(HARRISBURG, PA) – The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS), presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, is one of the largest and most prestigious horse shows in the U.S. This premier equestrian event attracts the nation’s top “hunter and jumper” horses and features many of the best names in the sport. During the ten days of national competition, 1,400 qualified Junior and Adult competitors from the U.S. and abroad will vie for more than $500,000 in prize money and eight national championships – including the distinguished Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, and Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and Team Championships. “Junior Weekend” will take place October 12-15, followed by “Senior Week” October 16-21, culminating in the $100,000 Prix de Penn National Grand Prix, presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, which will feature Olympic and international riders.
“We’re thrilled to, once again, host one of the country’s most coveted and long standing equestrian invitationals, and to continue to give back to so many families,” says Susie Webb, executive director of the PNHS. “For more than seven decades, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show has come to Harrisburg to showcase some of the world’s best male and female riders from all age groups and skill levels including Olympians, not to mention many of the most award-winning horses in the world. We are committed to Central Pennsylvania charities, and look forward to welcoming new and longtime fans from around the globe! ‘Destination Harrisburg’ is the goal. ”
The full concourse of shops will feature 70 boutiques offering clothing, antiques, art work, jewelry, and a multitude of equestrian products. In addition, new this year will be the PA National Horse Show Foundation Silent Auction. On-site bidding will take place for a variety of goods, services and experiences. All proceeds will benefit the PA National Horse Show Foundation supporting therapeutic riding and equine rescue groups.
For tickets, detailed schedule of events, updates, promotions, and more, visit PAnational.org or call (717) 770-0222.
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Junior Weekend – October 12 – 15:
- Equestrians under the age of 18 will compete on horses and ponies in various divisions,
- National Championship: Neue Schule Junior Jumper,
- National Championship: Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final.
Senior Week – October 16 – 21:
- Professional Hunter divisions compete in jumping over fences and under saddle classes,
- Hunt Night and Parade of Hounds and Ladies Sidesaddle Division,
- North American League Finals (NAL) in Adult and Children Hunters, Adult and Children Jumpers and Low Junior/AO Jumpers,
- Amateur Owner Hunters compete in jumping over fences and under saddle classes,
- Jumpers compete in the following Divisions: U25, Amateur Owner, Open Jumper as well as the marquis classes “Dash for the Cash”, “Harrisburg Sprint”, “Susquehanna Stake”, “Commonwealth Classic”, “PA Big Jump”, and “Keystone Classic”,
- Show Jumper Hall of Fame Jumper Classic and PA National Horse Show Hall of Fame,
- On Saturday evening, October 21, the show concludes with the Prix de Penn National Grand Prix Presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund.
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
- On General Admission Days (excluding Grand Prix Saturday 10/21): “Saddle Up Against Hunger” to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Tickets purchased at the door receive a $5 discount when you bring two non-perishable food items (preferably peanut butter).
- October 14, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: “Family Fun Day” – Includes FREE pony rides, story hour, pet a pony, crafts, mascots, behind-the-scenes tour.
- October 18: Military Appreciation Day – Show your military I.D., receive a FREE TICKET to Saturday’s Grand Prix. And more…
- October 19: “Pony Up For Pink” and Celebrity Challenge – In honor of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PNHS is teaming up with Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Riders will sport pink armbands, FREE ADMISSION for breast cancer survivors, and area media celebrities will hit the ring for a family fun obstacle course.
- October 20: “Foundation Friday” – A day dedicated to highlighting the work of the PNHS Foundation which provides grants for therapeutic riding and equine rescue groups. Two Therapeutic Riding Championship classes for qualified riders and the PNHS Foundation “Therapy Horse of the Year” award to be presented. Watch the Flyball Dogs open the evening. ***(An exciting polo exhibition is yet to be scheduled for this or another evening. Check the website for updates.)
- October 21: Meet Libre The Miracle Dog. Join us in the ring to congratulate the Grand Prix winners with an audience Course Walk and Autograph Session. Entertainment will be provided by Olivia Farabaugh, former “The Voice” contestant.
- DAILY HAPPY HOUR AT THE PNHS: Enjoy assorted beverages and some of Central Pennsylvania’s favorite foods.
- September 21 – October 22: Dine at the Susquehanna Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar (2625 Brindle Drive, Harrisburg, PA) – Purchase the PNHS specialty drink and $2 per sale will be donated to the PNHS Foundation benefiting therapeutic riding and equine rescue groups.
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets to the Pennsylvania National Horse Show are on sale! Purchase a single ticket or pool your friends for the 4-Pack of Tickets at a discounted price! Parking is FREE. Children 10 and under are FREE!
FAN APPRECIATION DAYS during Junior Week (Oct. 12 and 13):
Daily admission is FREE for all ages the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING! Watch Jr Riders compete in the Neue Schule Jr Jumper championships for national titles.
Junior Weekend (Oct. 14-15):
General Admission — $12, Students & Senior Citizens – $7, Family 4-pack
General Admission (all ages) — $30, Children 10 and under FREE.
FAN APPRECIATION DAYS during Senior Week (Oct. 16, 17, and 18):
Daily admission FREE for all ages the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING!
Senior Weekend (Oct. 19-20):
General Admission – $15, Students & Senior Citizens – $10, Family 4-pack
General Admission (all ages) – $40, Children 10 and under FREE.
Grand Prix & Audience Course Walk Finale (Oct. 21):
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
ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW:
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, provides support for therapeutic riding and equine rescue groups. The Foundation makes grants exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to acquaint, teach and train the public in therapeutic equestrian endeavors and to support equine rescue efforts. In 2016 alone, more than $20,000 was granted, and since inception, over $325,000 has supported these programs. The show attracts over 15,000 spectators and another 1,000,000 viewers via its daily livestream at PAnational.org. For more information on the show or to donate to the Foundation, please visit PAnational.org.
HISTORY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW:
The first Pennsylvania National Horse Show was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in 1946. It was a four-day show with just 226 horses entered and benefited the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation. In 1950 the show was lengthened to seven days, in 1962 to eight days, in 1970 to nine days and in 1982 to 10 days – which it is today.
In the fifties and sixties, the show was a major social event in Harrisburg and the Kiwanis volunteers wore tuxedos as they sold tickets and programs. Arthur Godfrey televised – live nationwide from his horse Goldie at the show in 1955 and 1956. Over the years, a portion of the profits from the show went to the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation, totaling over $1.5 million invested in Central Pennsylvania youth, thanks to this partnership.
As one of the largest indoor Horse Shows in the United States, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show offers sponsors excellent exposure to exhibitors from around the world as well as to spectators from the mid Atlantic region. The community of Harrisburg also benefits from the Pennsylvania National Horse Show realizing what is estimated as an economic impact of over $40 million annually.