It Was All Fun At The Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Fun and Scott Stewart Al Cook alcookphoto.com
Harrisburg, PA - October 20, 2016 - Fun and Scott Stewart made multiple trips to center ring at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, presented by the Lindsey Maxwell Charitable Trust, picking up awards for Champion Green Conformation Hunter, Grand Champion Hunter and Leading Hunter Rider.
Fun, who is owned by David Gochman, won five of the six classes offered in the Green Conformation Hunter division, and placed third in the only class he did not win. This gave Fun a total of 49 points to take the Championship.
"Fun was a pre-green last year and he did very little," said Stewart. "He is only six and he is a little immature. I bought him in Germany when he was two, turning three, off a free jumping video and then he came over when he was four. The Gochman's bought him in Florida last year.
Fun and Scott Stewart Al Cook alcookphoto.com
He is a sweet horse. He looks little, but he is not really that tiny, he just looks cute. He requires some leg to get around, he has a big stride but he is a little bit of a leg ride, but in a nice way.
I didn't jump the log line yesterday and went in today and he kind of looked at it, which made me a little nervous but the just jumped it, he is usually pretty great, but today he just put a little more effort in.
"
Reserve Champion in the Green Conformation Hunter division was Patriot, ridden by Hunt Tosh for the Wheeler Family.
Lucador and Scott Stewart. Al Cook alcookphoto.com
Stewart also traveled to the winner's circle with Lucador, who continued his domination of the Regular Confirmation Hunter division. The eight-year-old gelding won the division title last year allowing owner Dr. Betsee Parker to retire the trophy, as he was the third of Parker's horses to win it.
Lucador was nearly perfect in the division, winning five of six classes. He was called into the ring in third place, but was moved up to place second based in his conformation, in the only class he did not win.
"He went great," said Stewart. "He gave some great efforts today. He doesn't show much he is pretty brave and we just try to keep him happy."
Reserve to Lucador in the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship was Jennifer Alfano's Candid with rider Kristy Herrera.
Stewart also won the EMO Agency Professional High Five Award, having the highest score, 92 points, with Catch Me, another of David Gochman's horses.
Scott Stewart Leading Hunter Rider. Al Cook alcookphoto.com
More About the PNHS
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1999 that assists in funding therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs. The proceeds from the PNHS are divided between the PNHS Foundation and The Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation. The PNHS Foundation gives to equine programs while the Kiwanis Foundation donates to youth programs. The PNHS has donated $1.68 million dollars to the Kiwanis Youth Foundation since its inception in 1947 and has donated $350,000 to local therapy and equine groups since 1999. Applications for grants are accepted throughout the year with action upon requests awarded in September.
Now in its 71st year, the PNHS is one of the most historic horse shows in the U.S., featuring the best in the sport of hunters and jumpers and is the launching ground for many future Olympians. 15,000 spectators, and 1,000,000 live feed viewers will enjoy ten days of national top competition as 1,400 top Junior and Adult competitors vie for eight national championships - including the prestigious Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Final and the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and Team Championships. The top jumping riders and horses are expected to compete in the $100,000 Prix de Penn National Grand Prix Presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, which will be held on the final day of the show on October 22.
Immediately following the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund will be The Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale, a live concert that will be held in the main competition arena. Ben Gallaher is a Sony Nashville recording artist, singer, songwriter and a Central Pennsylvania native. Gallaher's special performance is presented by L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln and will begin at approximately 10 p.m.
Tickets for the Grand Prix and Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale are available NOW at www.PANational.org and ONE ticket allows guests to enjoy BOTH the Grand Prix and the Ben Gallaher Country Music Finale. Ticket proceeds assist in funding the PNHS Foundation's therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs along with the Kiwanis Youth Foundation programs. Reserved Tier Seating ranges from $40-$50 and Family 4-pack packages range from $75-$175. General Admission for students and senior citizens is $25.Children aged 10 and under are admitted FREE and parking is FREE. Tickets are also available for ALL sessions of this year's Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
The show also features special theme days, Family Fun Day, and great shopping, with over 70 vendors featuring clothing, antiques, art work, jewelry and equestrian products. For more information, updates, promotions, and more, visit www.PANational.org or call (717)770-0222. For those who cannot make it to PNHS in person, the World Equestrian Center Live Feed can be viewed throughout the 10 days of the show and can be accessed through a link on the PNHS website at www.PANational.org or through www.EqSports.net.