The wildly successful Urban Cowboy Party, held as a benefit for Autism Speaks during the 2007 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) paved the way for the partnering of the two non-profit organizations. The directors wanted to bolster the charitable outreach of the WIHS and could find a cause no more deserving than autism; a disease affecting 1 of every 150 children born in the United States.

The 2008 Washington International Horse Show will again host an Autism Speaks benefit on Wednesday, October 22 during the evening performance. Additionally, Autism Speaks will design the closing pageant of the WIHS on Sunday,October 26 with plans for therapeutic riding demonstrations, special exhibits, vendors and more. Details for the 2008 Autism Speaks events at the Washington International Horse Show can be found at www.wihs.org