Exciting plans are underway for the 75th year of one of the largest and oldest horse shows in the United States, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, held in Harrisburg, Pa. Featuring Olympians and the nation’s top riders and horses, this premier show will celebrate 75t years October 8 – 17, 2020 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.
In 1946, the first Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Initially a four-day competition with 226 horses entered, the PNHS has evolved into one of the most prestigious shows in the nation, hosting more than 1,400 world-class competitors and thousands of spectators over the course of 10 days.
The 2020 schedule is packed with favorite highlights, including the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and Neue Schule/USEF Prix de States Team Championship, as well as the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Final, which has launched the careers of some of the sport’s most elite riders.
With over $650,000 in prize money, the PNHS hosts some of the country’s best hunter, jumper and equitation riders for one of the nation’s largest indoor horse shows. The famed show also features five North American League (NAL) Finals, unique classes such as Ladies Sidesaddle and the traditional Hunt Night, and the grand finale with the biggest prize purse, the $134,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.
Special activities are being planned this year to commemorate the 75th, with many exciting family attractions both inside and outside the arena offering something for all ages. The PNHS has been named a USEF “Heritage Competition”, a designation reserved for long established competitions making a substantial contribution toward the development and promotion of the sport. The Show’s impact on the community has earned the title as a “Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism” by Sports Destination Management. This program defines a champion as “competitions, as cities, as venues, as partnering organizations and as local organizing committees who worked together to produce events that have made the industry a more vibrant, more exciting, more varied and more interesting place”. This ten-day event brings approximately $9.5 million to the Greater Harrisburg region’s economy annually.
Proceeds from the PNHS benefit The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation (PNHSF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, providing support for therapeutic riding programs and equine rescue groups. Each year, the Foundation Grant Money supports programs in various areas including upkeep of therapeutic equipment, equine-assisted activity programs, rider scholarship funds, feeding and veterinary care, and volunteer programs. The PNHS also features “Foundation Friday,” showcasing its fifth annual Therapeutic Riding Championships and the Therapy Horse of the Year Award in 2020.
With everything under one roof, the PNHS also plays host to some of the best horse show shopping. Specialty boutique shops offer hours of shopping on two levels and range from high-end shops reminiscent of Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive, including antiques, fine art, clothing, gifts, accessories, rider apparel, horse tack and much more. The PNHSF hosts a Silent Auction, offering a variety of unique items, with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation. Family Fun Day and other special events occur, as well as happy hour at the Horse Show, assorted foods, and much more.
“This year is extra special for all of us, as we mark such an historic milestone, featuring so many top names in the sport over the decades,” said Susie Webb, Executive Director of the PNHSF. “We are super excited and have major plans underway. We are looking forward to celebrating our 75th with everyone and hope that fans from across the nation and throughout the years return to Harrisburg to join in the festivities.”
For more information on the PNHS or to donate to the Foundation, please visit www.PAnational.org.