German Beer Foams to the Top of the WIHS Costume Class

Germany’s Rene Dittmer and Burlington Riverland win the Washington International Horse Show’s $40,000 Accumulator Costume Class.

Taylor Swift, Barbie, Ken, the Joker, Mr. Potato Head, the Tin Man and more showed up to try their hands at jumping. But in the end, a German beer took the lead in the $40,000 Accumulator Costume Class Thursday night.

The class was at the Washington International Horse Show held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Rene Dittmer (GER) who dressed as the German beer won the class with Burlington Riverland. They scored 65 points in 44.32 seconds. In the costume class, riders and horses jump a course and earn increasing points with every clear jump. In addition, the last jump, a high vertical, is worth 20 points if cleared. Those points are subtracted if they have a rail. The crows, filled with barns for the popular “Barn Night,” loudly cheered on their favorite riders with each fence.

“To be honest, at first when I walked in and I had the beer hat on it was very hot, but now I put it over the helmet which was better,” Dittmer said. “I was really completely fine. I could ride like this every day.”

Dittmer said his girlfriend, Chloe Reid, picked out his costume. “She went to the costume store and thought, ‘Well I have a German boyfriend, so he gets the beer costume,'” he added.

Aaron Vale (USA) and Elusive, dressed as a unicorn, were second with 65 points and 45.58 seconds. Vampire Connor Swail (IRL) and Castarano placed third with 65 points in 46.32 seconds. Matthew Williams (AUS) and Fayuri AWR won the prize for best costume. Williams was dressed as Taylor Swift and Fayuri sported a Kansas City Chiefs saddle pad, representing Swift’s new beau, Travis Kelce.

For full results, click here.

Below are photos from the Accumulator Costume Class. Scroll down to vote for whose costume you like the best.

The Top 12

More Costume Fun

Katherine “Katie” Dinan (USA) as Wednesday Addams and Atika Des Hauts Vents © Amy K. Dragoo

Vote for Best Dressed at the Inspection

Thanks to Cosequin® for our coverage of the 2023 Washington International Horse Show, including competition reports, photos, videos and more.

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