Fall Show Previews 2023

Top equestrian sport and entertainment headed to Harrisburg for Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Details: September 19, 2023; By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--The biggest stars of equestrian sport will soon be descending on Harrisburg as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show returns to the Farm Show Complex for its 77th year, Oct. 12-22.

PA Nat 1 Greg Crolick Greg CrolickOne 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, Oct. 20, and the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday, Oct. 21.

A few of this year’s highlights include:

Celebration of the Horse – Saturday, Oct. 14

From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 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.

Pa Nat 2 McLain Ward McLain WardHunt Night – Monday, Oct. 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, Oct. 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.

Pa Nat 3 Grand PrixThe 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.

This year’s championships will take place on Friday afternoon, Oct. 20, as part of Foundation Friday.

Team Night at the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic – Friday, Oct. 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.

Pa Nat 4 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, visit the website.

$100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National – Saturday, Oct. 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, Oct. 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 at the website.

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.

Thrilling Horse Races and Family Fun at the 89th Pa. Hunt Cup Races

Details: August 21, 2023; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--The 89th Pa., Hunt Cup Races willbe held on Sunday, Nov. 5, with exhilarating timber races and unforgettable entertainment.

Hunt Cup 1 Gates will open at 10 am, welcoming racing enthusiasts, families, and friends to the scenic Chester County location on 1759 Newark Road, Kennett Square.

The highlight of the event will be the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, the feature race that covers four miles.

This challenging race tests the stamina and skill of both horses and jockeys as they navigate the course featuring 18 timber fences.

With a purse of $35,000, the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup attracts top talent and is one of only three four mile races on the NSA circuit capturing the essence of traditional timber racing.

In addition to the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, the event will feature three other sanctioned races, including the $15,000 Lewis C. Ledyard Memorial, a maiden timber, and the Athenian Idol, an Amateur Apprentice Flat race.

Hunt Cup 2 The Pa. Hunt Cup Races also hosts the Junior Pa. Hunt Cup, featuring pony races.

The Junior Pa. Hunt Cup serves as a platform for these promising riders, fostering their growth and passion for the sport.

Between races spectators can enjoy the Carriage Parade, with beautifully adorned carriages.

The event will also feature the presentation of Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds.

Beyond the racing and equestrian showcases, attendees can explore an array of shops offering unique merchandise, providing an opportunity to find the perfect memento of the event.

Hunt Cup 3 Food enthusiasts will also be delighted with the presence of a food truck serving delicious culinary delights.

The Pa. Hunt Cup Races raises funds for the Chester County Food Bank.

Under the banner of “Racing for Food,” the event aims to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Chester County.

Every ticket purchase contributes directly to supporting the vital work of the Chester County Food Bank and its
mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need.

“We are proud to organize an event that combines thrilling horse racing and family-friendly entertainment while making a positive impact on our community,” said Andrea Collins, Race Director. “The PA Hunt Cup Races not only provide a memorable experience for attendees but also supports the important work of the Chester County Food Bank in fighting hunger and food insecurity.”

Tickets for the PA Hunt Cup Races will be available for purchase on our website pahuntcup.org starting Sept. 1.

For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please go to pahuntcup.org, contact Andrea Collins at pahuntcupraces.gmail.com or call/text 610.220.3742.