouge,” with Babington as an Irish dancing instructor.

The jumping phase of the competition was won by Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden, one of eight pairs competing in the jumping phase. Kraut, dressed as the indian and Madden, dressed as the cowboy in the Village People, blazed around the course, finishing with 4 faults and a time of 52.34 for a total of 56.34.

Other hilarious costumes included the Canadian team of Aisley Vince, Jill Henselwood, Melissa Brown, and John Anderson, all dressed as Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. Henselwood and Anderson were not far behind the winners with a score of 4 faults and a time of 56.91 for a total of 60.91

The following is a list of other teams and costumes/themes:

• Kimberly Frey /Aaron Vale
  (Aladin and the Genie)

• Lorenza O’Farrill deGonzalez (rode)
  Antonio Chedraui Equia (rode)
  Mario Onate
  Enrique Gonzalez-Delgado
  (Zorro Saves the princess from the Devil and Robin Hood (who wanted to steal the princess too)

• Marylisa Leffler/Tracy Bartko
  (Clowns trying to ride a person in horse costume over a pony jump)

Take Metro to the 43rd Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) October 23 – 28, 2001 at the MCI Center in downtown Washington, DC. A non-profit organization, the WIHS donates all proceeds to local and national charities each year. Tickets may be purchased through TicketMaster at 202-432-SEAT. For more information, visit www.wihs.org.