World-Class Hunter-Jumper Competition and Sony Music Nashville’s Ben Gallaher Country Finale
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – September 14, 2016 – The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious horse shows, has made several exciting additions to this year’s event. These new additions promise to make this year’s Pennsylvania National the most memorable and exciting in the event’s 70-year history when it returns to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, October 13-22. The PNHS features the best in the sport of hunters and jumpers and is the launching ground for many future Olympians. More than 15,000 spectators and one million live feed viewers will be treated to ten days of outstanding competition as 1,400 top Junior and Adult competitors vie for eight national championships, including the prestigious Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Final and the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and Team Championships. The show also features special theme days, Family Fun Day, and great shopping with over 70 vendors featuring clothing, antiques, art work, jewelry and equestrian products.
“With so many new and exciting additions to this year’s show schedule, our 2016 event is going to be truly spectacular,” said Susie Webb, PNHS Executive Director. “We urge everyone to buy their tickets now and to come watch many of our nation’s top equestrians. We invite you to be a part of our historic show and help us support therapeutic riding, horse rescue and youth programs. Also join us to fight hunger and raise breast cancer awareness.”
Join us for Happy Hour at the Horse Show daily with specialty drinks as well as wine tastings with Hershey Vineyard. Stay tuned for details!
Top Classes and Increased Prize Money
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show will host three FEI-sanctioned international CSI3* jumper classes. Several of the nation’s top jumping riders and horses are expected to be on hand to compete in the $100,000 Prix de Penn National Grand Prix Presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, which will culminate the horse show on Saturday evening, October 22.
Historic Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale
Perhaps the most exciting addition to this year’s horse show is the Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale, presented by L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln. Ben Gallaher, a Central Pennsylvania native who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, is a Sony Music Nashville recording artist, singer, and songwriter. His special performance marks the first time that a live concert will be held in the main competition arena and it will take place immediately after the Grand Prix at 9:00 p.m. on October 22.
Admission to the concert is included with admission to the Grand Prix that evening; only one ticket is needed to enjoy BOTH the Grand Prix and the Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale! Tickets are available now at panational.org. Spectators can choose their own Grand Prix seat on line and print the ticket at home! Ticket proceeds assist in funding the PNHS Foundation’s therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs along with the Kiwanis Youth Foundation programs. Reserved Tier Seating ranges from $40-$50 and Family 4-pack packages range from $75- $175. General Admission for students and senior citizens is $25. Children aged 10 and under are admitted FREE and parking is FREE.
By Popular Demand: Re-instated A-O Jumper Section and NEW U25 Division
In response to popular demand, the PNHS has reinstated the Amateur-Owner Jumper Section and also added a NEW Under 25 Jumper Division to its 2016 lineup of classes. The $13,000 A-O Jumper Section, presented by Telluride/Diane Carney, will include the $1,500 Amateur-Owner Jumper class on Wednesday, October 19, the $1,500 Amateur-Owner Jumper class on Thursday, October 20 and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic on Friday, October 21. The Hall of Fame Classic is dedicated in honor and memory of Frank D. Chapot, Show Jumping Hall of Fame class of 1994, who passed away earlier this year.
The new U25 Division will include a $3,000 Welcome Class on Thursday, October 20, a $3,000 Time First Round on Friday, October 21 and a $20,000 Final on Saturday, October 22, the last day of the show.
Tickets Are On Sale Now!
Tickets for this year’s Pennsylvania National Horse Show, presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, are on sale now and available as follows:
Wednesday, October 12:
A special PNHS ribbon-cutting will be held in the Main Arena at 11:45am with the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding. All sponsors, vendors, riders and area leaders are invited to attend.
Junior Weekend, October 13-16:
General Admission – $12; Students & Senior Citizens – $7; Family 4-pack General Admission (all ages) – $30; Children 10 and under – FREE.
Junior Weekend features, “Saddle Up Against Hunger” with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Attendees purchasing tickets AT THE DOOR and bringing two nonperishable food items, preferably peanut butter, will receive a $5 discount.
“Family Fun Day”, October 15:
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the PNHS! Enjoy story hour featuring award-winning author, Cynthia Sudor, pony petting, arcade games, horse carousel, selfie stations with map, popcorn machine, and mascots.
Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, October 17-18-19:
Daily admission is FREE for all ages for the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING!
“Hunt Night and Pony Races”, October 17:
Come and enjoy the first Shetland pony races at the PNHS and elegant hunt night competition.
“Welcome Jumpers! Wednesday”, October 19:
Daily admission is FREE for all ages for the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING! Jumper competition starts with a special attraction barrel racing.
Adult Weekend, October 20-21:
General Admission – $15; Students & Senior Citizens – $10; Family 4-pack General Admission (all ages) – $40; Children 10 and under – FREE.
“Pony Up for Pink” and “Celebrity Challenge”, October 20:
Teaming up with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and ALL breast cancer survivors get FREE admission!
“Foundation Friday”, October 21:
Featuring a reception, Therapy Classes and Therapy Horse of the Year Award Presentation. Special guests include Capital Area Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
$100,000 Prix de Penn National Grand Prix Presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund & Grand Finale Concert by Sony Music Nashville recording artist and Pennsylvania native, Ben Gallaher, October 22:
General Admission/Students & Senior Citizens – $25
Reserved Upper Tier Seating -$40
Reserved Lower Tier Seating – $50
Family 4-pack General Admission (all ages) – $75
Family 4-pack Reserved Lower Tier Seating – $130
Family 4-pack Reserved Upper Tier Seating – $175
Media credential information will be available at panational.org.
For more information, updates, promotions, tickets and more, please visit the Pennsylvania National Horse Show website at panational.org or call 717-770-0222.