October 2026 Issue

October 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 14 TURNHAM GREEN/USEF JUNIOR JUMPER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND PRIX DES STATES — OCTOBER 8-10 The show opens with one of the sport’s great proving grounds for young riders. Con- tested over three phases fromThursday through Saturday, the TurnhamGreen/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships and Prix des States pit the country’s best junior jumper riders against one another in both a team competition, with squads fielded by USEF Zone, and an individual championship. Since 1979, the winning Zone has taken home the General A.H. Stackpole Memorial Perpetual Trophy — a tradition that has launched countless careers on the international stage. Schedule Highlights October 8-18 FREE FAMILY FUN DAY — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1-4 P.M. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of horse-filled fun, entirely free of charge. Face painting, wagon rides, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes barn tours, a scaven- ger hunt and horse meet-and-greets give kids and first-time spectators a hands-on introduction to the world of horse sport. It is the perfect way to spend an October Saturday in Harrisburg, with no ticket required. USEF/VALENCIA SADDLERY HUNTER SEAT MEDAL FINAL — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 No class at Harrisburg carries more history. Hosted by the Pennsylvania National Horse Show since 1968, the USEF/Valencia Saddlery Hunter Seat Medal Final is a crown jewel of junior equitation in the United States. Riders navigate a demanding 3’6” course, with the top competitors called back for a second round and, at the judges’ discretion, further testing to determine a champion. The winner’s name joins a roster that reads like a who’s who of American show jumping—ConradHomfeld, Kent Far- rington, Briane Goutal — on the Adrian Van Sinderen Memorial Perpetual Trophy. HUNT NIGHT, PRESENTED BY KINSLEY CONSTRUCTION AND THE QUAKER CITY FOUNDATION — MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 An evening steeped in tradition. Roughly a dozen hunts from across the tri-state area converge on the Harrisburg Coliseum to compete for top honors in Field Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Team classes, alongside the elegance of the Ladies Side Saddle division. The beloved Parade of Hounds is also a crowd favorite year after year. Admission and parking are free.