The Pennsylvania National Horse Show, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious horse shows, will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for its 79th year from Oct. 9 through 19.
The 11-day event attracts top horses and riders from across the country, and spectators are encouraged to attend for free on nine of those days.
Featured competitions include, but are not limited to:
- The Turnham Green / USEF Junior Jumper National Championship. Top junior riders work all year to qualify for this multi-round national championship, taking place Thursday, Oct. 9 through Saturday, Oct. 11.
- The Dover Saddlery / USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. The Hunter Seat Medal Final – to be held this year on Sunday, Oct. 12 – features nearly 200 young riders vying for the championship win, judged on the riders’ equitation, or style of riding.
- Team Night and the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic. Introduced in 2023, Team Night is a new crowd favorite. Groups of any kind are invited to register online at PAnational.org before showing up on Friday, Oct. 17, to be eligible to win exciting prizes for their team or organization. Friday night’s festivities will feature the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic, one of the week’s biggest show jumping events, with top riders facing off against the clock over fences more than 4 feet high.
- $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National. The grand finale of the show each year, this exciting class will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, with the evening’s festivities kicking off at 6 p.m. The night will also feature entertainment from Double Dan Horsemanship.
A free Family Fun Day will run 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, offering fun activities for spectators of all ages, including face painting, goat snuggling, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on horse activities, arts and crafts and more.
Tickets are only required for the evening sessions on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, and they can be purchased online at PAnational.org or at the door.
Proceeds from the Pennsylvania National Horse Show directly benefit the PNHS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to “enriching lives through equestrian sport.” Each year, the foundation provides grant funding to therapeutic riding group and equine rescue programs. To learn more about the PNHS Foundation and this year’s horse show, visit panational.org.