Harrisburg, PA – October 11, 2019 – The first group of champions have been crowned at the 2019 Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Highlighting elegance and precision, riders in the Large and Small Hunter 3’6” divisions took center stage. The PNHS continues through October 19 with more than $650,000 in prize money awarded during the 10-day show, with the biggest prize coming in the exciting $134,000 Grand Prix de Penn National grand finale!

In the Large Junior Hunter 3’6″ 16-17 Championship, Maggie Hill, Jackson, WY, and Cassanto rode away with the win and the John Bryner, Jr. Memorial Perpetual Trophy with 32 total points. Alfonso Marin accepted the Groom’s Award for his care of Cassanto.

“He’s a very good boy, I’m very lucky to ride him,” said Hill. “I really feel lucky every time I ride him (Cassanto), he’s truly the most amazing animal I’ve ever sat on. We just get each other and he’s unique, unlike any other horse I’ve ridden. He knows his person and knows when it counts, always stepping up to the plate. He felt great today.”

Violet Lindemann Barnett, San Francisco, CA, and Luscious rode away with the tri-color ribbon for the Small Junior Hunter 3’6″ 16-17 Championship and the Tindle Perpetual Trophy Donated by the Robert D. Haas Family with 21 total points. Armondo Pelayo accepted the Groom’s Award for his care of Luscious.

Returning to the winners’ circle as the Large Junior Hunter 3’6″ 15 & Under Champion for the second year in a row, Augusta Iwasaki, Calabasas, CA, with her new mount Seaside took home top honors and the Irene L. Armstrong Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by the Bedard Family. The pair won their last over-fences class with a one-point lead, earning 26 total points in the division. The Groom’s Award went to Horacio Morales who takes care of Seaside.

“We just got him (Seaside) and it’s really exciting,” said Iwasaki. “I just went out there and tried to do my best. He’s the cutest horse and really a fun horse to have. The partnership is a lot different (from her other mounts) as he’s new and it’s cool to know I can do it (succeed) on him as well.”

For the second year in a row, Stella Wasserman, Beverly Hills, CA, and Boss were awarded the Small Junior Hunter 3’6″ 15 & Under Championship and the Rev. Dr. Betsee Parker Perpetual Trophy for their performance in the four classes that comprised the division. Julio Perez took home the Groom’s Award for his excellent care of Boss.

The EMO Agency Junior Hunter High Five Award, sponsored by EMO Agency, is awarded to the horse and rider who have the highest score in their division. This year the award went to Stella Wasserman and Boss with a score of 91.00.

The Claire Mawdsley Scholarship Award is given to the highest placing rider in the division who attends a “brick and mortar” high school on a full-time basis. The Small Junior Hunter winner of the award sponsored in memory of Claire Mawdsley, was Elizabeth Cram, with a total score of 228.00; in the Large Junior Hunters it was Katia Cannon, with a score of 227.00.

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 will host two 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.

Junior Weekend takes place October 10-13, while Senior Week takes place October 14-19. The famed show features eight National Championships, including the Dover Saddlery/US Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Final which has launched the careers of some of the sport’s most elite riders, as well as the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and USEF Prix de States Team Championships.

The show also features the North American League (NAL) Finals and its fourth annual Therapeutic Riding Championships, as well as unique classes such Ladies Sidesaddle and Hunt Night on Monday, October 14.

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.

VIP Terrace – new location!
The EMO VIP Terrace is now located on the long side of the arena facing the In-Gate. This will allow for additional tables to be available for sale on the VIP Terrace. Contact PA National Horse Show to reserve a table. Click here for map image.

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.