Harrisburg, Pa., August 13, 2009 — The 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show is keeping the history of riding to hounds in America alive by hosting Hunt Night, sponsored by Kinsley Construction Co., on October 12, 2009.
Originally, the three major indoor horse shows–Harrisburg, Washington and New York–all featured Hunt Nights to bring the various hunts together for camaraderie and competition.
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is now the only remaining showcase for field hunters and riders at the indoor horse shows. In 2008, 14 teams representing 10 hunts traveled to Harrisburg, some covering more than 800 miles to participate in this unique night of history and tradition.
There are classes for men, women, teams and hounds. The North American Foxhunting Horn Blowing Championship, a contest among the country’s top huntsmen, tops off the night.
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 October 17.
Special event highlights include: Kinsley Construction Hunt Night Competition, Jack Russell Terrier Races, The North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship and family days with free pony rides. There will be demonstrations as well as special educational events and barrel and carriage racing.
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 www.panational.org.
