Devon Horse Show Begins

The 112-year tradition of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair begins on May 22 and runs through June 1. This year’s event is just as action-packed as ever.

Show jumping classes are held daily throughout the 11 days, culminating in the $100,000 Budweiser Devon Grand Prix class on May 29. But spectators can expect more than just show jumping. The Devon Horse Show features a potpourri of equestrian disciplines, from hunters to elegant sidesaddle competitions, high-stepping gaited horses and carriages of all types, plus exciting exhibitions, including the beloved Budweiser Clydesdales, as well as dressage and vaulting events.

One of the most anticipated events this year is a new class, the $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Derby. The two-round competition will be held as the last class of the evening on Sunday, May 25. The first round of 20 horses will be shown over a hunter classic type course, and the top 12 scoring horses from round one will then compete over a handy hunter type course.

A special award is also being handed out at this year’s event: The junior rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation — as modeled by Olympic medalists Billy Steinkraus, George Morris, Joe Fargis and Conrad Homfeld — and exhibits “the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman” will be awarded the Shalanno, Style of Riding Award, on Saturday evening, May 24 after the final junior jumper class.
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair benefits the Bryn Mawr Hospital. The event has donated more than $12.5 million over its four decades of association. The Horse Show and Country Fair made a one-year record donation of $308,000 to the hospital last year, which was used to purchase state-of-the-art patient monitoring equipment for the newly expanded Emergency Department. That donation completed the hospital’s $15-million campaign to fund the expansion.

For more information, visit www.thedevonhorseshow.org.