Pennsylvania National Horse Show Welcomes Horse Crazy Kids for Free
RELEASE: September 24, 2009
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Classic Communications
If you have a love of horses and are part of an organization that teaches and promotes the equine industry, such as the United States Pony Club or the 4-H, you have an opportunity to come watch the Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) on Junior Weekend, October 8-11, 2009, free of charge.
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is one of the nation's premiere equestrian competitions, featuring over 1,200 of the best horses and riders from throughout North America in 10 days of virtually nonstop competition. The show awards 11 national championships and more than $350,000 in prize money. Tens of thousands of horse enthusiasts throughout the region and across the U.S. attend the event and enjoy unparalleled competition, family activities, excellent shopping, and the opportunity to watch the very best horses in action.
The Pennsylvania National begins with four days of competition for junior riders up to age 18. Among the 11 national championships decided at the PNHS is the USEF National Junior Jumper Championships. Three legs of competition for teams from across the U.S. and Canada and their individual members take place Thursday through Saturday evenings, October 8-10. On Sunday, October 11, nearly 300 young equestrians ride for hunter seat equitation's pinnacle, the prestigious Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Final. Thirty percent of past winners of this day-long event have gone on to represent the U.S. in international competition.
The show's signature event is the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National, held Saturday night, October 17 at 8 p.m., in which Olympic and World Cup veterans ride fast and jump high over a challenging course of obstacles up to five feet high and six feet wide. These same elite riders bring a variety of horses, and each evening session, Tuesday through Friday, October 13-16 opens with a thrilling Open Jumper class.
In addition to the free admission for child members of horse organizations on the first weekend, kids under 12 can line up for free pony rides and other activities on Saturday, October 10, and Friday, October 16, when one child 12 and under is admitted free with a paying adult. Kids under the age of 6 are always admitted free.
Tickets are available by phone by calling (717) 770-0222 prior to October 8, and (717) 236-1600 during the show or e-mail
PNHS4liz@aol.com. All tickets are valid for the full day and evening performances and parking is always free.
Ticket prices for the first nine days: October 8-16, 2009 (all seating is general admission)
Regular Admission: $15.00
Students and Seniors: $8.00
Under 6 Years of Age: Free
Grand Prix Saturday Evening, October 17, 2009 (general admission and reserved seats)
Regular Admission: $20.00
Students and Seniors: $10.00
Under 6 Years of Age: Free
Reserved Seats: $35.00 and $50.00
Some of the special events highlighting this year's Pennsylvania National Horse Show include: Kinsley Construction Company Hunt Night, Jack Russell Terrier Races, The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship, Exhibitions by the famed Budweiser Clydesdales, other demonstrations, as well as special educational events and barrel and carriage racing.
The show is entertaining and educational. Approximately 70 vendors will be on hand offering a wide variety of items: clothing, gifts and antiques, custom signs and furniture, fine and costume jewelry, toys, pet items, t-shirts and tack shops. All offer a unique variety of items sure to please horse lovers and non horse people alike.
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is proud of its tradition of supporting both 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 s