Balou and Lisa Arena Davis (Al Cook - www.alcookphoto.com)
With consistent, high scoring trips of 86 and 87 points over the two days of competition, Davis and Balou, an 11 year old Warmblood gelding, were able to win not only her age division, Amateur Owner 3'3" Riders 18-35 Years of Age Championship, but the Amateur Owner 3'3" Grand Hunter Champion title and the Art Dunphy Perpetual Trophy.
"He is the best. I am so lucky to have him," said a beaming Davis. "He is 15.2, so he is little, but you would never know it when you see him go. I have never shown him here before, but here I am, Grand Champion. It's a bit surreal. There were a lot of good riders. When you come to a horse show like this anybody can win. The fact that we were so consistent I think was key. I am just really proud of my horse. He was perfect."
Now Davis will head home to her 10 month old baby, whom she has missed over the past weeks while she has been showing.
Recognized as a premier equestrian event, The Pennsylvania National Horse Show runs October 8-17 and has been held indoors at the State Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA since its inception in 1945.
Known locally for its contributions to the community and globally for excellence in competition, PNHS attracts top Hunters and Jumpers, sport horse enthusiasts and spectators who find the show exciting, educational and inspiring. Visitors enjoy the intimacy of one competition ring, a full concourse of shops and a variety of special events.
Proceeds from the show benefit the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation dedicated to youth programs and The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation supporting equine programs. PNHS is proud of its contributions, proud to be consistently recognized by the Show Hunter Hall of Fame and the North American Riders Group, proud of its heritage and looking forward to a bright future.