The 65th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Exhibition Center in Harrisburg, PA, October 14-23. As is tradition, the PNHS will open with Junior Weekend. Each year this popular opening weekend attracts the best junior riders (up to age of 18) from across the country as they compete for championship titles in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions.
"I love Junior Weekend because the riders bring a great sense of enthusiasm and spirit of competition with them," said Liz Shorb, President of the PNHS. "These riders are the future of our sport, so it's exciting to see them competing and growing here. I can't think of a better way to jump-start our horse show than with Junior Weekend!"
Four full days of junior and pony competition are punctuated with four national championships; The Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships, the Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Finals, presented by Randolph College, and the North American League Pony Jumper Finals.
Olympic veteran and Chef d'Equipe of the U.S. Show Jumping Team George Morris will be joined by USEF and CEF judge Julie Winkel as judges for the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Equitation Medal Finals, presented by Randolph College, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious championships for junior riders. Last year, Jessica Springsteen bested a field 237 entries to join the list of names, which includes Morris, of those who have won the title.
Two other Olympic veterans, Frank and Mary Chapot, will be joined by Brian Flynn as judges in the Junior Jumper division. Riders in the junior jumpers will compete over courses designed by Steve Stephens, who also served as course designer for the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games.
Hunter riders will compete under judges Carelton Brooks, Brian Lenehan and Paddy Downing-Nyegard. Course designer Blake Alder, a native of Germantown, TN, who has been designing courses for over 20 years, will be putting his knowledge and talent to use designing the hunter courses.
Competition highlights of Junior Weekend include:
• Thursday, October 14: North American League Pony Jumper Final; Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships – Individual Phase 1
• Friday, October 15: Junior Hunter Championships, Randolph College/ USEF National Junior Jumper Team Championship – Prix des States
• Saturday, October 16: Pony Hunter Championships, Junior Working Hunter Grand Championship, The Randolph College/USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship
• Sunday, October 17: The Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Finals, presented by Randolph College
Adult riders will take the stage following the horse show's Junior Weekend. Adult Week, which runs October 18-23, features world-class hunter and jumper competition culminating with the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday, 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.
In total, the 2010 Pennsylvania National Horse Show will award 10 national championships and more than $350,000 in prize money.
As if the thrilling equestrian competition wasn't enough, the PNHS has even more to offer its guests. Boutique-style shopping adds another dimension of fun for spectators and exhibitors alike. Vendors will be on hand selling everything from fine art and custom jewelry to clothing, accessories and PNHS memorabilia. The horse show's See and Shop Special gives guests the opportunity to shop 'till they drop with $1 admission prices on October 14 and 15.
Special attractions and exciting demonstrations will also be featured throughout the 10 days of competition, making the PNHS the perfect family destination.
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 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.