Devon Horse Show begins today

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has been an institution in the northeast since 1896. Originally held as a one-day show, Devon now runs for ten days and draws top competitors from all over North America.

The line-up of classes includes hunters, jumpers, equitation, Saddlebreds, Hackneys and carriage driving. The show offers classes restricted to local riders who live within 40 miles of Devon, as well as classes for Pennsylvania-bred horses.

The highlight for many visitors is the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon which will be held on the evening of Thursday, May 28. Recent past winners include Irish rider Darragh Kerins and Olympian McLain Ward.

Judges at Devon award Best Child Rider titles for both horse and pony. Jessica Springsteen was named Best Child Rider on a Horse last year, and returns this year to defend her title.

Last year’s Leading Rider in the open jumper division was 20-year-old Hillary Dobbs, who ended Laura Chapot’s three-year streak of winning that title. Both riders will be back to vie for Leading Rider honors again this year.

Outside of the horse show, the Country Fair features games, rides, food and entertainment for visitors of all ages, making Devon a popular destination for families of both the equestrian and non-equestrian persuasion.