THINGS TO KNOW
Capital Challenge runs for two weeks in September at Prince George’s Equestrian Center aka “The Show Place Arena” in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
The primary suburb is Bowie, MD. Most hotels are a 20-30 minute drive to the show. Consider rush hour traffic on weekdays. Parking fills up quickly in the morning.
It always rains, and the ground gets very muddy. Bring extra rubber stall mats.
It’s cold in the arena. Bring layers.
It’s totally walkable, but if you’re stabled on the perimeter a golf cart is useful.
AT THE SHOW
The Show Place Arena is filled with plenty of stadium-style seating, all with un-obstructed views of the arena. For a unique viewing experience, consider the VIP section in the Taylor Harris Club.
It’s very well done, and a nice alternative to sitting in the stands all day. You have the option of purchasing a four- or six-person table by the week. Included is high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited bottled beverages (water, seltzer, sports drinks, iced tea, soft drinks), use of two amazing Human Touch massage chairs, and an all-day rotating buffet. Classes generally run into the evening, so at 5 p.m., VIP holders have access to open bar and appetizers, and light dinner fare.
Steps from the Taylor Harris Club, you’ll find the official shop for Capital Challenge merchandise. Scoop up hats, jackets, sweatshirts, or the official show poster, and then follow the corridor around the arena’s perimeter for additional vendors like Frank Tucci. It’s not just boots and breeches; shop equestrian-themed home decor, jewelry and art, and pet some cute pups along the way! Outside near the covered arena are mobile vendors food trucks, and a tented area with other food options and pinic table seating.
AFTER RIDING
To be perfectly honest, there is not much to do near the Showgrounds. It’s a typical suburb, mainly saturated with chain restaurants. Don’t bank on ordering Uber eats to your hotel because there is a good chance the order will be cancelled.
Safe bets within a fifteen minute drive include Rips Country Inn and Olive Garden, or take out from Chick-Fil-A or Fresh Green Salads.
If your schedule allows, take a drive to any of the following destinations (all about 30 mins):
Annapolis, MD: Visit the state capital and tour the Naval Academy, then have lunch at Chick and Ruth’s Deli.
National Harbor, MD: A fun waterfront area to walk around with shops, restaurants and a giant Ferris wheel.
Old Town Alexandria, VA: One of the oldest continuously running markets in the U.S. Walk around and let your belly tell you where to stop and eat!
WHERE TO STAY
The horse show offers camper hook ups, if you have a camper.
There are several recommended hotels on the horse show Web site. If you goto the section “where to stay,” the hotels listed there offer discounts for exhibitors. Note that some hotels are pet friendly, while some are not, and some hotels are in Bowie, while others are in Largo. The hotels in Bowie seem to map closer distance to the horse show.
