The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, is honored to announce Elizabeth Kruse of McLean, Va., as Youth Ambassador of the 2013 show.
Kruse, 16, is a rising junior at Langley High School in McLean, and competes often. She showed at WIHS last year for the first time and competed at the WIHS Regional Horse Show in 2009. She has attended WIHS for many years with her friends and family and was on the WIHS Junior Committee in 2012. Originally from Minnesota, Kruse has been riding for many years and brings knowledge and excitement along with her love of horses and horse sport to the role of WIHS Youth Ambassador.
“I’m so excited to be able to work with the Junior Committee and everyone at WIHS to put on the most successful horse show yet! This is a highlight of the horse world, and is so special being held in our nation’s capital. I can’t wait to share all that these amazing equines and equestrians alike can do with our area’s youth,” said Kruse.
The role of the WIHS Youth Ambassador, this year and since the program began in 2009, is to be a voice for young equestrians in the Washington D.C. metro area. Kruse will oversee the WIHS Junior Committee and continue to build youth programs and special opportunities for the Junior Committee and the show to engage in the community from young rider events to Barn Night and Kids’ Day.
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. The 2013 Junior Committee includes 20 members, 11 of whom are returning members, who will mentor the new class.
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“It’s great to see how interest in the Junior Committee and Youth Ambassador 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.”
Learn more about the Youth Ambassador Program and the Junior Committee!
WIHS received many applications from very qualified students in the D.C. metro area and beyond. Kruse will serve as the fifth WIHS Youth Ambassador following Jamal Brown, Anna Rossi, Shannon Miglarese and Hanna Powers.
The 55th annual Washington International Horse Show will be held October 22-27, 2013 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.