Pennsylvania National Horse Show 2026 Schedule Highlights
Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships and Prix des States — October 8-10
The show opens with one of the sport’s great proving grounds for young riders. Contested over three phases from Thursday through Saturday, the Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships and Prix des States pit the country’s best junior jumper riders against one another in both a team competition, with squads fielded by USEF Zone, and an individual championship. Since 1979, the winning Zone has taken home the General A.H. Stackpole Memorial Perpetual Trophy — a tradition that has launched countless careers on the international stage.
Free Family Fun Day — Saturday, October 10, 1-4 p.m.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of horse-filled fun, entirely free of charge. Face painting, wagon rides, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes barn tours, a scavenger hunt and horse meet-and-greets give kids and first-time spectators a hands-on introduction to the world of horse sport. It is the perfect way to spend an October Saturday in Harrisburg, with no ticket required.
USEF/Valencia Saddlery Hunter Seat Medal Final — Sunday, October 11
No class at Harrisburg carries more history. Hosted by the Pennsylvania National Horse Show since 1968, the USEF/Valencia Saddlery Hunter Seat Medal Final is a crown jewel of junior equitation in the United States. Riders navigate a demanding 3’6″ course, with the top competitors called back for a second round and, at the judges’ discretion, further testing to determine a champion. The winner’s name joins a roster that reads like a who’s who of American show jumping —Conrad Homfeld, Kent Farrington, Briane Goutal — on the Adrian Van Sinderen Memorial Perpetual Trophy.
Hunt Night, Presented by Kinsley Construction and the Quaker City Foundation — Monday, October 12
An evening steeped in tradition. Roughly a dozen hunts from across the tri-state area converge on the Harrisburg Coliseum to compete for top honors in Field Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Team classes, alongside the elegance of the Ladies Side Saddle division. The beloved Parade of Hounds is also a crowd favorite year after year. Admission and parking are free.
Double Dan Horsemanship — Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17
Internationally acclaimed horseman Dan James returns to Harrisburg for not one but two performances. Known for Roman riding, liberty work and displays of trust and partnership that leave audiences on their feet, Double Dan Horsemanship brings a spectacle unlike anything else at the show. Catch James in the ring on Friday evening during the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic and again on Saturday alongside the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.
Team Night at the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic — Friday, October 16
Round up your barn mates, IEA team, 4-H club or whatever group you call your squad and head to the PNHS for Team Night! Groups compete for prizes in the stands while the best riders in the 1.30m division tackle a challenging course and jump-off in the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic. Add a performance by Double Dan Horsemanship and the Therapeutic Riding Championships, and it adds up to one of the most spirited days on the calendar.
$100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National — Saturday, October 17
The grand finale of open jumper competition at Harrisburg. Some of the biggest names in American show jumping go head-to-head over fences set at 1.45m to 1.50m, chasing one of the most coveted titles at the PA Farm Show Complex. The evening opens with Classic Leadline, the Opening Ceremonies and PNHS Hall of Fame presentation, and closes with an autograph signing with the top riders — plus a live performance from Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship. Tickets are required and can be purchased at panational.org/tickets.
For a complete competition schedule, visit panational.org/schedule.
