Harrisburg, PA – Special awards were presented to participants in the Junior Divisions during the Opening Ceremonies at the 66th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show on Saturday evening.

The first to receive their awards during the Ceremonies were the winning teams in the $15,000 Randolph College/USEF Prix de States Team Championship. For the second consecutive year the team from Zone 2 won gold. The 2011 team members were Katie Dinan of North Salem, NY; Charlotte Jacobs of E. Aurora, NY; Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY and Meg O’Mara of Rumson, NJ.

The silver medal winning team was Zone 5 with Kalvin Dobbs of Carmel, IN; Nora Laue of Wilmette, IL; Lillie Ross of Wheaton, IL and Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL. The Zone 7 team received the bronze medal with members Katie Cox of Conroe, TX; Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS; Wilton Porter of Bartonville, TX and Savannah Talcott of Wildwood, MO.

The special awards presented on Saturday evening included: The William C. Steinkraus Style Award sponsored by Karen Healy Stables. Nora Laue of Zone 5 was the recipient of the award given to the Prix de States Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation, and the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

The High Point Small Junior Hunter Award, sponsored by Archibald Cox, III and Brookway Stables, was presented to Ovation, ridden by Victoria Colvin. Ovation also received the Junior Working Hunter Grand Championship, sponsored by Eye D. Ovation’s owner and trainer Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL, was honored with the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Trainer’s Award. Vida Blue, owned by Elm Rock LLC and ridden by Shawn Casady received the High Point Large Junior Hunter Award, sponsored by Archibald Cox, III and Brookway Stables.

The Junior Hunter Rider Sportsmanship Award, sponsored by English Riding Supply, which recognized the competitor that exhibited the highest degree of exemplary personal conduct with respect to good sportsmanship, went to Heather Hooker of Wellington, FL. On Saturday morning, the Pony Rider Sportsmanship Award sponsored by English Riding Supply was presented to Martha Ingram of Nashville, TN. Finally, the Best Junior Rider on a Horse Award, sponsored by the Graham Group was presented to Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL.

Competition at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg continues through October 22. Highlights of the Horse Show include: Hunt Night, Western Night, and culminates on Saturday with the featured event, the $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier 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 21, 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 22, 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.