Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania National Horse Show has always set the standard for show event excellence. In its 66th year, the tradition continues with the event being named “Horse Show of the Year” by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and “Top 25” by the North American Riders Group. Scheduled to run from October 13 through October 22, 2011, this year’s show promises to be popular with both exhibitors and spectators alike. The competition will be intense, the activity virtually non-stop and the experience incomparable.
Know as “The Horseman’s Show,” organizers work year round to insure the safety and comfort of the horses and riders. “Last year we invested in state-of-the-art footing for the main arena,” said Norman White, Board Chairman. “This year we are upgrading the footing in the large exercise arena. With the high caliber of horses competing, good quality footing is not important - it’s mandatory.”
Nicknamed ‘Harrisburg” by competitors, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show has local roots along with global exposure. While the today’s audience is dressed more comfortably than the gowns and tuxedos of the past, they are still in awe of the skill and ability demonstrated in the arena. Whether quietly enjoying the hunters meeting the challenge of the course with elegant grace or cheering as the jumpers negotiate the difficult courses with speed and agility, spectators will see the finest horses in the country performing at their peak.
Junior Weekend, the first four days of the show, is devoted to riders 18 years old and younger who must qualify to compete in the Pony and Junior Hunter divisions. Additionally, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show hosts both The Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Team and Individual Championships and The Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College. It is rare when East Coast meets West Coast making for intense competition matched with great team spirit and sportsmanship.
Adult Week, October 17 – 22, 2011, begins with hunters and culminates with the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National. Each day has both Hunter and Jumper competition plus special attractions inviting the audience to come back again and again. Last year a 3’3” Hunter division was added and thanks to its popularity, will return again in 2011. Also returning in 2011 will be Rodrigo Pessoa hoping for a “three-peat” in the Grand Prix. With the very best USA riders and representatives from five other countries, it won’t be easy, but it never is. No rider in the history of the class has been able to win three times and take permanent possession of the Harrisburg Kiwanis Club Challenge Trophy.
Special Attractions and events are a popular part of every Pennsylvania National Horse Show. “We’re thrilled that Guy McLean, the ‘Outback Ambassador’ will be returning to the United States to exhibit his special horse skills and talents at our event,” stated Liz Shorb, President of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Association. “Everyone who has witnessed his presentations marvels at his horsemanship and delights in his commentary. With five opportunities to see him perform, no one should miss it.”
The competition arena is not the only place that offers dazzling sights for spectators. The entire main concourse is filled with unique vendors providing a wonderful boutique shopping experience. Besides having a full range of equestrian items, shoppers will fine jewelry, unique gift items, antiques and apparel. It is a perfect place and time to find just the right holiday gift for everyone on your list. Some shops are open from the very beginning until the end of each day, but all shops are open from 11 AM – 8 PM daily.
All ten days are filled with a variety of experiences and fun events all for the benefit of youth and equine programs as proceeds from the show are divided between the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation.
We invite you to visit the web site: www.PAnational.org to find out more about the show and the events.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is a great value. Parking is free. Children under 6 are free in General Admission seats. Tickets are valid from the beginning of the show each day until the completion. General Admission tickets for the first nine days of the show – October 13 – 21 - are only $10 for regular adult admission and $5 for students and seniors (over 65). Grand Prix Saturday has adult general admission seats at $20 and $10 for students and seniors. Reserved Seats are available for the evening session at $50, $40 and $25 and also allow all day general admission seating. General Admission Purchase tickets at the show or online, www.PAnational.org, under the “Event Info” tab. Reserved seats can be purchased by calling the show office, 717 770-0222 on Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 4 PM.
DAILY EVENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, October 13, 2011 competition begins with Junior Hunters at 8 AM and finishes with the North American League Pony Jumper Finals.
Friday, October 14, 2011 competition begins at 7:30 AM with Junior Hunters followed by Pony Hunters and finishing with the Randolph College/USEF Prix de States Team Championship.
Saturday, October 15, 2011 competition begins at 7:30 AM with Pony Hunters. The afternoon is dedicated to equitation and the evening to opening ceremonies and the Randolph College/USEF Junior Jumper Individual and Overall awards. For our young enthusiasts, the Cameron Street lobby will have volunteers offering face painting and free pony rides between 1 and 4 PM.
Sunday, October 16, 2011 The Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College fills the day culminating with the awarding of this coveted championship which has been won by many equestrian greats.
Monday, October 17, 2011 competition begins at 9 AM with hunter classes all day. The evening is devoted to friendly competition between members of registered hunts. Hunt Night begins at 6 :30 PM and goes beyond just horses with Jack Russell Terrier Races, a Parade of Foxhounds and The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 competition begins at 8 AM with a full morning of hunter classes, and afternoon of jumper classes followed by Local Night starting at 6:30 PM. A special highlight starting off local night is the Leadline Class with youngsters under 6 years old showing their skills and style.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 competition begins at 8 AM hunters, sidesaddle classes and late in the afternoon jumpers. The evening begins at 7 PM with the always popular Gamblers’ Choice Open Jumper Speed class followed by Invitational Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. GUY McLEAN will make his first appearance as the finale of this fun evening.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 competition begins at 8 AM with hunters followed by jumpers later in the afternoon. The evening begins at 7 PM with the PA Big Jump, an FEI World Cup class that has the best riders on their best horses vying for the title and $40,000 in prize money. To round out the evening, GUY McLEAN returns for with his special brand of “Edu-tainment”.
Friday, October 21, 2011 competition begins at 8 AM with Amateur Owner Hunters followed by Amateur Owner Jumpers. The evening begins at 7 PM with an Open Jumper Class followed by Celebrity Team Penning where Grand Prix riders test their skills on western cutting horses and then GUY McLEAN will once again perform.
Saturday, October 22, 2011 competition begins at 8 AM with Amateur Owner Hunters followed by North American League Jumpers and the only afternoon performance by GUY McLEAN. The $75,000 GRAND PRIX de PENN NATIONAL begins at 7:30 PM but you’ll want to be there early for the course description and opening ceremonies. Plan to stay late as GUY McLEAN will give his final performance in Harrisburg.
THE GRAND PRIX DE PENN NATIONAL
Grand Prix jumping is the highest, most sophisticated level of show jumping competition. It is run under FEI (Federation Equestrian International) rules over a course of ten to sixteen jumps with heights and spreads of up to 6’6”. A Grand Prix tests the stamina, precision, power and control of both horse and rider. The courses, especially indoors, include tight twists and turns and high, colorful jumps. It is unquestionably the most exciting class in show jumping. Just watch the audience who are either holding their breath, using body language to encourage the horses or cheering widely at a clear round.
The Grand Prix de Penn National has always attracted the top riders in both the United States and abroad. World Cup and Olympic champions will be in Harrisburg attempting to keep Rodrigo Pessoa from Brazil from winning his third straight title. In 2009, Mr. Pessoa rode Let’s Fly to the title and returned in 2010 on HH Ashley to best a class of 25 which included riders from six countries.
“I thought 2009 was the most exciting ever and then the competition last year was as good if not better,” Liz Shorb show president remarked. “I admit, I root for our American riders, but am also thrilled to have the international riders competing in Harrisburg. It is really amazing that a World Cup Class with this caliber of riders comes to the Pennsylvania National and it is a tribute to the Board, staff and volunteers who pull together to put on the show.”
The Grand Prix this year will be followed by a performance by Guy McLean, the “Outback Ambassador” who has astonished audiences around the world with his version of “Equi-tainment”. Guy McLean has won the hearts and minds of the public with his connection between his horses and spectators, engaging them with a dialog and passion for his craft.
Reserved seats are available for the Saturday evening the 22nd at $50, $40 or $25 which includes all day general admission. General admission tickets, valid all day and night are: Regular General Admission seats $20 and Seniors & Student tickets $10. Children under 6 in General Admission seats are free. Convenient parking is also free.
GUY MCLEAN “THE OUTBACK AMBASSADOR” THE FEATURE SPECIAL ATTRACTION IN 2011
The Special Attractions at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show are one of the reasons people return night after night and this year will be no exception. Beginning with free pony rides on Saturday, October 15th from 1 – 4 pm and culminating with the closing performance by Guy McLean after the Grand Prix on Saturday, October 22nd, the show has a number of fun events.
Jack Russell Terrier Races – Hunt Night, Monday, October 17th
From the starting box at one end, these feisty dogs negotiate small hurdles as they follow a lure to the finish where they are caught by handlers who need to be quick. Part of the fun is watching the determination of the dogs or in some cases their unpredictability.
Barrel Racing – Western Night, Wednesday, October 19th
Competitors must beat the clock in this event where horse and rider complete a cloverleaf pattern around 3 barrels. They may start to the left or right with a 5-second penalty for knocking a barrel over. Men and women are equal competitors at various shows and events across the country, however in the sport of Professional Rodeo, it’s just for the cowgirls.
Pole Bending – Western Night, Wednesday, October 19th
Each team runs a “slalom” course, beginning by a run to the opposite end. They weave down through, weave back up through, and run back to the timer line. The poles are exactly 21’ apart, with the end pole 21’ from the timer line. There is a 5-second penalty for knocking a pole and the fastest time wins!
Celebrity Team Penning – Friday, October 20th
Each team of three riders must work together separate three cattle from the herd, drive them into a pen at the far end of the arena while keeping the rest of the herd back in the time allowed, usually 60 to 90 seconds. The fastest time wins.
Guy McLean – Wednesday through Saturday, October 19th through 22nd.
Known as Australia’s most extraordinary Entertainer, Horseman and Poet, Guy McLean has added to his huge following in Australia with new fans in the United States. Standing ovations commonly follow his performances which have been described as mesmerizing, entertaining, engaging and exciting. He labels his performances as “edutainment”. We think you’ll want to see more than one performance.
BEYOND THE ARENA - BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Just as riders and spectators come to the Pennsylvania National Horse Show from all over the United States, so do the vendors many of whom have been attending the show for years. With one-of-a-kind items, equine related products, fine arts, gifts and accessories, quality leather goods, antiques and custom wooden signs, there is definitely something for everyone. Allow plenty of extra time to cruise the main concourse and visit the shops on the lower level to find gifts for others or to treat yourself. As of July, the following are confirmed:
Art, Antiques & Fine Gifts B.J.’s Hunt Room #27 Fine Gifts, Jewelry & Antiques
Wellington & Company #30 Equestrian Antiques & Sporting Art
Windland Farm #27A Antique Painted Furniture & Gifts
Clothing & Leather Goods Axix 28A T-Shirts etc.
Barbour by British Toad Hall #25 English Rainwear
Der Dau Custom Boots & Shoes #20 Custom Boots & Shoes
JODs LL 9 Quality Equestrian Items
Parlanti Custom Boots LL 6 Custom Boots
Personalized Products NE hall Embroidered Clothing etc.
Peruvian Perfection #28 Alpace & Cotton clothing
The Mixed Bag LL 8 Clothing boutique
Turner & Company NE hall Designer Clothing & accessories
UGGS boots & shoes #29 UGG Boots & Shoes
Wild Horses NE hall Fine Clothing
Home & Services Cut-Co #15 Knives etc.
Gil’s Sharp Shop LL 5 Sharpening Service & supplies
Johnson Horse Transportation NE hall Horse Transportation
Kitchen Saver #14 Kitchen renovation service
Omega Horse Rescue #25A Horse Rescue
Jewelry, Gifts & More Diligence Enterprises LL 11 Balanced bracelets
Equus Entries #24 Jewelry
Equine Impressions #23 Gifts, Clothing & Jewelry
Fifth Avenue Jewelry #22 Fashion Jewelry
Fox Run #26 Fine Jewelry
Lisa Welch Designs #32 Dog & Horse themed jewelry
Saddlery & Tack Antares Sellier Saddles LL 10 Custom Saddles & helmets
Beval, Ltd. NE hall Tack & equipment
CM Hadfields NE hall Equestrian tack & apparel
CWD Saddlery #21 French custom saddles
English Riding Supply LL 1 Pessoa Saddles
Kocher Farm & Tack NE hall Tack & Clothing
Specialities Briar Hill Signs #18 Custom Wooden Signs
Dandy Products NE hall Rubber Mats etc.
Equestrian Services International LL 4 Footing
eyeD Horse Identification NE hall NEW HORSE ID Process
COMMUNITY
Since its beginning, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show has raised more than $1.5 million for charity. Proceeds from the show go to two foundations which give review proposals and award grants:
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation was created in 1999 to support equine and educational programs. In 2010, it gave grants to the following:
• 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program Carroll County
• Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue
• Appalachian Horse Help & Rescue
• Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center
• Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association
• Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding
• Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center
• Ivy Hill Foundation
• Quest Therapeutic Riding Services
• Sebastian Riding Associates Therapeutic Riding
• Storm Harbor Equestrian Center Disabled Veterans Program
• Spina Bifida Resource
• Talbot Special Riders, Inc.
• Therapeutic Riding Cumberland County
• Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding
• York County 4-H Clubs
The Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation supports youth programs. In 2010, it gave to the following:
• The ARC of Dauphin County
• American Red Cross
• Big Brothers / Big Sisters
• Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg
• Camp Cann-Edi-On – YWCA York
• Dauphin Co. FFA (Future Farmers of America)
• Dauphin Co. 4-H Clubs, Inc.
• Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY)
• Foundation for Free Enterprise
• Harrisburg Little League Baseball
• Harrisburg Youth Symphony
• Keystone Area Council Boy Scouts
• Neighborhood Center
• Ronald McDonald House
• Salvation Army
• The Second Mile