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Ferrell and Stewart Return to Win Hunter Championships at the 2019 Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Harrisburg, PA – October 15, 2019 – High-flying hunters took to the ring Tuesday at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) for the crowning of several champions. The PNHS continues through October 19 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA, and will feature more top hunters and jumpers leading up to the show’s marquee event, Saturday’s $134,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.

Returning to PNHS this year without her Green Hunter 3’6” Champion Hemingway, Sandra Ferrell still claimed victory in the Green Hunter 3’9” Championship. Piloting Stephanie Bulger’s Moonshot through a near-clean sweep of the division, Ferrell won the tri-color ribbon and the John R. Sterling Memorial Perpetual Trophy with a total of 36 points.

“In all fairness to him (Moonshot), he gives Hemingway a run for his money,” Ferrell said. “Unfortunately, Hemingway is not here this year. Moonshot kind of stepped up, was champion last week at Capital Challenge and was champion here, and so he really went beyond my expectations of him taking up the slack while Hemingway was out.”

Moonshot also earned the highest score so far at this year’s PNHS with a 92.00 in his final over-fences round, as well as the title of Grand Green Hunter Champion and the Kimberton Hill Challenge Trophy. Peter Luyckx accepted both Grooms Awards for his care of Moonshot.

“It’s been exciting,” Ferrell said. “Fellow professionals have been very supportive and complimentary these past two weeks, and he’s really knocked everybody’s socks off. It’s nice when your competitors come up to you and say, ‘Look, you guys did a really good job, it was amazing and well-deserved.’ It almost makes you feel like you really did go beautifully because obviously we’re all partial to our own horse.”

Taking home the Green Hunter 3’6” Championship and the Frances Newbill Rowe Challenge Trophy with a total of 24 points was Critics’ Choice, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Bikoff Equestrian. Marcos Diaz accepted the Grooms Award for his care of Critics’ Choice.

Stewart then returned to the ring for his second High Performance Hunter Championship aboard Betsee Parker’s Cameo, earning a total of 27 points for a repeat performance of their 2017 win. Fernando Bonilla accepted the Grooms Award as the caretaker of Cameo.

“(Cameo) is a very complicated horse,” Dr. Parker said. “He’s kind of a clown. He is very exquisite, and yet if he decides he’s not going to do it, he’s not going to do it.”

“When he’s in the ring, I enjoy showing him because you can count on him,” Stewart said. “He’ll always jump. He doesn’t spook. He’s a little bit funny to get going but once he’s in the groove, especially in the four-foot, he gives you a lot of confidence. You just have to tell him to keep going.”

For complete results please go to www.Ryegate.com.

Now in its 74th year, the PNHS hosts over 1,400 of the best hunter, jumper and equitation riders from across the nation – including Olympic veterans and National Champions. USEF Premier rated for Hunters, USEF 6* and FEI CSI3* rated for Jumpers, the PNHS is a designated “USEF Heritage Competition,” an honor reserved for a select group of exceptional competitions.

This year’s PNHS is hosting five internationally sanctioned FEI CSI3* jumper classes, designed by FEI 4* Course Designer and Olympic Silver medalist, Michel Vaillancourt. The nation’s top jumping riders and horses will go head-to-head in the $60,000 Pennsylvania Big Jump, with an increase of $10,000 in prize money over last year, and the $134,000 Grand Prix de Penn National which is held on the show’s final day, Saturday, October 19.

Senior Week takes place October 14-19, featuring the show’s fourth annual Therapeutic Riding Championships as well as unique classes such Ladies Sidesaddle and Hunt Night.

Event Highlights

There are many planned attractions at the PNHS both inside and outside the arena and there is something for everyone. Several days have free admission, parking is free, and children 10 and under are always admitted free! Click here for complete Schedule and Ticket Information.

Shoppers Delight
With everything under one roof, the PNHS also plays host to some of the best horse show shopping! More than 60 specialty boutique shops offer hours of shopping on two levels and range from high-end shops reminiscent of Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive including antiques, fine art, clothing, gifts, accessories, rider apparel, horse tack and much more! And stop by the Silent Auction – all 10 days in the PA Room on the upper concourse.

For additional information including sponsorship opportunities, program ad details, Silent Auction donations and vendor space applications, please visit the horse show’s website at www.Panational.org. Applications are also available for eligible Junior riders to apply for The Claire Mawdsley Scholarship awards.

Established in 1945, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show hosts the country’s top competitors in one of the largest indoor horse shows. Proceeds from the horse show benefit The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, providing support for therapeutic riding programs and equine rescue groups. Make plans to join us October 10 – 19, 2019 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. For more information on the show or to donate to the Foundation, please visit www.PAnational.org.