The 80th annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg features equestrian events, performers, and a mission to support therapeutic riding and horse rescue programs.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
The 80th annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show is taking place at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, continuing a tradition that began in 1946.
This year’s event started on Oct. 8 and will hold its final day Sunday, showcasing a mix of equestrian competitions and performances. Horses like Swampy are showing off their moves for the audience.
“We want people to get to experience all the different emotions, from laughter to joy being amazed,” said trainer Dan James.
“Everyone’s getting to see the highlights of when it’s going really well and when sometimes it doesn’t go well,” he added.
Caitlin Boyle, an equestrian competitor, shared her journey in the sport.
“She’s such a fighter, she loves to compete,” Boyle said about her horse, Tahiti.
Boyle began riding at the age of five and entered her first show ring at six.
“At this point, these are just big dogs to me,” she said.
Boyle and Tahiti won the $30,000 prize at the show on Friday.
“I just love the animals. I think they’re so special,” Boyle said.
Susie Shirk, executive director of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, highlighted the significance of the horses to the event.
“Those horses mean so much to all these people,” Shirk said.
She explained the foundation’s mission to support therapeutic riding groups and horse rescue programs.
“The money that we’ve raised from this event tonight will go towards all those volunteer groups,” Shirk said.
Shirk also described the effort involved in organizing the show.
“Just the transformation of this building is pretty amazing. It takes a lot to put this horse show together,” she said.
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation has released the dates for next year’s event, which will run from Oct. 14 to Oct. 24.