Harrisburg, Pa. – August 30, 2021 – The Pennsylvania National Horse Show will celebrate its 75th anniversary at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., on October 14-23, 2021.
For the first time in recent years, the horse show will offer free admission to spectators for the majority of the 10-day event, and, for the first time in the horse show’s 75-year history, the competition will be expanded from one arena to two.
“We welcomed Pat Boyle as our new competition manager earlier this year, and we’ve been working very closely with him to implement a number of exciting new changes and additions – all while being cognizant of preserving the tradition and history that the PNHS has become known for,” said Susie Shirk, executive director of the PNHS.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of much of the PNHS, with select PNHS championship classes held outdoors at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina rather than indoors at the Farm Show Complex. Now, the PNHS management team is happy to be back in the horse show’s home and to be able to make the event even more accessible to spectators.
“Our hope is to fill the stands with not only exhibitors and the local equestrian community, but also those who may be experiencing the thrill of show jumping for the very first time,” continued Shirk.
All attendees will also be welcomed to shop an all-new vendor village, featuring equestrian and local vendors alike. With the majority of vendors to now be centrally located in one exposition hall, shoppers of all interests and equestrians of all disciplines will be welcomed in to shop, creating a new experience at the horse show, as well as an added benefit for PNHS vendors.
“The vendor village is something that we’re really excited about, and it’s unlike anything we’ve done in the past,” explained Shirk. “We want it to be a place where equestrians and non-equestrians alike are able to come and shop while also experiencing the horse show as a whole.”
Proceeds from the PNHS benefit the PNHS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides grants to therapeutic riding and equine rescue organizations.
To view the full competition schedule and to find out more about the 2021 PNHS, visit www.panational.org.
