The biggest stars of equestrian sport will soon be descending on Harrisburg, PA, as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show returns to the PA Farm Show Complex for its 77th year, October 12-22, 2023.
One of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious equestrian competitions, the PNHS features more than 1,500 horses and many of the best riders from across the nation and the globe, all competing for more than $650,000 in prize money and esteemed championship titles.
Spectator admission for the horse show is free for the majority of the 11 days of competition, with tickets required for the show’s finale featured events, Team Night at the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic on Friday, October 20, and the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday, October 21. Tickets can be purchased online at panational.org/tickets.
A complete schedule can be found here, with competition highlights and special events including the following:
PNHS Education Fair – Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15
More than a dozen secondary schools and universities are expected to attend the second-annual PNHS Education Fair. Middle and high school students interested in riding in college, or in attending a secondary school with an equestrian program, will have the opportunity to connect with and explore options during the PNHS’s Junior Weekend.
Celebration of the Horse – Saturday, October 14
From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, all are invited to attend this free family fun day! The Celebration of the Horse will feature arts and crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, behind-the-scenes tours, face painting, educational displays, pony meet-and-greets, activities with Reins of Rhythm and more.
Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final – Sunday, October 15
The Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal is a coveted prize and proves to be a significant stepping-stone for international competitions as a great number of past winners have gone on the represent the U.S. internationally. Admission to watch the competition is free, with the class scheduled to run from 7 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 15.
Hunt Night – Monday, October 16
The tradition and style of the hunt field are showcased in the ring on Monday night at the PNHS. Each year more than a dozen hunts from throughout the tri-state area compete for top honors in Field Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Team classes, as well as vying for the overall hunt team championship. In addition to the competition, Hunt Night also features the crowd-favorite Parade of Hounds. Admission and parking are free.
Foundation Friday – Friday, October 20
At the heart and soul of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show is the PNHS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to “Enriching Lives Through Equestrian Sport,” by providing support for therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs through grants.
The PNHS serves as the primary source of funding for the Foundation, and Foundation Friday aims to shine a spotlight on all of the organization’s grant recipients.
Beginning in 2016, the horse show began hosting the PNHS Therapeutic Riding Championships, sponsored this year by LifeVac. Riders qualify for these championship classes by competing in qualifying competitions held throughout the summer months at local horse shows, and for many of the therapeutic riders, the PNHS is a culmination of their hard work and a highlight of the year. This year’s championships will take place on Friday afternoon, October 20, as part of Foundation Friday.
Team Night at the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic – Friday, October 20
New to the PNHS this year is Team Night! Whether it is a group of barn mates, a 4-H club, a soccer team, a Girl Scout troop – or truly a group of any kind – all are invited to vie for prizes and be a part of the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic at the PNHS.
Group rate tickets for the evening – which kicks off at 6 p.m. – are just $6 per person for groups of 10 or more. Four packs of tickets are $30, and individual tickets are $10 each. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.
$100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National – Saturday, October 21
The grand finale of professional show jumping competition at the PNHS, the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National will be held on Saturday, October 21, with the evening’s festivities getting underway at 7 p.m.
In addition to watching many of the top names of show jumping facing off over fences set at 1.45m-1.50m high, spectators are encouraged to be there at 7 p.m. to watch renowned Australian horseman Guy McLean and to stick around after the class for an autograph signing with the competitors!
Purchase $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National tickets here!
A portion of all ticket sales proceeds directly benefit the PNHS Foundation. To learn more about the event and the Foundation, please visit PAnational.org.
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