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"The Horseman's Show" Tradition Continues Harrisburg, PA- Known to many as "The Horseman's Show," the Pennsylvania National Horse Show organizers work year round to insure the safety and comfort of the horses and riders who compete at the event, while providing a program that is educational and interesting for all spectators. The show is held in the State Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA, which boasts 24 acres under roof. Hosting an indoor event in a multi-use, state-owned facility has its challenges, but also its advantages. A major advantage is that everything is under one roof, so that the horses and riders never need to leave the complex. The indoor facility eliminates any concerns about bad weather during the event. The main competition arena, all the stabling and two exercise rings are located indoors in permanent buildings. Most of the barns are equipped with hot water wash racks. Riders also have access to food stands, vendor boutiques and meeting rooms without having to go outdoors. The challenge is that the Farm Show Complex is used for a multitude of events throughout the year. Event organizers have just 72 hours to transform over half of the space within the facility for its ten days of world class competition. One major change made during the three-day transition is in the main arena, where state-of-the-art footing is installed. Continued efforts by the event organizers to raise the bar of excellence was rewarded when the North American Riders Group honored the show with a "Top 25" recognition. The Equestrian Services International footing will also be installed in the small warm-up arena. Another challenge with the facility is that it is used for a multitude of events necessitating multi-use footing. The footing in the large indoor exercise arena is currently scheduled for a major overhaul late this summer to correct any problems. The existing dirt will be removed; and all the dirt that goes back into the arena, will be sifted to ensure even small stones are removed. Ample, competent staff has been contracted to maintain all the arenas. Proceeds from the show benefit the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation dedicated to youth programs in Central Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation supporting equine related programs. The event has raised over $1.4 million to equine and youth-related charities since its inception. |