Harrisburg, PA – October 12, 2019 – With his family next to the ring and a good luck charm in his pocket, nine-year-old JJ Torano piloted H.G. Mud Puddles through a successful final round in the Small Pony Hunter division Saturday at the 2019 Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS). The duo earned a score of 87.00 to secure the Small Pony Hunter Championship and the Knick Knack Challenge Trophy at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.

For his first year at the PNHS, Torano was joined by his parents and, in a way, his grandfather. Torano kept a photo of him and a blue ribbon, along with a good-luck letter from John Roper, in his pocket during his rides as a connection to his late grandfather. His father, Jimmy Torano, added that the good luck charm would stay with them for other horse shows.

“I wasn’t nervous,” said Torano, who has had H.G. Mud Puddles for a year and a half. “I’m not usually nervous. She always jumps the jumps, and I like that I can really trust her. The first day we tried her, there was something that flew in the ring, and she just trotted right over it.”

Torano also earned the Francis E. Armstrong Memorial Challenge Trophy as the Grand Champion Pony Hunter with a total of 26 points in the Small Pony Hunter division.

While hunters of all sizes competed for Championships and High Point Awards, Family Fun Day was in full swing at the PNHS as children and their parents enjoyed story hour, carriage rides, craft activities and the show itself. Starting the day’s opening ceremonies, the William C. Steinkraus Style Award was given to Madison Goetzmann for best exemplifying the American style of equitation and sportsmanship in the 2019 Neue Schule/USEF Prix des States.

Stella Wasserman accepted the High Point Small 3’6” Junior Hunter award for her performances in the 15 & Under division with Boss, which earned them the Huntland Derby Perpetual Cup with a total of 27 points.

With 32 points in the Large Junior 3’6” Hunter 16-17 division, Maggie Hill and Cassanto received honors as both the High Point Large 3’6” Junior Hunter and Grand 3’6” Junior Hunter Champion and walked away with the Ovation Perpetual Trophy. Alberto Riverez accepted the Grand 3’6” Junior Hunter Champion Groom’s Award for his care of Cassanto. The Grand Junior Hunter Trainer’s Award and the Michael Rheinheimer Memorial Perpetual Trophy went to Hill’s trainer, Jack Towell.

Two Best Junior Rider awards are given to riders showing in the Junior Hunters who are the best riders in the opinion of the judges. Tanner Korotkin was named the Best Junior Hunter Rider on a Horse and received the Maxine Best Memorial Perpetual Trophy. Caroline Passarelli walked away with the Sunnyside Up Challenge Trophy as the Best Junior Rider on a Pony.

Riding the green Baroness of Locheil, Maddie Tosh earned the Swamp Girl Challenge Trophy and her second Championship at the PNHS this year in the Medium Pony Hunter division with a total of 20 points.

“This was her (Baroness of Locheil) first time here, and she was super nervous yesterday and today in the Handy,” said Tosh. “She was definitely way more relaxed going into the Stake, and then she was amazing. I knew we were going to get a high score, because when she goes well, she’s so pretty.” The pair earned a score of 90.00 in their final round.

Closing out Saturday’s events, Caroline Passarelli and So Dapper were awarded the Large Pony Hunter Championship and the For the Laughter Perpetual Cup with a total of 24 points.

A sportsmanship award is given to each horse and pony rider who exhibits the highest degree of exemplary personal conduct with respect to good sportsmanship. This year the PNHS Junior Hunter Rider Sportsmanship Award went to Payton Potter; JJ Torano was given the PNHS Pony Rider Sportsmanship Award.

The EMO Agency Pony Hunter High Five Award, sponsored by EMO Agency, is awarded to the pony and rider who have the highest score in their division. Both with scores of 90.00 in their divisions, Caroline Passarelli and Maddie Tosh rode away with this award.

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 will host 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.

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.