The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is set to begin Thursday, October 9th, 2008 and will run through Saturday, October 18th, 2008, in Harrisburg and the Farm Show Complex. The show will run from 8AM to about 10PM daily. The week is filled with many competitions and demonstrations to watch and things to do.
The Show will have many equine competitions including Grand Prix Show Jumping, Roadsters, Saddle Seat finals, Junior and Amateur finals, and many, many more. New for this year there will be a Walk/Trot Equitation finals class.
Some of the demonstrations will include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride (4 days only), the Budweiser Clydsdales, the Valley Forge Military Academy Band, terrier races, and much, much more.
Here is a rough schedule of the events:
| Thursday, October 9 | NAL Pony Jumper Finals |
| Friday, October 10 | National Junior Jumper Team Competition (Prix de States) |
| Saturday, October 11 | Kids First Saturday* 1-4 pm Free Pony Rides 1-4 pm Face Painting 1-4 pm Childrens Activities National Junior Jumper Individual Championship |
| Sunday, October 12 | USEF/Pessoa National Hunter Seat Medal Finals |
| Monday, October 13 | Hunt Night Parade of Hounds North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship Terrier Races |
| Tuesday, October 14 | Local Night First Open Jumper Class - Power & Speed |
| Wednesday, October 15 | $10,000 Gambler's Choice Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride |
| Thursday, October 16 | $25,000 Pennsylvania Big Jump (FEI) Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride |
| Friday, October 17 | Family Night* Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride 5-8 pm Free Pony Rides 5-8 pm Face Painting 5-8 pm Childrens Activities NAL Open Jumper Speed Finals |
| Saturday, October 18 | $75,000 Budweiser Grand Prix de Penn National Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Valley Forge Military Academy Band NHS Good Hands Finals (afternoon) |
| * One child 12 and under admitted FREE with a paying adult | |
Not only can you watch the show, but you may visit with the many vendors and possibly start your Christmas shopping for your horsey friends and relatives. Or if you need a new saddle or bridle, you'll certainly find it here.
You can also go down to the stable area and see the horses and check out the decorated stalls. Some are quite interesting.
Come on out anytime during the 10 days to see what it is all about. The day will be full of fun and excitement. Click here for more information on this event. Hope to see you there.
Wow, this seems like a huge event! I never realized that it was a whole 10 days long. I'm sure you will have a blast attending!
Jeannie:
I do have a blast attending it! It seems to be an annual trip for myself and my kids. We have gone since they were little and now that they are grown, they still love to attend. I end up meeting them there and we make a day of it. :-)
Brigita
Brigita - It sounds like a wonderful time! I'd love to be there...Have fun! :)
Debi:
Thanks! I look forward to it every year! :-)
Brigita
Brigita, I was checking in to see how this was going.
Danny:
I will be attending the show Saturday, October 18th. I will update everyone on the events of that day. Unfortunately, none of the events are reported by the media. :-( Only our local horse publications have write ups, but they only come out once a month.