Devon, PA – May 19, 2015 – It’s like a step into the elegant past – beautifully appointed, shiny carriages pulled by beautiful horses in harness. The traditional sport of coaching is a reminder of what life must have been like before automobiles.
Horses and ponies compete in coaching in only a few events in the U.S. Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is a rare opportunity to see competitors from across the country. The coaching events will be held evenings starting Monday, May 25 and run through Friday, May 29. John Richards from Whitchurch, Shropshire, England will judge the coaching and the carriage classes.
“The Devon Coaching truly is elegant and one of many favorites by exhibitors and spectators,” said Devon President,” Richard O’ Donnell.
On Monday evening, the coach’s appointments will be inspected, along with the cleanliness and neatness of the harness, appearance of the horses or ponies, and the overall picture. An all-day process of shining, cleaning, and polishing goes into the finished product for the judge to evaluate.
The pleasure competition includes an individual pattern prescribed by the judge. Movement of the horses/ponies and the coach, along with the skills of the driver, or whip, is under the watchful eye of the judge.
The park drag carriage was a lighter, more elegant version of the road coach. A park drag has seats on its top.
Some coaching classes are judged on performance, manners, presentation, and appointments. The whip and passengers are attired in a manner appropriate to the season and type of show. Devon is considered a “country” show, so lighter colors and clothing are worn. Others are judged on time and faults over a course in the ring. The horses are required to work as one unit to keep a clean line through the course.
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Fast Facts
Young Devonaires Auction:
The Young Devonaires will host their Annual Auction! Come check it out online at: www.Devonhorseshow.org and during the show. Bid on stalls, a box for the Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon and so much more. Auction start date coming soon!
What:
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that office world class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
When:
May 21 – May 31, 2015
Where:
Devon Horse Show Grounds
23 Dorset Road
Devon, PA
Prize List and Exhibitor Information:
http://www.devonhorseshow.net/exhibitors/exhibitors-info/
Stabling:
Approximately 900 permanent stalls Many barns renovated within the last 5 years
Restroom facilities with showers
Parking:
Limited parking is available for spectators at the Main Lot on Dorset Road across from the Main Entrance.
Directions:
From Philadelphia International Airport
Follow signs to I-95 South and follow I-95 South approximately 5 miles. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the Northeast
Follow I-95 South. Look for I-476 approximately 5 miles South of the Philadelphia
International Airport. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting.
Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the South
Follow I-95 North toward Philadelphia. Once you’ve crossed into Delaware, keep right and take I-495 North via exit 5D toward Port of Wilmington / Philadelphia. Follow for I-495 North and merge onto I-95 North (Crossing into Pennsylvania). Follow I-95 North to I-476 North. Take I-476 N via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the East
Follow the Schuylkill Expressway / I-76 West to I-476 South. Merge onto I-476 South via exit 331A on the left toward Chester. Follow I-476 South for approximately 2 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the West
Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-76 E toward Philadelphia. Take exit 326 toward Valley Forge. Stay in right lane after the tolls. Merge onto US-202 South via exit 328A toward West Chester. Follow US-202 South for approximately 2 miles. Take the PA-252 North exit toward Devon. Make a left onto Valley Forge Road / PA-252. Continue to follow Valley Forge Road for approximately .5 miles and make a slight right turn onto Devon State Road. Follow Devon State road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a dead end. Make a left onto Old Lancaster Road and then an immediate right onto Waterloo Road. Turn left on to Lancaster Avenue / US-30 East and the Devon Horse Show will be on your right within .2 miles.
Mail:
Devon Horse Show Office
PO Box 865, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Horse Show Office
(GPS and UPS & FedEx Deliveries, not for US Postal Service) 23 Dorset Road, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Horse Show Entries
PO Box 158, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Country Fair Office
PO Box 925, Southeastern, PA 19399
Box Seating & Ticket Office
PO Box 742, Devon, PA 19333
Information:
Advertising – (610) 964-0550 x 222
Box Holders – (610) 688-2554
Devon Country Fair – (610) 525-2533
Devon Fall Classic – (610) 964-0550
Entries – (610) 964-2723
Fax – (610) 964-1608
Feed Orders – (610) 964-8407
Facility Rental – (610) 964-0550
Horse Show Office – (610) 964-0550
Information Booth:
Lost & Found – (610) 688-1312 (during show only)
Sponsorship – (610) 964-0550 x 211
Stable Office – (610) 688-2665
Tickets and Tables – (610) 688-2554
Vendors:
Horse Show – (610) 964-0550 x 222
Country Fair – (610) 525-2533
Website:
www.Devonhorseshow.org
Charity Partner:
To date, volunteers have raised over $14,000,000 for Bryn Mawr Hospital
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Chris Wightman
cwightman@devonhorseshow.org
Ring dimensions and footing:
Dixon Oval: 325′ x 150′
Gold Ring: 300′ x 130′
The Dixon Oval, Gold Ring, and the Schooling Area all have state of the art all weather footing by Equestrian Services International.
Management:
David Distler
Peter Doubleday
MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com