Noah Buehler and Porsche Win the North American League Pony Jumper Finals. (Al Cook Photo).
Buehler was the only rider out of the field of 16 that negotiated a clear round to win the class. Elizabeth Shaffer and Styled with Perfection managed to leave all the rails up on the Steve Stevens designed course, but the pair incurred a time fault, which left them in second place. Buehler was thrilled with his victory.
“It’s really great to win this class,” said Buehler. “Especially since this is my first time at Harrisburg and my first time competing in the NAL Finals. It means a lot to win here.”
The Liverpool fence caused problems for many of the riders, but not for Buehler and Porsche. “Luckily my pony is a good water jumper so she was fine with it.”
The NAL offers a year-long series in six divisions – Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter presented by Practical Horseman, Children’s Jumper, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper. The series includes classes held at hundreds of horse show across the United States and Canada.
Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in the qualifying classes, but only members earn points toward the year-end finals. With the annual membership fee only $35, most riders join in hopes of earning a trip to Harrisburg for the East Coast riders and in Las Vegas for the West Coast competitors. The 2011-2012 NAL qualifying period began on September 1, 2011 and runs through August 31, 2012.
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For more information regarding the NAL series, including series specifications, current standings and a list of upcoming events, please call (717) 867-5643, email to [email protected] or visit www.ryegate.com.
Competition at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show continues through October 22. Highlights include the Randolph College/USEF Prix de States, the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals presented by Randolph College, Hunt Night, Western Night, Family Day featuring free pony rides and face painting, and the final event, the $75,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix de Penn National.
In addition to world-class equestrian competition, the PNHS offers a unique shopping environment with boutique vendors that offer everything from fine art to custom jewelry, clothing, accessories and horse show memorabilia. General admission for Saturday, October 16 to Friday, October 22, is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students, except for Wednesday, October 19. On Wednesday spectators can download a coupon for free admission at www.panational.org. General admission for Saturday, October 21, is $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. As always, children under 6 are admitted free in general admission seating. 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.
Details are available at the horse show’s website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.