October 2021 Issue

Page 32 October 2021 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Emily Randolph, RandolphPR For exhibitors and spectators alike, it likely will not take long to realize something is different about this year’s Pennsylvania National Horse Show. In fact, spectators planning a visit may notice the positive changes well before the October 14-23 horse show, as, for the first time in recent years, tickets will PA National Horse Show Offers Free Admission for Most of the 75th Show not be required for nine days of the 10-day horse show. That free admission is just one of the notable new offerings and enhancements implemented this year as the historic horse show celebrates its 75th anniver- sary at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and looks toward the next 75 years ahead. “We welcomed Pat Boyle as our new competition manager earlier this year, and we’ve been working very closely with him to implement a number of exciting new changes and additions – all while being cognizant of preserv- ing the tradition and history that the PNHS has become known for,” said Susie Shirk, executive director of the PNHS. While the horse show has historically featured only one competition ring – the main Harrisburg Coliseum – this year, the show will introduce a second show ring, allowing for additional opportunities for competitors. “We are excited to offer these classes to those individu- als not having the opportunity to compete at Harrisburg in the past,” said Shirk, referencing the new classes which include full divisions for children’s and adult hunter and jumper competitors and $10,000 classics for the children’s hunters, adult hunters, children’s jumpers, adult jumpers and the low junior/amateur-owner jumpers. For spectators, it will be easy to stroll from one competition ring to the other – but visitors will likely want to make a few stops along the way to enjoy additional new features of the horse show. Those looking for a bite to eat may want to head to the Harrisburg Coliseum’s con- course, where several food stands have been converted to a new restaurant, offering an increased selection of food options to grab and go or to sit and enjoy in the renovated dining space. Heading downstairs, guests will find another new bar and bistro dining area, situated along an expanded schooling ring and giving diners a front row seat to watch the nation’s best horses and riders warm up. Right next door to the warm- up ring visitors will find the Ven- dor Village, the newly introduced shopping area that will position all vendors in one central loca- tion. There, shoppers will find equestrian and non-equestrian vendors alike, as well as college representatives during the horse show’s college fair, to be held October 14-17. All of the exposition halls and riding rings have reaped the ben- efits of the more than $21 million in capital improvements made to the Farm Show Complex in 2020. Among the enhancements most noticeable to visitors is all-new LED lighting that creates a fresh, bright feel to the venue. That lighting will likely be beneficial for taking in any of this year’s competition, with schedule highlights of opening weekend including the $15,000 Neue Schule/USEF Prix de States Team Championships and the Individu- al Junior Jumper Championship, held Thursday through Saturday evening, and the Dover Saddlery/ USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals on Sunday, October 17. On Monday, October 18, local foxhunters, and the always popular foxhounds, will take to the Harrisburg Coliseum for Hunt Night. Jumper highlights through- out the remainder of the week will include the $30,000 1.45m Grand Prix on Thursday, October 21 and $30,000 1.30m Grand Prix on Friday, October 22. Known as “Foundation Friday,” October 22 will also feature the LifeVac Therapeu- tic Riding Championships. The Therapeutic Riding Champion- ships are just one component of The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, the non-profit beneficiary of the horse show that provides support for therapeutic riding and equine rescue pro- grams. The show culminates on Saturday, October 23, with the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are required for Saturday admission only and are available for purchase online at www. PAnational.org.