2009 Show News

The Boy Wonder Takes Flight With Kristin Glover in the $5,000 NAL Low Amateur Owner Jumper Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Rodrigo Pessoa and Let's Fly Win the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National World Cup Qualifier at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
McLain Ward's Winning Streat Continues in the $10,000 North American League Open Jumper Speed Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
McLain Ward and Paige Johnson Win at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Jennifer Gurney and The Other Brother Win $10,000 North American League Adult Hunter Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse
McLain Ward Might Have Changed Horses But The Result Was The Same at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 Score Back to Back Wins at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 Wind Their Way to The Winners Circle at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Judy Garofalo Torres and Oliver Victorious At The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Darragh Kenny and Gael Force Win The Jet Run Classic at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Abbie Ross Let TNT Explode in the NAL Children's Jumper Final At The Pennsylvania National Horse Show
North American Horn Blowing Championship Awarded at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Oksana and Meg Mitchell Win $10,000 North American League Children's Hunter Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Springsteen Rocks the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Pony Hunter Champions Crowned at The Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Reed Kessler and Ice D'Ancoeur Finish On Top In The USEF Junior Jumper Championship at The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Zone 10 Is Triumphant in the Prix de States Competition at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Junior Hunter Champions Shine in the Spotlight at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Nicole Kehrli and Northwind's Opus Win North American League Pony Jumper Final
Reed Kessler and Ice D'Ancoeur Start Off The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show With A Roar
The Excitement of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Returns For 64th Year, October 8-17
Pennsylvania National Horse Show Announces Changes to 2009 Format
Pennsylvania National Horse Show Adds Two New Divisions
Pennsylvania National Horse Show Welcomes Classic Communications as Public Relations Agency

The Boy Wonder Takes Flight With Kristin Glover in the $5,000 NAL Low Amateur Owner Jumper Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Kristin Glover and The Boy Wonder

Harrisburg, PA - October 17, 2009 - Kristin Glover and her super hero partner, The Boy Wonder, flew away with the win at the North American League $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Final, topping a field of 20.

Last to go in the four-horse jump-off, the Richmond, VA, mother of four posted a clean round in 34.081 seconds, just ahead of Utah's Kelsey Thatcher aboard Esquilino Bay, who also jumped a fault free round in 34.350 seconds.

"I rode and evented until I was 20, then stopped for 20 years and started back five years ago," said Glover who balanced a career as an engineer with raising a family. When she met up with trainer Teddi Ismond, she knew she wanted to get back to the sport, this time riding jumpers.

"I've had this horse for two years now, we went to Florida and I started in the lows, then the mediums and went to the highs. The end of last year we took a break for a while," she explained. The chemistry with her horse is perfect, and it suits her and her lifestyle better than the green horses she had been riding before. "We have had a quieter year this year and haven't been showing as much this year."

"My strategy for the first round was to be smooth. I knew I needed to come in strong for the four strides to the triple combination. Being last to go in the jump off, I saw Kelsey's clean round and knew I had to go for it. He has a good gallop so I just had to keep coming forward and keep the rhythm," she added.

Only two riders completed the jump off fault-free. Catherine Tyree and Triton finished third with one rail down in 36.410, followed by Saly Glassman aboard Ginger Watt in fourth place with eight faults in 35.152 seconds.

Steve Stephens' first round course challenged the riders' nerves and forced them to ride forward or incur time penalties. The troubling triple combination, best met in a forward four strides, resulted in rails and refusals when riders didn't meet the challenge.

The NAL runs season-long series in seven hunter-jumper divisions - Adult Hunter, presented by Cavalor, Children's Hunter, Open Jumper Speed, Adult Jumper, Children's Jumper, Pony Jumper and the new Low Junior/ Amateur-Owner Jumper.

The NAL qualifying period started September 1, 2008 and ended August 31, 2009. While riders did not need to be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, only current members earned points toward year-end finals.

The 65th Pennsylvania National Horse Show will run October 14-23, 2010, at the Pennsylvania Farm and Show Complex in Harrisburg, and will again feature 10 full days of hunter and jumper competition with both amateurs and professionals vying for the coveted championships. The Pennsylvania National hosts 10 national championships. The competition highlight is the Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening.

Special event highlights will include: Hunt Night Competition, Jack Russell Terrier Races, The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship, Family Days with Free Pony Rides. There will be demonstrations, as well as special educational events.

The show is entertaining and educational. Approximately 70 vendors are accepted offering a wide variety of items: clothing, gifts and antiques, custom signs and furniture, fine and costume jewelry, toys, pet items, t-shirts and tack shops. All offer a unique variety of items sure to please horse lovers and non-horse people alike.

Further information and results are available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org.

Rodrigo Pessoa and Let's Fly Win the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National World Cup Qualifier at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Rodrigo Pessoa and Let's Fly.

Harrisburg, PA - October 17, 2009 - Brazilian superstar Rodrigo Pessoa headed the winning line-up of International riders in tonight's $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on the final day of the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Pessoa, Olympic Gold Medalist and three time World Cup winner, aboard Let's Fly, was the eighth rider on course and the first to navigate the course designed by Steve Stephens without a rail down.

"I have been riding him for a little over a year and a half", said Pessoa. "I started him in the bigger classes this year in Florida and he has been doing really good. This is his fourth big Grand Prix this year. He won a big Grand Prix in Charlotte in April, in Rome he won the big CSIO and in Jacksonville and he placed in big Grand Prix in Europe over the summer, he's really been fantastic for us."

"In the first round I was a little bit lucky at fence 10, he is the kind of horse, he is not a spectacular jumper, he knows his way around, but he always touches one or two like that but he is a very smart horse."

The very enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd watched six more horse and rider combinations exit the ring with faults before Leslie Burr Howard, Westport, CT, and Lennox Lewis 2 thrilled them with a fault free round and the assurance of a jump off.

Ljubov Kochetova, hailing from Russia, with her mount Aslan were the next pairing to leave all the rails up followed by Mario Deslauriers and Vicomte D. Carlos Boy and Ken Berkley added their names to the jump off list as did Erynn Ballard of Canada, and her mount Robin Van Roosendael. This gave us a truly international field for the jump off. Of the six countries represented in the class, four would be sending riders into the jump off.

By virtue of being the first clear round, Pessoa would be first in the jump off. He entered the ring with determination and a plan. When he and Let's Fly were finished he had turned in another fault free round and stopped the timers in 33.73 seconds.

"The jump off, you know, going first I thought I had to come up with something to make it difficult for the rest of them", explained Pessoa. "With all those good riders coming behind, you have to come up with something. So there was a little gap after fence 2 to go inside and I thought if I did that it would be hard enough to be beat. I had to do it, take the chance, and it worked out for me."

"He is really a simple horse to ride. He is very intelligent and he is an easy horse to ride really. He makes the rider look good because he is really not complicated. If anything he is a little bit spooky. He is out of the same mother as Sutterfly and there are a lot of similarities. He is a little tense and spooky but he is getting better every time he is coming in the ring."

"This horse is really good indoor so I thought I would take him to this show. This course was harder than it appeared when we walked it. This is the first indoor, and the fences come up very quick and the horses are still in the outdoor mode. This course was nice, the fences were not crazy big, but it had it's difficulties. The result was good."

Howard and Lennox Lewis 2 set out to catch the leader, but were not as lucky. Lennox Lewis knocked down two rails for an eight fault penalty in a time of 37.69 and would finish the day in sixth place.

Kochetova and Aslan, a giant of a horse, navigated the jump off course without penalty, but their time of 40.10 seconds left lots of room for them to be overtaken. They would finish the class in third place.

Mario Deslauriers and the 11 year old Vicomte D did not have luck on their side as the big grey took down a rail at fence five and in the combination for a total of eight faults in a time of 36.64. As the fastest pair with eight faults, they finished in fifth place.

Ken Berkley, hailing from Flemington, NJ, and Carlos Boy gave it their best shot and almost made it around fault free, but the last fence was their undoing and they crossed the timers with four faults in a time of 36.77 and ended in fourth place.

Erynn Ballard was the last to go with her huge Belgian bred gelding. The horse won over the crowd as he stood there in the middle of the ring like a statue except for the flapping of his lower lip. When he moved off, he did so with purpose and after the six fence jump off, crossed the timers with a clear round in 39.13 seconds. The round would place them in second place.

"I've had him for six years", said Ballard. "He was very difficult when I got him, and he is very big for a girl, so it took us a while to get him to go my way and that is part of his routine. He walks in and he stands and he stares and he looks and then he is ready to go. He'll tell you when he is ready. If you leg him and he gets frozen again, wait a second and then go. He is a very nervous horse."

"My plan in the jump off was to go clear. He is not a fast horse, but I knew that I couldn't beat Rodrigo, and it wasn't even worth trying, I knew that I could probably end up second if I was smart enough. Walking in last when there are two clear and one is very fast and one is very slow, I was aiming for second place. There were also three with rails and I wanted to make sure that I didn't do anything silly and risk having a rail down."

With four countries represented with the top four placings, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show proved that it is a truly international event with top riders and horses from around the world.

Further information and results are available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org.

McLain Ward's Winning Streat Continues in the $10,000 North American League Open Jumper Speed Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

McLain Ward and Goldika 559.

Harrisburg, PA - October 16, 2009 - McLain Ward topped the leader board for his second win of the day, and fifth win of the week at Harrisburg's Pennsylvania National Horse Show. This win was a fast one aboard Goldika 559 in the North American League $25,000 Open Jumper Speed Final.

A field of 23 horses started over Steve Stephens 14-jumping effort course which demanded perfection in just one round, for a clean, fast win. Only seven horse and rider combinations could keep the rails up as the tricky distances and combinations challenged competitors.

"I got to see a few early, and I got to see a few after me. I watched the last couple go from the stands. I had a nice draw", said Ward, who was 16th in the order and the fourth clean round of seven.

"I had my plan of what I was going to do and I was just hoping it was going to be fast enough." "I was a little lucky that Hillary [Dobbs] knocked a jump down because she was very fast. Goldika is a great horse and I thank her owners, it's very nice to have her. I always feel good with her. She's pretty solid and she normally doesn't let you down."

Goldika's clean round stopped the timer in 58.359 seconds and grabbed the lead from Cara Raether and Hopes Are High, who finished second in 59.472. The only rider who could beat the time was Dobbs aboard Marengo with 57.677 seconds, by a rail at 6A, the first fence in the triple combination, a 4'9" vertical, left her with the fastest four-fault score and eighth place. No one else was able to produce a clear round in less than 60 seconds.

Ward shaved time off his round with an inside track on a long line from fences 9 to 10, while everyone else went around a fence in the path. "I don't think anybody else did it. She has a little bit of a right drift and I thought that it was an option for sure. She's pretty consistently fast everywhere. I did add a stride to the triple combination, but she has a great fast gallop so sometimes I can do one extra stride and it doesn't hurt," Ward explained.

In a pre-event course walk analysis for the spectators, former US Team coach Frank Chapot explained the challenges of the course and predicted that the triple combination would be a problem. "The riders will make time on the turns and they may take risks at the end of the course on the straight line to number 10," he said perfectly predicting the class and victory. Chapot joked that he was of course rooting for his daughter, Laura (aboard Capri) who was the final rider in the order due to her high point total going into the Final.

"I always worry about Laura because she's fast, Margie [Engle], Darragh Kenny, they have been doing great this year. I'm always worried about all of them, they're all top competitors and you hope that your time holds up," said Ward.

Although Laura was the overall North American League champion for the year in the Open Jumper Speed division, it wasn't her day for a win. She took multiple risks to challenge Ward, but the triple combination and final line from fences, 9, 10 and 11 all fell. The gutsy speed rider showed her stuff though as Capri stumbled early in the course, nearly unseating Chapot, but the continued on, thrilling the crowd and never missing a fence.

When asked about his amazing week in Harrisburg Ward said, "It's a nice feeling, it's been a great week, I wish they all went like this. That's not the way it works, but we'll take it while it lasts and it's nice to have good horses and great people behind me."

The 2009 Pennsylvania National Horse Show runs October 8-17, at the Pennsylvania Farm and Show Complex in Harrisburg, and features 10 full days of hunter and jumper competition with both amateurs and professionals vying for the coveted championships. The Pennsylvania National hosts 10 national championships. The competition highlight is the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday, October 17th at 7:00 pm.

Special event highlights include: Kinsley Construction Company Hunt Night Competition, Jack Russell Terrier Races, The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship, Family Days with Free Pony Rides. There will be demonstrations, as well as special educational events and barrel and carriage racing.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

McLain Ward and Paige Johnson Win at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

McLain Ward and Esplanade 7.

Harrisburg, PA - October 16, 2009 - McLain Ward, Brewster, NY, brought out another mare to contest the $5,000 Southside Open Jumper Speed class at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and true to form, left the ring with a blue ribbon.

Ward's mount for today's winning effort was Esplanade 7, an 11 year-old chestnut mare owned by Louisburg Farm in Wellington, FL. The pair completed the course with no penalties in a time of 55.652 seconds. Nine horse and rider combinations completed the round without penalties, but none could beat the time turned in by Ward.

Paige Johnson, from the Plains, VA is another of the very busy young competitors in this sport, juggling school and riding. Today the riding took precedence as she piloted Chiron S, owned by the family's Salamander Farm to victory in the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Cavalor.

Twenty-five competitors started over the Steve Stephens designed course, and only four managed to complete the first round track fault free. Johnson sped through the course on the big grey gelding in a time of 36.768 with no faults, a full three seconds faster than her closest rival.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

Jennifer Gurney and The Other Brother Win $10,000 North American League Adult Hunter Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse

Harrisburg, PA - October 16, 2009 - The third time was the charm for Jennifer Gurney as she guided The Other Brother to the win in the $10,000 North American League Adult Hunter Final held during the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Gurney, from Cazenovia, NY, had shown in the final on two other occasions, but the third time around was perfection. "Two years ago Wahoo was 10th in the NAL class", said Gurney. "Last year The Other Brother was 7th and Wahoo didn't get a ribbon."

"I kind of got hooked on the NAL a couple of years ago when I did Wahoo", Gurney went on to say. "It seemed like a reasonable goal to set. The show is a blast, so the first time I came here I thought wow, this is where I want to be. I don't get to show every weekend, so we had to pick and choose as to where we could rack up enough points to get in. I think I showed nine or ten times, he's fifth in Zone 2 and has been champion every time out and won almost every class. He's been a star, if I get him right and prep him right and get him in the right frame of mind, he is just an absolute pleasure. You just sit there and enjoy the ride."

"He was slightly looky in the first round. Many people were having trouble with the oxer. I kind of let him hunt down the last line. I might have been a little deep to the last one but I didn't want to take back. I got an 82 in the first round and I was in the hunt with that. Then I took him up there (to the schooling area) and galloped him, and like I said, when he is right he will literally go with the reins looped, I just have to sit up there and I can sit back to slow him down and sit a little to go forward. He foresees what I want him to do. You can feel him see the distances. He knows his job. He is a cool, cool horse. My score in the second round was an 88, and he was so wonderful, I couldn't ask for anything better. I was thrilled It! It was so much fun."

I grew up riding show horses, got out of it for fifteen years, did the race horses and galloped race horses on the track and the whole nine yards. My parents own race horses, I managed a farm in Westchester for about ten years and didn't have time for anything else, 100 acres and 100 horses and so after I had my second child we bought our own farm and I started getting back into it. I never expected to get into it the way I have. It's been a blast, an absolute blast. He does Zones on Sunday and then on Monday he gets his shoes pulled off and gets turned out for the winter."

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

McLain Ward Might Have Changed Horses But The Result Was The Same at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Harrisburg, PA - October 15, 2009 - If McLain Ward believes in fate, karma, luck numbers and the like, he should immediately go buy a lottery ticket filled with the number three. Ward and Goldika 559 triumphed over an original starting field of 33 horse and rider combinations, winning the $25,000 Pennsylvania National Big Jump competition for a record third time at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. And if that wasn't enough, all three top finishers are Olympic Gold Medalists and this was the third class in a row that Ward has won.

Goldika 559, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock showed her foot speed and jumping ability as she turned in two clear rounds, the final round in a time of 36.07 seconds.

"She made history, not me," said Ward of the mare. "As I always say, I'm very lucky to have great horses and she's been a long-time partner, even though she had a great career before me. It's just amazing, seventeen years, and it's been a hard seventeen years. She's shown plenty and she just keeps doing it and doing it and doing it. It's really remarkable. I keep thinking maybe it's time to retire her and then she comes to shows and keeps doing this so she must still enjoy it. Thanks to her owners obviously, without them we wouldn't have her."

Brazil's Rogrigo Pessoa and Lets Fly were second to Ward with two clear rounds as well, and a jump off time of 39.88 seconds.

"I saw Rodrigo on the TV", explained Ward. "I didn't see him live, but I had an idea of his time. I know Goldika is a really fast horse, she hasn't lost her speed, so if we can leave up the jumps we have a decent chance. Rodrigo and Let's Fly are very fast and little bit younger, but Goldika is quick and a great animal. She'll win as long as you don't ride her badly. She's pretty easy. She's very adjustable and she's very careful, she's very honest. You just try to put her in the right place and give her half a chance and she's going to try pretty hard for you."

Third place went to Leslie Burr Howard and her Raimond W, a coal black 11 year-old gelding. Even though he left all the jumps standing, Raimond W was unable to come near the winning time, crossing the finish line in 43.49 seconds.

"I thought it was a very good course that Steve Stephens built" said Ward. "Difficult, but not too much, just right for this class. I thought that it worked out really well, I was just trying to take it one jump at a time and jump a clear round and get in the hunt.

Contemplating his jump off round, Ward continued, " I heard her rub fence 7, but I had a feeling it was going to stay. I was a little bit worried about the inside turn, I thought early on that was a little bit difficult, and it was difficult, it was very sharp and even though the oxer was narrowed up, it presented a problem being an oxer. I got lucky, I almost hit the standard at the purple vertical but she kind of curled around it. She just tries her heart out so you try to put her in the right place and she's going to give you her best."

"We take it somewhat week by week", said Ward of Goldika's future. "We have a tentative plan but I don't know how much longer she's going to be going, maybe one more season. It's kind of on borrowed time. We actually stopped with her about two years ago and tried to breed her and unfortunately she didn¹t get pregnant. She was sound and we brought her back to the sport. She'll tell us, we love her, we never ask her to do more than she wants to do. She seems to still enjoy the sport so as long as that¹s the case we'll keep going. She won't go to WEF, she'll have the winter off and she'll show this summer."

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 Score Back to Back Wins at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7.

Harrisburg, PA - October 14, 2009 - In a repeat of last night's result, McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 sped around the course to win the $5,000 Chase The Clouds Open Speed at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Miss Liberty 7, took Ward through the course handily, stopping the clock in an amazing 49.289 seconds. Ward took the lead away from fellow Olympic rider Rodrigo Pessoa who had led with a score of 50.790 seconds aboard Palouchin De Ligny.

Pessoa's round had been extremely fast and accurate, and it looked like he was going to be unbeatable, but Ward proved that his horse has the talent and rideability to accomplish anything. Tighter turns and a bigger stride carried the mare around the course a full second faster than Pessoa.

Third place went to Charlie Jayne and Caretina III, who tried to best the time, but came up a little short, 51.059, despite the wonderful jumping effort turned in by the pair. Today the speedy Marengo with Hillary Dobbs had to settle for fourth place with a time of 52.337 and a fault free performance. Dobbs is juggling a lot of commitments these days, a full course load at Harvard and a professional riding career, and while her horses have been in Harrisburg since Monday, she arrived at the show after her classes were over last night, giving her very little time in the saddle.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 Wind Their Way to The Winners Circle at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Harrisburg, PA - October 14, 2009 - McLain Ward showed the crowd that he deserves his many accolades, as he piloted Miss Liberty 7 to a perfectly planned and executed round to win the $10,000 Gem Twist Sprint Gambler's Choice at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

The Gambler's Choice competition is very different from the standard style of classes offered at horse shows. In the Gambler's Choice, the course designer places fences around the arena and they are given numerical values depending upon their level of difficulty. The riders plan their own track, trying to amass the most points in 50 seconds, while only jumping each fence twice. Once they have completed their course, they are given the opportunity to jump the Joker fence, the highest fence in the ring, which will give them an additional 200 points if cleared and if knocked down will cost them 200 points.

Miss Liberty 7, a 14 year old warmblood owned by Overlook Farm, jumped flawlessly, and the track that Ward had planned took advantage of the mare's speed and agility. They were even faster than Ward had planned, stopping before the final timers and waiting for the buzzer to ring, signifying the end of their allotted 50 seconds. Their final score after jumping the joker without difficulty was 1090 points.

"I knew that 12 jumps were the most I was going to get in the time allowed," said Ward. "Especially since I didn't get the inside turn after the plank the first time like I wanted, so I thought to stop right inside the timers. I actually didn't get her stopped quite as quickly as I would have liked but I was trying."

"I actually thought that was a course that most people would do. I know Rodrigo and a few people did different ones at the end. It was a nice smooth course and she's a very nice experience mare that Katherine Miracle has been kind enough to let me show while we're trying to sell her. She's been solid all season and she was good again tonight."

"I got the ride on her this summer. We actually originally sold the horse to Katherine four years ago and Katherine has since stopped riding , so the mare is on the market, so I'm going to enjoy her while I have her and then someone else will enjoy her. She's pretty game. She goes a little bit her own way but she's very honest and she's careful and she always tries to do a good job, so if you try to be competitive she'll normally come through with a nice result. She's brave with all these funny turns and she's careful, a great speed horse. I took her to Calgary and I've used her in a lot of big shows in this kind of position and she's a very competitive horse. She jumps again tomorrow and then she's done for the week."

"Phillipa will be going in the Grand Prix on Saturday and tomorrow Goldika will go in the Big Jump," explained Ward. "I'm lucky with mares, me and the girls get along well. We have a lot of nice mares and we've been very lucky with that."

Second place in the class went to the ever speedy Margie Engle with Hidden Creek's Pamina L. The pair amassed 1080 points, just ten points fewer than Ward. The big grey has her own style of jumping and proved once again that power wins out over pretty in the jumper ring.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com..

Judy Garofalo Torres and Oliver Victorious At The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Judy Garofalo Torres and Oliver

Harrisburg, PA - October 14, 2009 - Judy Garofalo Torres and her mount Oliver won the $7,500 For The Moment Open Jump Off at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, handily defeating an international field.

Of the 19 horse and rider combinations that entered the ring, only six managed to traverse Course Designer Steve Stephens tricky course of bending lines, large oxers and airy verticles. Garofalo Torres and Oliver delivered two clear rounds and their jump-off time of 40.519 gave them the win.

The class, named in honor of For The Moment, a horse that represented the United States in two Olympic Games, 1984 and 1988, winning a team Silver Medal in Seoul, Korea. In 1995, "Fred" became the oldest horse ever to win a show jumping Grand Prix at the age of 21. Over the course of his career, For The Moment became one of the most successful American Thoroughbreds ever to compete.

It is fitting that Garofalo Torres, Dover Plains, NY, should win this class with its oldest entry. Oliver is a 19 year-old stallion that has been her mount ever since she found him in Norway 10 years ago. He was her first grand prix horse, and the duo has been competing successfully ever since, including a superlative second place finish behind Olympic veterans McLain Ward and Sapphire in the 2009 $250,000 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Second place, and the only other clear round of the jump-off was Contino 14 and Jonathon Millar of Perth, Ontario, the son of famed Canadian Show Jumping rider Ian Millar. Contino 14 crossed the finish in 41.124 seconds.

Third place went to another Canadian entry, Erynn Ballard of Caledon, Ontario, and her mount Robin Van Roosendael, a huge Belgian warmblood gelding. Ballard took her time moving through the course and although clear over all the obstacles, incurred one time penalty for going over the time allowed.

Like Millar, Ballard is part of an equestrian dynasty, her father David, a well respected coach, was the course designer for the 1999 Pan American Games.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Darragh Kenny and Gael Force Win The Jet Run Classic at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Harrisburg, PA - October 13, 2009 - Darragh Kenny, the young Irish phenomenon, and Gael Force owned by John Brennan and Missy Clark, won the Jet Run Classic, a Power and Speed competition held at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

McLain Ward and Esplanade 7 held the lead for most of the class with a clear power round and a speed phase time of 36.719. Kenny, with his first mount, Obelix, almost caught the leader, but their speed round time of 36.835 was 1/100 of a second too slow.

Kenny took the lessons learned from his first mount and put them to good use on the young Gael Force. The horse jumped effortlessly over the power obstacles, and when asked for the twists and turns of the speed phase, the horse performed as if he was one with his rider. The stopped the timer in 35.927 to win the class.

"He is such a super horse", said Kenney. "Every day he goes out and is fantastic. He has had some wonderful results; Lake Placid, Southampton, Vermont and now here, I couldn't ask for him to be better."

The Idle Dice Classic, a speed competition for Open Jumpers was also contested today with Andres Rodriguez and his DaVinci leading the class from start to finish.

Rodriguez, the first competitor in the ring, had no idea how the rest of the field would do and he and DaVinci went all out to win, completing the course in a time of 49.390 seconds.

Kent Farrington aboard Samar came the closest to taking the win away from Rodriguez, but turning to the last obstacle, a double combination, Samar drifted to the right and jumped the first fence of the combination at a considerable angle, then took two strides where there should only have been one, and crossed through the timers in 49.691, good enough for second place.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Abbie Ross Let TNT Explode in the NAL Children's Jumper Final At The Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Abbie Ross and TNT

Harrisburg, PA - October 13, 2009 -- Abbie Ross has now won two North American League Finals, both on her pony TNT, but in two different divisions. Ross, 13, from Wheaton, IL, won the 2008 NAL Pony Jumper Final, and today added the NAL Children's Jumper Final trophy to her collection, competing at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Ross and TNT bested a field of 34 competitors, who have qualified for this event by earning points all year in competitions around the country. Ross was one of 13 riders to go fault free in the first round, a tough course of 14 obstacles, including a triple combination, and was the second rider in the order to do so. This meant that Ross would be the second rider into the ring for the jump off.

TNT was superb as he galloped around the eight fence jump off track, making turns quickly and efficiently to stop the clock in 31.767 seconds.

"You can really trust TNT, she will take you to the jump, you just have to make sure that she has got her pace and her stride and her distances", said Ross. "She's pretty smart and she loves her job so much. She can be a little feisty sometimes, but she really is the sweetest pony. I have a lot of confidence in her".

"My plan for the first round was just to go clean. Before the class I wasn't completely worried about it [the course], I thought that the combination, 6A B and C, the black and white line could be a problem, but when I got in there, the yellow and white, fence 8 got a little scary because we got really deep to it and it went rolling back and forth in the cups."

Ross continued "In the jump off I was looking at the turns and I just wanted to go clean and fast. I know that a lot of people like Hayley Waters are really fast, and they would have caught me if I didn't go like I did."

Kimberly Saul with her Mio W, was the only other rider to post a fault free second round, but her time of 35.703 left her well behind Ross. Hayley Waters, the point leader going into the Final did manage to beat Ross' time with a very quick 31.735, but in making the time she took down two rails for an eight fault score.

"I went in the NAL Pony Jumper Final, and she was great, but they changed the time allowed and I didn't realize just how much I had to book through there, so I had time faults", said Ross. "My mom and my sister help me with her, and my sister rode her before she was handed down to me. My brother will eventually get her, but I'm not going to let him get her yet. I want at least two more years. I'm going to keep doing the pony and children's jumpers. Because she is a pony, the children's is a little hard because she has to compete against horses and her stride is a little small, but she is competitive."

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

North American Horn Blowing Championship Awarded at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Anson Taylor of Radnor Hunt and Stephen Hayes of Mr. Stewarts Cheshire Foxhounds wait for their class during Hunt Night at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Harrisburg, PA - October 12, 2009 - Ten Hunt Clubs from across the East Coast sent teams and individual riders to compete during Hunt Night at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Huntsmen from across the country came to vie for the North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship, which is sanctioned by the Masters of the Foxhounds Association. After filling the arena with melodies from their horns, Adrian Smith representing the Deep Run Hunt of Cumberland, VA, was named the winner.

"We have to win at a hound show to qualify to come here", explained Smith. "So this means a lot to us, including bragging rights. It is totally different blowing in an arena than at a competition. Nerves and butterflies get to you, it's hot out there, but this means the world to us. I've won this twice now [the first time in 2002], I've always struggled to beat Charles [Montgomery, the Huntsman from Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, FL, who placed third] and it all came together and I beat him. I always finish behind him at the Virginia Hound Show for some reason, but I finally got one back tonight."

"I am officially retired from the Horn Blowing competition, the horn is staying at home from now on. It is nice to come all this way and win it for Deep Run. Of course, I'm sure that I'll change my mind and come back to do this again."

The crowd was treated to the sights and sounds of Huntsman Justin Shupp from the Rose Tree Fox Hunting Club, and his Penn-Marydel hounds as they paraded around the coliseum. Rose Tree Fox Hunting Club hails from Redline, PA and is the oldest subscription hunt on record, boasting a 150 year history.

The Hunt Team competition, where three riders complete a course of obstacles in unison, might not have always been completed successfully, but it was always contested with camaraderie and humor.

"I had so much fun", said Sandra Yeager, representing Andrews Bridge Hunt. "He is a show horse as well as my foxhunter and he is such a good boy. He is a very easygoing horse."

It is good that Autobahn takes things in stride. Yeager was called into action less than 24 hours before the hunt team left for the show, so she had very little prep time. That did not bother the horse or his rider as they were named best field hunter, riders 35 and over and participated in the Hunt Team class.

The Hunt Night Championship was awarded to Keswick Hunt from Keswick, VA, who amassed 30 points throughout the night's competitions. The six riders, Sarah McKay, Anna Burkett, Whitney Gammell, Darlene Murphy, Mary Alice Scala and Jill Wilson, definitely thought the long trip was well worth it. The most important aspect of the evening was the fun and camaraderie that they all shared.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Oksana and Meg Mitchell Win $10,000 North American League Children's Hunter Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Meg Mitchell and Oksana.

Harrisburg, PA - October 12, 2009 - 14 year-old Meg Mitchell got off a plane this morning from her hometown of Nashville, TN, and climbed onto the back of her mare Oksana for the start of the North American League Children's Hunter Final. A few hours later, she climbed off Oksana with a huge smile, the winning ribbon and prize money, and ran back to the airport to fly home.

"I love this horse so much", said a joyous Mitchell. "I only do a little bit of what this is, she is so awesome. She really does it all herself. I've been with her for four years and before I got her she was doing everything with a professional. She was doing the second year green division."

"When I got her I don't think that she was used to having a little kid on her, and I was really little back then. I have been riding my whole life, my parents rode and I have been showing my whole life, starting in leadline and ponies. She was so different then, but now we have spent so much time together, she just needs me to sit up there and, I don't know, just look pretty", laughed Mitchell.

"My horse lives in Ohio and I live really far away from her, so I don't get to ride other than to meet her at the horse shows. I flew up a few times before this to lesson, but I really don't ride much. I play volleyball and basketball and a bunch of sports and so I don't really practice as much. She is so sweet, I know she is a mare, and they call her Oksana Bin Laden, but she really is sweet. If I do my job, I know she will do the rest."

"I chose to do the NAL classes because there is no Children's Hunter Final and I really wanted to do this, so I did the NAL and the Washington classes all year. This is the first time I have qualified and it is really great. I love this show. I've been to Washington, but this is so different. It is interesting and I love it.

Mitchell went into the second round standing in fourth place with a score of 78. "For the second round I really didn't think about it. I just said to myself 'you're in the top 12 just don't worry'. I felt really confident. I know I can lay down eight jumps."

Mitchell and Oksana did lay down a wonderful trip over the second round course and left the arena with a score of 83, the highest score of the class, for a total two round score of 161 to take the top honors.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Springsteen Rocks the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Jessica Springsteen aboard Papillon 136.

Harrisburg, PA - October 11, 2009 -Seventeen-year-old Jessica Springsteen was the biggest star at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show as her famous parents cheered her on. She bested 237 riders over two rounds of competition, and a four-rider work-off to win the nation's top equitation prize, the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final.

Course designer Steve Stephens, in conjunction with judges Ellen Raidt and Leo Conroy, were very specific about the distances they required between related fences, mandating that the riders perform with precision.

Riders were instructed to proceed directly to fence 1, giving their horses no time to acclimate to the ring. A bending line to fence 2, followed by a tight turn to fence three, set on the center line, and another change of direction to fences 4 ABC, an oxer, vertical, oxer combination tested control of the horse. Fence 5 was set on an angle at the far end of the ring to fence 6 which was set on the rail. After fence 6, there were three options for the turn to fence 7, a short approach which was very tight, a medium approach inside another fence or a long approach. Fence 7 was a natural log pile with no wings. Fence 8, a skinny fence also with no wings, was set off the rail and was another on an angle followed by a bending line to fence 9. Fences 10 AB were set on a curve, two strides apart, around to fences 11 and 12 where the riders had to demonstrate five strides.

When asked about her first round strategy Springsteen laughed, "It's hard to remember - it was almost eight hours ago. It was a good course for me. It was mostly off the left which is my horses' good lead, so I was happy. My horse is really pretty simple. He has a really nice rhythm and is very adjustable, he just does not automatically stay in a frame and is a bit lazy so you have to be there with your leg."

Twenty-five riders were called back to jump in round 2, which consisted of a series of bending lines and numerous options for the riders. After the first three jumps on the left lead, riders faced an option on how tight to roll back to fence 4, then continued on to the natural coup then a vertical to oxer one-stride combination. The course bent right to the skinny wingless wall which, although relocated, continued to haunt riders, before the course looped left to the fan fence and then right to fence 9 then left to finish over 10, where a few horses had hind rubs and pulled rails.

"The second round was really tricky so I planned to stick to the same strides I did in the first round", commented Springsteen. "It was a little nerve wracking to watch everyone else for hours because I went so early in the first round. I was supposed to be doing homework, but I never quite got to it."

After the second round, the judges called back four riders to jump-off in the following reverse order: Tina Dilandri, LaJolla, CA, Jessica Springsteen, Colts Neck, NJ, Zazou Hoffman, Santa Monica, CA and top ranked Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD. The test included fence number 4 (at a hand gallop), then canter number 5, 6A, 6B, 7, counter canter to number 8, canter number 9, halt and canter final fence number 10 before returning to the line up at the end of the ring where riders stood separated from trainers.

Each rider faced challenges. Dilandri seemed uncharacteristically disorganized while Hoffman and Schaefer both knocked down a rail. Springsteen, however, produced a polished solid trip. The ride-off was very effective in determining the clear winner.

Springsteen is trained by the Beacon Hill team, led by Stacia Madden and Max Amaya, with assistance from Olympic veteran Beezie Madden. "The courses were very technical" said Madden. "I didn't anticipate that the first round would be as tricky as it was. I was really happy that Jessie was going early in the first round because I felt that she could do well. Her horse has a very elastic stride so I was not worried about him. Jessie has a really great ability to think clearly in the ring and she makes very savvy, educated decisions. When she comes from behind, I always feel that she will make the right decisions."

Springsteen has one more year left to show as a junior rider, but with this win, coupled by her win last year in the Maclay Final, there are not many awards left for her to win. "I plan on concentrating more on the jumpers", said Springsteen when asked about her future plans.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Pony Hunter Champions Crowned at The Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Eight-year-old Daisy Parish aboard Ballou.

Harrisburg, PA - October 10, 2009 - Nearly 100 ponies competed in the Small, Medium and Large Hunter divisions at the Pennsylvania National Show, but only three emerged as champions.

Eight-year-old Daisy Parish rode Victoria Colvin's Ballou to the Small Pony Hunter Championship on her first trip to the Pennsylvania National. "He was a little spooky the first day, but he got better," she explained in a soft voice. Parish, from Versailles, KY, has been riding the 12.1 hand chestnut mare since the beginning of the year.

The Small Pony Hunter Reserve Champion, Marigot Bay Farms' Made For Me, ridden by Pearl Theodosakis, was decided after a ride-off against Chloe Reid's Snowbird.

Medium Pony Hunter Champion (sponsored by Dr. Betsee Parker) Tuscany, ridden by Meredith "Maddy" Darst, was also crowned Grand Champion Pony Hunter (sponsored by Carlye Byron Nelson & Wild Sky Farm). Although the bay gelding is owned by West End Stables of California, his most recent rider outgrew him so the pony is looking for a new owner and returned to former trainers, Ken and Emily Smith who has 12-year-old Darst ride him this year. "He is a really dependable pony and one of our all-time favorites. He really likes to win," Emily said.

Ohio's Darst, who rode ponies in all three divisions, frequently rides green ponies for her mother, professional trainer, Mindy Darst, and has been riding since she was 3. She is trained by family friend Tom Wright who said, "Maddy rides so many ponies, but to win at Harrisburg is very special, especially on such a nice made pony."

Reserve Champion Medium Pony Hunter was Neverland, owned and ridden by Allison Toffolon.

Vanity Fair, a legend in the pony world, continued his dominance, winning the Large Pony Hunter Championship for the third year in a row. Vanity Fair is owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, and ridden to the win by Victoria Colvin. The beautiful bay gelding's stable mate, For the Laughter, was Reserve Champion with Colvin again in the irons.

"With his win today, Vanity Fair tied the record for championships here; he tied the record (three) at Devon earlier this year, as well as at Pony Finals," said the proud owner. "Both ponies are easy keepers and get lots of attention and handling. Ponies feel love and when it gets tough in the ring, they will give it back and work hard for you. I really credit their trainers Robert Coluccio and Richard Cunkle. We have a great team."

The rider of the Champion and Reserve Champion Large Pony Hunters, Victoria Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, won the Best Junior Pony Rider Award. "Tory is a very serious and exceptional athlete, when things get tough, she stays as calm as possible no matter the situation," said Parker.

The winner of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Pony Rider Sportsmanship Award was Sophie Michaels of New York, NY.

The 2009 Pennsylvania National Horse Show runs October 8-17, at the Pennsylvania Farm and Show Complex in Harrisburg and features 10 full days of hunter and jumper competition with both amateurs and professionals vying for the coveted championships. The Pennsylvania National hosts 10 national championships. The competition highlight is the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening, October 17.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming Web cast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Reed Kessler and Ice D'Ancoeur Finish On Top In The USEF Junior Jumper Championship At The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Reed Kessler and Ice D'Ancoeur.

Harrisburg, PA - October 10, 2009 - Reed Kessler finished the UESF Junior Jumper Championship in the same manner that she started, in the winners circle.

The15-year-old from Armonk, NY, won the USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show aboard her 11 year-old chestnut mare Ice D'Ancoeur by posting a clear effort, her third of four possible clear rounds, to finish with a penalty score of 4 faults over the three days of competition.

The format of the championship for these junior riders is three days of consecutive competition with the faults for each of the four rounds to accumulate.

The final leg of the Championship, contested over a track designed by Olympic Course Designer Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL, had the riders return to the ring in reverse order, which meant Kessler was the last competitor in the ring.

"I was really nervous," said a beaming Kessler as she clutched her trophy and flowers. "Normally I don't get nervous. I've been riding so long that it just doesn't happen to me, but as soon as Lucy and Truelove went clean, it was like, okay the pressure is on!"

"Winning this is great. I feel like I did everything I came her to do. My horse went beautifully. Yesterday in the first round, I was not a very strong, accurate rider, but she was amazing. It is a long four rounds, and she was just as good today as she was the first day. Ice is very quirky, her style is very different, but it doesn't matter what it looks like as long as it happens. I feel like I have mastered her, but she took a while to get used to. I've has a lot of really nice and easy horses that just go around by themselves, but Ice requires riding."

The Silver Medal in the Individual competition went to Lucy Davis from Los Angeles, CA and her amazing True Love. Davis was carrying a two day total of 6.25 penalties into the final round. True Love posted a clear round, his fourth in the three day test. Due to a tie in the Team competition, True Love and Davis were required to jump-off to decide the Team Championship. Even completing one more round than the other horses, True Love was still faultless.

The Bronze Medal went to Saer Coulter, San Francisco, CA, with her Chalan. Coulter carroed 8.07 penalties into the Individual round and finished onthat score as Chalan completed the course with no knockdowns.

The 2009 Pennsylvania National Horse Show runs October 8-17, featuring 10 full days of hunter and jumper competition with both amateurs and professionals vying for the coveted championships. The Pennsylvania National hosts 10 national championships. The competition highlight is the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening, October 17.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Zone 10 Is Triumphant in the Prix de States Competition at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Lucy Davis of Zone 10 with True Love

Harrisburg, PA - October 9, 2009 - The four team members from Zone 10 might have traveled the farthest to get to Harrisburg, but the reward made it worthwhile. Lucy Davis, Saer Coulter, Paris Sellon and Karl Cook came from California with the intention of winning, and with anchor rider Davis turning in a clear and fast ride in the tie-breaking jump-off, they will be taking home the title in this prestigious competition.

The riders from Zone 10 were always in contention for the title, but the combined team of riders from Zones 1 and 8 were in the lead after the initial round of competition with a score of 4 faults.

Victoria Birdsall with Jeremy and Kelsey Thatcher and Carlotta both turned in clear rounds for Zone 1 & 8, while Navona Gallegos and Drossana had one rail down. Zachary Libes with Landdame was the drop score, with 8 faults.

For Zone 10, Saer Coulter and Chalan went around the track fault free while Lucy Davis with True Love and Karl Cook aboard Notories Utopia each has a rail down. Paris Sellon and Troyes had two rails down and two time faults in their first round, and were the ride that was not counted.

"I really tanked in the first round", said Sellon. "I knew that I had to pull it together for the second round, and I did."

The second round, following the Nations' Cup format, was contested over the same course as the first round and nine riders managed to better their scores from the previous round. Among those were Sellon and Davis from Zone 10 and Libes and Birdsall from Zone 1 & 8, all of whom turned in fault free performances. Birdsall was the only rider who managed to complete both rounds without penalty.

This gave both Zone 10 and Zone 1 & 8 a total score from the two rounds of 12 faults, necessitating a jump-off. Lucy Davis was the rider chosen to represent Zone 10 in the tie-breaker, and she came through with a clear round in a time of 33.409 seconds, but not without a mishap between fences 1 and 2. True Love seemed to stumble and Davis lost her stirrup around the corner. The pair managed to right themselves and complete the course with only one horse shoe in front, the cause of the bobble. Victoria Birdsall was the designated rider for Zone 1 & 8, and she and Jeremy were clear until the last fence, which came down.

"I was so nervous, but once you get to this point, you kind of have to go all out", said Davis. "You have to just go for it. I had four faults in the first round and I was a little bit angry, and when I get angry I get really competitive, which is a good thing, it usually helps. Lovey is the best. He is so fun and so fast, and he has the biggest heart. He almost wants it more than me. He is aptly named."

The course was very challenging for these juniors. Out of 58 trips around the Steve Stephens designed course, there were only 11 clear rounds. The toughest fence on course was a skinny plank fence that was set 70 feet from the double combination, fences 9A and B, on a bending line. While looking innocuous, the fence came down 26 times over the course of the evening.

This was the 31st year of the Prix de States competition being held at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Each zone across the United States may field a team of four for the Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships. The top four horse-and-rider combinations in the zone's National Junior Jumper standings qualify to represent their zone.

In the 31 years that the Prix de States has been held, Zone 10 (California and Nevada) has earned more championships than any other zone with Zone 2 (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) following closely behind.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Junior Hunter Champions Shine in the Spotlight at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Samantha Schaefer with Bishonen and Garfield.

Harrisburg, PA - October 9, 2009 - Large and small junior hunter champions were honored after the first two days of competition during the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Round after round of polished performances resulted in cherished championships for World Time in the Small Junior Hunters - Riders 15 & Under, Lyle in the Small Junior Hunters - Riders 16 & 17; Garfield in Large Junior Hunters - Riders 15 & Under, and Vida Blue in Large Junior Hunters - Riders 16 & 17.

Canada's Chris Brandt is the designer of the hunter courses at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and presented these riders with a flowing but technical course of fences.

The Small Junior Hunter - Rider 15 & Under Championship was sponsored by SBS Farm & Susie Schoellkopf and was won by Scott Stewart's World Time, a 15.3h bay gelding ridden by Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL. Reserve Champion was Don Stewart and Meg O'Mara's Fern Gully, ridden by Taylor Ann Adams.

The Small Junior Hunter - Riders 16 & 17 Championship was sponsored by Stoltzmouse Enterprises. The champion, the well-known grey gelding, Lyle, is owned by Stephanie Keen and ridden by Abby O'Mara of Rumson, NJ. Reserve champion in the division was awarded to Stone Hill Farm's Sublime, ridden by Jessica Springsteen.

"Everyone loves Lyle. He was champion here last year and has shown here for many years," said O'Mara of her winning mount. "I started riding him in January and only ride him at the shows. He just jumps five jumps in the schooling ring and goes in the ring. My trainer just tells me to have fun when I go in the ring with him, because of his record there is pressure riding him," she said.

The Large Junior Hunter, Riders 15 & Under Championship, sponsored by The Bedard Family, awarded the tricolor to K & S Show Services' Garfield ridden by Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD. The busy 15-year-old rider dominated the division and also rode the reserve champion, Marianna Bishop Wade's flashy bay, Bishonen.

"This is my last year as a younger junior and it was nice to ride Garfield. He's a First Year horse and green but very honest and always tries to win. He's 8 now and Kim (Stewart) found him in Europe when he was 3; she has a great eye for horses," said Schaefer. "I've shown Bishonen a few times during the year and he was on the wait list to get in," she added happily.

Jennifer Waxman of Chagrin Falls, OH, had the good fortune to ride Laura King's mare Vida Blue for the first time when she arrived at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. The match was a good one as she captured the Large Junior Hunter - Riders 16 & 17 Championship after winning the final over fences class.

"Some horses are just winners and she's one of them. She never touched a fence in any of the classes. It just got better as the week went on and I just stayed out of her way," said Waxman with glee as she described being asked to show Vida Blue at Harrisburg. The horse qualified in the older juniors before being leased by a younger junior who couldn't show him here, so Waxman, in her last year as an older junior, got the ride.

Reserve Champion in the division went to Stone Hill Farms' Tiziano ridden by Jessica Springsteen of Colt's Neck, NJ, her second Junior Hunter Reserve Championship of the show.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is proud of its tradition of supporting both equine and youth programs. The show benefits the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Nicole Kehrli and Northwind's Opus Win North American League Pony Jumper Final

Nicole Kehrli and Northwind's Opus

Harrisburg, PA - October 9, 2009 - In just her first year showing at rated horse shows, 15-year-old Nicole Kehrli of Glenmoore, PA, galloped away with the victory in the coveted North American League (NAL) $5,000 Pony Jumper Finals Thursday evening at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Riding her 8-year-old Welsh pony, Northwind's Opus, the pair captured the hotly contested blue ribbon and $1500 prize.

Although 21 ponies started over Steve Stephens challenging first round time first jump-off course, only four emerged fault-free under the tight time allowed. What the equines lacked in size, they made up for in speed and effort, racing around the five-obstacle jump-off course which included a one-stride in and out. First to go, Sydney Shulman of Greenwich, CT, and Set Sail left the ring with a clean round in a time to beat of 29.470 seconds. The next two ponies each pulled a rail for four faults apiece, and Kehrli was the final rider to enter the ring.

"When I went into the NAL Final my goal was just to ride it clean and I got through it," said Kehrli. "In the jump-off I was focused on the turns rather than running and going fast because that's not the way to win it."

The strategy paid off with a fault-free round and the winning time of 28.837 seconds. Shulman was second with Set Sail, followed by Madeline Thatcher and Bally Mac in third with four faults in 27.619 seconds, and Brianne Link aboard her Tallyman with four faults and 29.853 seconds for fourth place.

"I got 'Opie' four-and-a-half years ago to be a hunter pony but he was too crazy to do the hunters so we decided to do jumpers," explained Kehrli. Her trainer, Linda Furches, added that when they were trying Opie as a hunter, she asked Nicole to halt at the end of the ring, but the pony jumped out instead, and a pony jumper was made.

A well-rounded equestrian, Kehrli said she had been doing local jumper shows for a few years, but this was her first year at rated shows and competing in the NAL series. She heard about the NAL from a friend who told her it would be fun to do. The teen is a C-3 Pony Club rider and enjoys mounted games, as well as eventing her horse not this pony, with her mother. Kehrli said the variety has helped her in the jumpers. "In eventing, the dressage really helps and in games you are balancing and have to be reactive." She is looking forward to returning to the NAL Pony Jumper Series next year.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

Reed Kessler and Ice D'Ancoeur Start Off The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show With A Roar

Harrisburg, PA - October 8, 2009 - Reed Kessler added another victory to her resume in the show ring as the 15-year-old from Armonk, NY, triumphed over a field of 29 to win the USEF Junior Jumper Championship, Welcome Speed Individual competition on the opening day of the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show held at the Pennsylvania Farm and Show Complex.

The format of the class for these junior riders was faults converted into seconds, contested over a course designed by Olympic Course Designer Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. The track of 11 numbered obstacles and 13 elements tested the ability of not only the horses, but these young riders as well, with only seven going clear. Of those seven, three were from the team of riders from Zone 2 (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)

Kessler posted a blazing time of 59.816 seconds over the course. Her nearest challenger,15-year-old Hayley Barnhill of Memphis, TN, posted a time of 61.853 aboard Toucan Tango for second. Lucy Davis of Los Angeles, CA and Truelove, stopped the clock in 64.308 seconds for third place.

"I came to win", said Kessler, who recently returned from Belgium where she and Ice D'Ancoeur won three speed classes at CSI-YJPCH-A Nieuwpoort. "It feels good to be in the lead going into a three phase competition. It's like the World Cup!"

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Live streaming webcast of the event is available at http://www.productionseast.com.

The Excitement of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Returns For 64th Year, October 8-17

Harrisburg, PA—March 23, 2009—The 64th annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) is set to return to the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, October 8-17. Always a favorite among the nation's best riders, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show features top-notch hunter-jumper equestrian competition.

"There are so many exciting things happening this year which make the entire show better than ever," said PNHS President Liz Shorb. "We've kept the traditions of the show while adding new elements which will make the show even more appealing for riders and spectators alike. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, there has never been a better time to be part of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show!"

The Pennsylvania National attracts the nation's top horses and riders each year. Among those who regularly compete at the horse show are: two-time Olympic Gold Medalists Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, and Laura Chapot, winner of the horse show's Grand Prix de Penn National in 2005 and 2006, as well as Kent Farrington, the 2007 and 2008 Grand Prix de Penn National winner.

As is tradition, Junior Weekend, October 8 – 11, will begin the show with the Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championship and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals as highlights. The Grand Prix de Penn National, October 17, is the grand finale of the show with a full schedule of Hunter and Jumper competition in between including North American League (NAL), Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series classes and the popular Pennsylvania Big Jump. New in 2009 will be the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3" division and the NAL Low Junior Amateur/Owner Jumper Final.

Special Exhibitions taking place at the 2009 PNHS include Western Night, October 14, which will include barrel racing, pole bending and celebrity team penning. Carriage racing is scheduled for the horse show's final four nights. Stay tuned to hear about other demonstrations and events sure to please the audience.

Exhibitors and spectators alike make it a point to enjoy the unique shopping environment. From high-end shops reminiscent of Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive to t-shirt and tack vendors, more than 50 specialty stores offer hours of shopping for one-of-a-kind PNHS memorabilia, fine arts, gifts, accessories and much more.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Pennsylvania National Horse Show Announces Changes to 2009 Format

Harrisburg, PA—December 15, 2008—The Pennsylvania National Horse Show has announced modifications its standard horse show format for 2009. Competition in the Hunter and Jumper divisions will be expanded and the traditional Saddlebred, Western and Draft Horse sections will now be showcased as exhibitions and special attractions.

Acting in the best interest of the show, the Board of Directors recently determined this new direction. The new look will continue to serve the original purpose of the Association, which is to promote, by means of a horse show and exhibitions, a greater interest and education of all things of an equestrian nature.

The first four days will continue to focus on the junior element highlighted by the Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships scheduled for October 8-10, and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals on Sunday, October 11.

The final six days, October 12- 17, will be devoted to an expanded Hunter and Jumper format along with special attractions. The management team will be working on a schedule to reflect a new look and give these divisions the time and attention they deserve.

"We have loved the variety of competition and spent a great deal of time considering this move, but had to consider the facts and act accordingly to ensure a bright future for this great event in Harrisburg," stated Rick Hornberger, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We are proud of our history and look forward to revitalizing the show in a way that will be appealing to exhibitors and spectators alike."

Please contact Liz Shorb at the show office at pnhs4liz@aol.com or (717) 770-0222 with any questions.

Pennsylvania National Horse Show Adds Two New Divisions

Harrisburg, PA – March 31, 2009 – For 64 years, The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) has been recognized as one of the premier equestrian competitions in the United States. This year the PNHS, October 8-17, 2009, is offering two brand new and popular divisions.

For the Hunters, the PNHS is adding the 3'3" Amateur-Owner Hunter Division. This division is newly recognized by the USEF, and due to its great popularity, the horse show is adding it to the schedule. This division will be offered on Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16. To be eligible for this division, horses must be ridden by an Amateur-Owner or an amateur member of the owner's family. In either case, classes are restricted to riders who are no longer eligible to compete as junior exhibitors. Leased horses are not eligible and multiple ownership of the horse is not permitted unless all owners are members of the same family.

On the Jumper side, the North American League (NAL) Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Series Final is being added and will be contested on the horse show's closing Saturday, October 17, and will offer $7,500 in total prize money. The Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic division will be conducted and scored under Table II, Section 2(a) – Time First Jump-off rules. Fences are to be set at a minimum height of Level 4 and not greater than Level 6. The Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Series is open to all junior and amateur riders. A rider need not be a member of the NAL to compete, but only current members accrue points toward year-end finals held at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. All horses competing in the NAL finals earn U.S. Equestrian Federation Horse-of-the-Year points. The current NAL qualifying period started September 1, 2008 and ends August 31, 2009.

The 2009 Pennsylvania National Horse Show will run October 8–17, featuring 10 full days of Hunter and Jumper competition with both amateurs and professionals vying for the coveted championships. The Pennsylvania National hosts 10 national championships. The competition highlight is the $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday evening, October 17.

The show is entertaining and educational. Special event highlights include: Hunt Night Competition, Jack Russell Terrier Races, The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship, Family days with Free Pony Rides. There will be demonstrations showcasing Saddlebred, Western and Draft horses as well as special educational events and barrel and carriage racing.

Approximately 70 vendors are accepted offering a wide variety of items: Clothing, Gifts and Antiques, Custom Signs and Furniture, Fine and Costume Jewelry, Toys, Pet Items, T-Shirts and Tack Shops. All offer a unique variety of items sure to please horse lovers and non horse people alike.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.

Pennsylvania National Horse Show Welcomes Classic Communications as Public Relations Agency

Harrisburg, PA—February 10, 2009—The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) is pleased to welcome Classic Communications as its public relations agency.

One of the nation's premier horse shows, the Pennsylvania National returns to the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, October 8-17. This year's 64th annual edition will feature an extensive schedule of Hunter-Jumper competition in addition to Saddlebred, Western and Draft Horse demonstrations.

"We are thrilled to welcome Classic Communications to our team," said PNHS President Liz Shorb. "Classic President Marty Bauman and his firm have an outstanding reputation for their professionalism and knowledge of equestrian sports. Their experience in promoting some of our sport's biggest and most prestigious events is unrivaled and we are extremely excited about the prospect of working with them."

Classic has been involved in promoting equestrian sports since 1978. Over the years, it has represented many of the nation's premier equestrian events including the Hampton Classic, Lake Placid Horse Show, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and Winter Equestrian Festival among others. Classic represented the United States Equestrian Team, and Marty Bauman served as the Team's Director of Public Relations, from 1990 until 2004 when it became the USET Foundation. Classic's international experience includes overseeing media for seven FEI World Cup Finals, including this year's Finals in Las Vegas, and one World Championship. Bauman also served as the equestrian press officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee at three Olympic Games.

"Few horse shows have as cherished and successful a history as the Pennsylvania National," said Bauman. "Harrisburg is one of the true jewels of our sport and we are honored to be associated with it."

Among this year's horse show highlights are the Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals on the horse show's traditional Junior Weekend, October 8-11. Culminating the horse show's full Hunter-Jumper schedule, that includes North American League (NAL) and Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series events, are the Pennsylvania Big Jump and Grand Prix de Penn National on the closing weekend, October 15-17.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show benefits the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.

Further information is available at the horse show's website at www.panational.org or by calling the horse show office at 717-770-0222.