The 65th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show is set to return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Exhibition Center in Harrisburg, PA, October 14-23. Always a favorite among the nation's best riders, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) features world-class hunter-jumper equestrian competition.

Among those who compete regularly at the horse show are two-time Olympic Gold medalists Leslie Howard, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, as well as recent Grand Prix de Penn National winners Laura Chapot and Kent Farrington.

"We are looking forward to celebrating our 65th year with everybody in Harrisburg," said PNHS President Liz Shorb. "We think that everybody will be amazed at all there is to enjoy this year from the excellent shopping to the special exhibitions, as well as our main attraction, world-class equestrian competition!"

As is tradition, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show will begin with Junior Weekend, October 14-17, to be followed by Adult Week, October 18-23. Junior Weekend is highlighted by two national championships: the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals, won last year by Jessica Springsteen and the Prix de States Competition, which was won last year by the Zone 10 Team consisting of Lucy Davis, Saer Coulter, Paris Sellon and Karl Cook. Adult Week features hunter-jumper competition, including the North American League Year-End Finals and the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic.

The show concludes with its grand finale, the Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening, October 23. Last year's Grand Prix de Penn National was won by former Olympic and World Champion, Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, who bested riders from six countries for the victory.

While each day of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show features world-class equestrian competition, spectators and exhibitors can also enjoy fun special attractions and demonstrations each evening which serve as a break from serious competition.

• Family Day on Saturday, October 16, with free pony rides and face painting from 1:00-4:00 pm as well as special events for youth groups such as girl scouts. Pony clubs and 4-H clubs
• Hunt Night on Monday, October 18, with terrier races, the North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championships and a Parade of Hounds
• Local Night on Tuesday, October 19, with the popular leadline division
• Western Night on Wednesday October 20, with barrel racing, pole bending and celebrity team penning demonstrations
• American Heroes Night on Thursday, October 21 with tack room awards, a draft horse obstacle course demonstration, carriage racing and the PA Big Jump, sponsored by M&T Bank
• Power and Speed Night on Friday, October 22 with the "power" of a draft horse obstacle course demonstration and "speed" of carriage racing as well as the combined "power and speed" of show jumping
• Grand Prix Night on Saturday, October 23, with the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National. As always, following the competition spectators will be invited into the arena to walk the Grand Prix course to get a first-hand look at the jumps from the perspective of the riders!

In addition to the world-class equestrian competition, exhibitors and spectators alike make it a point to enjoy the unique shopping environment at the PNHS. Boutique-style vendors offer everything from fine art to custom jewelry, clothing, accessories and PNHS memorabilia. No matter what your taste or budget, there is something for you at the PNHS.

Those interested in the great shopping opportunities at the PNHS will want to take advantage of the See and Shop Special on Thursday, October 14, and Friday, October 15, when admission tickets are just $1. General admission for Saturday, October 16-Friday, October, 22, is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. General admission for Saturday, October 23, is $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. As always, children under 6 are always admitted free in general admission seating. Special reserved seats for the Grand Penn de National go on sale to the public on September 7, and will be available for $35 and $45, depending on seat selection. Convenient parking is also free!

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is proud of its tradition of supporting equine and youth programs. The show benefits the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at (717) 770-0222.