Harrisburg, PA--August 9, 2010--The 65th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show, which returns to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Exhibition Center in Harrisburg, PA, October 14-23, is pleased to invite Girl Scouts (in grades 4 and 5) and 4-H members in Pennsylvania to attend the horse show free of charge on Saturday, October 16, 2010.

The horse show will host a series of classes and give Girl Scouts an opportunity to complete some of the requirements towards earning the Horse Fan Patch, while 4-H members can supplement their learning in the 4-H Horse Programs.

Girl Scouts and 4-H members will attend up to two classes, take a tour of the grounds (which includes visiting the exercise ring, stables and meeting a farrier) and have the opportunity to watch the Show. Topics that may be covered in the classes include horse care, proper clothing and function, equine careers, and proper tack and tack parts. Additional activities will include seeing a horse ambulance and attending an autograph session as well as family events that include face painting and temporary tattoos.

"We are excited to have Girl Scouts and 4-H members join us at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show," said horse show president Liz Shorb. "We feel that they will benefit greatly by learning about the many aspects of equine sport at one of the biggest horse shows in the country."

Attendance is free for Girl Scouts and 4-H members and $5 for adults on Saturday, October 16. Pre-registration is required to obtain these rates. For more information and to register by the September 30 deadline, please call 508-698-6810 x13. After September 30, please call for space availability.
The horse show features riders of all ages from children competing in the pony divisions to Olympic veterans in the Grand Prix. The horse show's world class competition is supplemented by entertaining demonstrations and exhibitions, as well as great shopping, all for the benefit of the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation and Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation

Once again, the PNHS will begin with its popular Junior Weekend, October 14- 17, which attracts many of the country's top young riders. Three national championships bring junior riders from across the United States to Harrisburg: The North American Pony Jumper Finals, The Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships, patterned after Olympic competition, and the coveted equitation championship, The Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Final presented by Randolph College.

Following Junior Weekend, the adult riders take the stage for the remainder of the competition. Exciting classes such as the North American League (NAL) Series Finals, the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic, the PA Big Jump sponsored by M&T Bank, and the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening, October 23, feature the nation's best horses and riders.

Following the Grand Prix, spectators are invited onto the arena floor to walk the course and get a bird's eye view of the huge jumps. This unique opportunity to see the Grand Prix course from the perspective of the riders will surely have people saying, "wow" as they marvel at the size and complexity of the course.

In addition to the world-class equestrian competition, a great line-up of fun attractions and exciting demonstrations are scheduled throughout the week.

General admission to the horse show for Thursday and Friday, October 14 - 15 is just $1.00 per person. 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.