An annual tradition is back in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this weekend. The Washington International Horse Show is underway at The Show Place Arena, and, as far as equestrian competitions go, it’s kind of a big deal.

“There will be 13 countries represented here. … There’s 12 Olympians,” said Bill Ward, who is from the Baltimore area and is on the show’s board of directors. “The world’s No. 1 is going against the world No. 2. World No. 1 right now is from the United States. So it’s just — year over year — this is a really important event for the equestrian community.”

Among those riding this weekend is Brianna Cooper, an 18-year-old from McLean, Virginia.

“Everyone comes here for a reason and shows off what they have,” she said. “There’s a lot of work put in.”

She’ll be riding a horse na

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