UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The 42nd annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show will be held Oct. 26-28 at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. Approximately 900 4-H members from more than 60 counties are expected to participate in this year's show.

The state show is the final competition of the year for 4-H horse club members enrolled in performance and production projects. To be eligible for the show, members must advance through qualifying competitions at county, regional and district levels. Events include halter, showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving, reining, western riding and timed events. A therapeutic riding division for riders with disabilities is also included.

Highlights of the weekend will include the recognition ceremony on Saturday evening and the presentation of the 2001 Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member Award. The winner of this award will receive a saddle, donated by Smucker's Harness Shop Inc. of Narvon, Pa. Finalists will be presented halters and leads donated by Wengers Saddlery of York Springs, Pa.

The outstanding member awards recognize 4-H members who are active in the 4-H horse program on a local, regional, state and national level. Emphasis is placed on the member's participation in the 4-H program, leadership and impact on their club, county and community. The Equine Educational Exhibit awards and Good Housekeeping awards also will be presented on Saturday evening. They are sponsored by Hoys Awards and Trophies of Export, Pa.

The third annual State 4-H Model Horse Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Small Arena. The Model Horse Show provides an opportunity for 4-H members to learn and perfect the hobby of collecting and showing model horses. By participating, members learn about principles of collecting; history, breeds and uses of horses; tack and equipment; and horse shows. The model horse program is ideal for horseless and urban members who may not be able to own or show live horses.

A dance for exhibitors and 4-H members will be held in the Small Arena on Friday. The show begins daily at 8 a.m. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Approximately 7,500 youth are enrolled in 4-H horse projects in Pennsylvania. These programs are designed to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use and management. Competitions promote development of riding and showmanship skills, while encouraging responsibility, self-confidence, sportsmanship and responsible care of project animals.

For more information on the show or 4-H horse programs in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or visit the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Web site at http://www.das.psu.edu -- click on horses, then 4-H horse program.

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EDITORS: Contact Pat Comerford, Penn State extension horse specialist, at 814-863-3657.

Contact:

Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax