WASHINGTON – May 20, 2015 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the wildly popular WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will be off and running again in 2015. The entertaining event features pint-sized jockeys in colorful silks racing the cutest, fluffiest Shetland Ponies to the cheers of spectators of all ages.
The first stop in the series will be the historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, Pa., May 24 and May 25, and it will conclude with the finals at WIHS in October at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Introduced in 2013 and expanded last year, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races, dubbed “D.C.’s newest — and cutest — sport” by Gillian Brockell of the Washington Post, are run like professional racing events with a bugler, race caller and photo finish, but in miniature — the jockeys are youngsters from seven to 14 mounted on traditional Shetland Ponies racing over a course of mini-hurdles.
For those unable to attend in person, the Devon races will be streamed live by EQSportsNet (eqsports.net) and archived on WIHS.org.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response to the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series,” said WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan. “It’s been so much fun to create and build a fresh, fun and exciting event for spectators of all ages. Pony racing is also a great way for kids to get into equestrian sports. Not too many people know that Kent Farrington, one of the world’s top-ranked show jumpers and a frequent competitor at Washington, used to race ponies!”
Well-established in the United Kingdom, pony racing is growing in popularity in the U.S., thanks in part to Maryland-based U.S. Pony Racing, LLC (USPR), organizer of the WIHS exhibition series, which runs flat and jumping pony races at events throughout the region, including at Pimlico.
Before entering the USPR program, ponies are evaluated for their suitability and every child is fully prepared for race day. “We don’t want [the ponies] to be little race horses, we want them to be good ponies that kids can ride,” said Regina Welsh, USPR founder and director. “We want well-rounded kids and well-rounded ponies.”
Ongoing sponsor Charles Owen is no newcomer to pony racing. The Wrexham-based helmet maker has been a significant supporter of pony racing in the U.K. since 2005.
“Charles Owen is delighted to continue its support of the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series,” said Roy Burek, Managing Director of Charles Owen. “With our long association with pony racing in the U.K., we’re especially excited to be a part of its growth in the U.S. Devon and Washington offer an ideal showcase for this sport and we encourage equestrians and non-equestrians alike to come out to experience and enjoy it.”
The 57th annual Washington International Horse Show will be held October 20-25, 2015, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit WIHS.org.
About the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org)
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 26,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the international governing body for horse sports.
David Blake and Zelaleen Take $1,000 Animo 1.20m Open Jumper at Tryon Spring 6
Mill Spring, NC – May 20, 2015 – Competition was underway at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TEIC) today with the start of Tryon Spring 6, the sixth installment of the 2015 Tryon Spring Series. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL finished in first and second in the $1,000 Adequan® 1.30m Open Jumper piloting Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS to first and Loretta Patterson’s Copycat to second place. David Blake of Wellington, FL topped the $1,000 Animo® 1.20 Open Jumper aboard Pine Hollow Farm’s Zelaleen. Tryon Spring 6 will continue through Sunday, May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will conclude on Sunday, June 7.
Holly Shepherd dominated the $1,000 Adequan® 1.30m Open Jumper class at TIEC, finishing first aboard the Belle Clara DKS, riding the jump-off round in 36.65 seconds to secure the win. Shepherd then put in another fast clear round riding Copycat, crossing the timers in 67.246 seconds in the first round and jumping clean in 36.66 seconds in the jump-off, just a hundredth of a second slower than her ride aboard Belle Clara DKS.
The class of 25 entries battled for the fastest time around J. P. Godard designed course, which entailed several quick rollback turns, creating faults in several trips. Belle Clara DKS handled the tight course with ease, suggesting good things to come for the pair who has started their week at TIEC in strong fashion.
Jordan Coyne, winner of the Tryon Spring 5 $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, rode Christoph Schroeder’s Catori to third place, completing their first round in 67.975 seconds and finishing the jump-off in 39.812 seconds.
David Blake and Zelaleen Top First Day of $1,000 Animo 1.20 Open Jumper
David Blake and Pine Hollow Farm’s Zelaleen topped the first class of the $1,000 Animo 1.20 Open Jumper at TIEC, besting a class of 22 entries. The duo finished the first round on course in 61.457 seconds and completed the jump-off in 40.718 seconds to seal the win.
David Blake and Zelaleen
“Zelaleen is owned by the Dvorkins and is ridden by their daughter, Carly, who typically competes the horse. We decided to give it a run before she arrives this weekend,” said Blake. “She’ll be competing him in the Low Junior classes this weekend and I just wanted to basically give him a good round before she comes to compete.”
TIEC will serve as the summer base for Blake and Pine Hollow Farm team, as they will continue to compete throughout the remainder of the spring and summer seasons at the venue. This week is their first week of competition at TIEC and Blake was pleased with the course design he saw today.
“It was a lovely course and the ring is really nice to ride in. There’s plenty of space and you know it’s not too big or too small for what we need,” commented Blake. “This facility is just state of the art; we were here last fall and it was lovely and now it’s just 200% more.”
Blake had several rides throughout the first day of competition with mounts in both the 1.30m and 1.40m classes today and is looking forward to the larger classes to come later in the week.
“Basically today was about getting on and helping them get used to a new place. We’re hoping to do a few in the big class tomorrow and then a few on Saturday night in the Grand Prix as well and a couple in the Under 25 Grand Prix on Sunday,” he stated. “It’s a busy enough week for us for sure. It’s good to be busy and that’s why we enjoy it here.”
Ricardo Villa aboard his own Dulana finished in second place, finishing the jump-off clear in 40.743 seconds and Holly Shepherd with Loretta Patterson’s Win a Date finished in third, completing the jump-off in 41.028 seconds.
For more information on TIEC and to learn more about the June 6th schedule, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Minikus and Cordonos (Photo courtesy of Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group)
Lexington, KY (May 21, 2015) – The winning doesn’t stop in Lexington for FEI World Cup Jumping 2014/2015 North America East Coast League champion Todd Minikus, who topped his recent victory – three wins on three separate jumpers during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show on May 6-10 – with another win less than a week later on a fourth horse in the $20,000 1.45m Bluegrass Classic on May 15 at the Kentucky Spring Classic.
“They are all exceptional talents and individuals,” Minikus said, referring to his renowned 12-year-old Oldenburg partner of three years, Quality Girl; Matthew de Grande’s Oldenburg gelding and Bluegrass Classic winner, Cordonos; and rising jumper talents, Plum Creek Hollow Farm’s 12-year-old Westphalian stallion, Con Capilot, and Two Swans Farms’ Six-Year-Old division star, Maharaja Del Juncal. His victories at the Kentucky Horse Park this month have certainly backed up his statement.
Minikus’s win on May 15 in the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic at the Kentucky Spring Classic on Cordonos came after the pair watched more than 40 riders attempt – and fail – to catch the 62.530 second fault-free lead set early in the go by Shane Sweetnam and Beluga.
“Shane had a heck of a round. There was a window by leaving out strides, so I used raw speed instead of going inside. Cordonos won the first Grand Prix in Wellington this year and then had a little streak where he had the fastest time with one down. Today the jump gods were with him. We ended up with a nice win.”
Minikus isn’t taking those “jump gods” for granted and plans next to compete on May 23 in Saturday night’s $127,000 Hollow Creek Farms Grand Prix CSI3*. “We will see who has their jumping shoes on then,” Minikus grinned.
Todd Minikus is based in the Homeland equestrian development just minutes from Wellington, Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) show grounds. Follow Team Minikus on Facebook or www.ToddMinikus.com as he continues to jump to victory.
HRH Queen Elizabeth congratulating Chester Weber (Photo courtesy of Risto Aaltonen)
London, England (May 20, 2015) – It was a royal redux at England’s Royal Windsor CAI3* as HRH Queen Elizabeth again congratulated Chester Weber, of Ocala, Florida, on his second consecutive victory in the four-in-hand division. The 11-time USEF National Champion and three-time World Equestrian Games Silver medalist returned to the 2015 Royal Windsor Horse Show to defend the title he won there last May.
Fresh off the Live Oak International CDE win in March in the US, Team Weber, comprised of the horses owned by Chester Weber and Jane Forbes Clark, headed to Europe and to the top of the leader boards at the Royal Windsor.
But this year’s competition was no repeat of last year’s handy finish for Team Weber. Living up to his moniker, ‘Mr. Dressage,’ Weber won the opening dressage phase with a score of 36.22, but unlike the year prior, this past week’s competition saw Team Weber’s strongest competitors very close on the scoreboard, with Boyd Exell just fractions of a point behind with a score of 36.57. With just a smidge of a lead, Team Weber had their work ahead of them.
“We had to fight hard for this one. We were in a tight race with Boyd after dressage, and had a costly knockdown in marathon,” Weber said about the tense second phase, which saw Team Weber drop to third position, while a tightly executed 95.64 effort by Exell moved him into the top spot after Saturday’s Marathon. But not for long – Team Weber was now more “driven” than ever.
“I couldn’t let myself dwell on that. I knew we had to focus on bringing our A game into Cones,” Weber said. “And it worked. The horses were amazing. They really stepped up. Everything I asked them for they gave me.”
Weber’s win at last year’s Royal Windsor had marked a coming full circle 18 years in the making since he competed in the pair driving in its stadium in 1996. So what did accepting a second round of royal congratulations feel like? “It was very, very special. And well earned. Not just for me, but for the entire team behind these horses,” said Weber.
As for Team Weber’s own international combined driving calendar, their ambitions are set on the CAI3*-H4 World Cup Qualifier, June 19-21, in Lahden, Germany. The team will head next to compete at Aachen where they enjoyed a record-breaking victory last year. “Aachen is under a different, indoor driving and jumping format this year,” Weber explained, “so it won’t have as much impact on our plans.”
Team Weber had a success plan laid out for 2014 which unfolded with a string of history-making victories that included the first American entry to win the Four-in-Hand at CAIO4* Aachen, an 11th USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Championship, and an unprecedented record dressage phase score (30.89) for the sport at the Kingdom of the Sun CDE. Already their success formula for 2015 is coming to its fruition. Follow Team Weber on their 2015 European campaign at www.chesterweber.com and via Facebook.
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.
At Devon, entries are driven to a road coach or park drag. A road coach is a 12 seat vehicle for public transport on a scheduled route. Generally they were heavier than private coaches and would be drawn with horses chosen for their suitability for the work rather than for color or style.
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
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 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
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.
Lexington, KY – May 19, 2015 – Andres Rodriquez has taken over the lead in the 2015 Hagyard Challenge Series by placing fourth during Thursday’s $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*, which is combined with a second place finish during the first event. In the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, junior rider Kelli Cruciotti has jumped to the top of the standings after earning two second place ribbons during the Kentucky Spring two-week series.
In the Hagyard Challenge Series, Thursday’s winner Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela is tied for second place with Argentina’s Ramiro Quintana, who claimed the first victory in the Series. The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2015 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series, as well as a $10,000 prize for the reserve champion.
The Series concludes with the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider will be announced and presented with the prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. New this year, Brook Ledge Horse Transport will be awarding a $1,000 shipping voucher to the Leading Rider and a $500 shipping voucher to the Reserve Champion Leading Rider.
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and wellbeing of the horse.
The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine since 1876 and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology. For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit http://hagyard.com.
Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Pharmacy, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, Hallway Feeds, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.
Kelli Cruciotti and Totem Pole
The Kentucky Spring Classic also hosted the second event in the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. After earning second place in both events with Totem Pole, Kelli Cruciotti holds the lead. There are three junior riders at the top of the standings, with Helen Voss ranked second over Emma Kurtz in third. Professional riders David Beisel and Sarah Sturges, who each claimed a blue ribbon, are tied with Amateur-Owner rider Missy Luczak-Smith for fourth place.
The five-part series will feature a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby throughout the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Awards for the Series will be presented. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the five classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 16, 2015. Returning for the second year, the winning professional rider will win a free flight for a horse in the continental U.S., thanks to Tex Sutton.
Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.
The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, Trouw Nutrition, EquiVision, Fenwick Equestrian Products , Tack Shop of Lexington, Tex Sutton, Turf Town Properties and PNC Bank.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows
What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.
The American Saddlebreds will bring their unmatched excitement to the Dixon Oval – photo by Brenda Carpenter.
Devon, PA – May 19, 2015 – The rich history, style, and ambiance of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair are unmatched.
The show began in 1896 as a one-day show, but today it is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. The show is internationally recognized and globally respected.
In addition to its horse show prestige, Devon has become one of the largest volunteer run fundraising efforts in the country, with proceeds benefitting Bryn Mawr Hospital. To date, the show has raised over $14,000,000 to ensure that Bryn Mawr Hospital remains one of the top community hospitals in the country.
While the show holds a Grand Prix for Show Jumpers, the American Saddlebreds are the stars of the show ring. At Devon, the American Saddlebred is exhibited in several different divisions including five-gaited, three-gaited, fine harness, pleasure, park, and western. An incredibly versatile breed, the American Saddlebred excels at every division, and it is the only breed that walks, trots, canters, and can be taught to perform two additional gaits, the slow gait and the rack. These two additional gaits are incredibly smooth, and the American Saddlebred performs the gaits with only one foot on the ground at a time. The slow gait is slow and animated and the rack is fast and exciting!
The crowd really gets excited when the American Saddlebreds come into the ring and cheer for their favorites. The horses love the cheering and applause and work harder for it.
The Hackney and Harness Ponies are always a crowd favorite.
While the American Saddlebreds are the peacocks of the show ring, their attitudes are just as endearing. During the show, spectators have the opportunity to visit the American Saddlebreds back at the barns. American Saddlebreds love attention and are very easy to fall in love with.
So easy to fall in love with that even some of the world’s most famous celebrities are American Saddlebred enthusiasts. Currently William Shatner and Carson Kressley both own and show American Saddlebred horses.
Kressley, of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame, has long been a supporter of the Devon Horse Show, and is a popular exhibitor every year.
Every day is a good day at Devon, where dreams come true in the Dixon Oval.
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
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 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
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.
WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series comes to Devon. Photos By: Brenda Carpenter.
Devon, PA – May 18, 2015 – Visitors to this year’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will enjoy a feast for the senses both strolling the aisles of the country fair and watching top riders and drivers compete at the horse show. Inside the Dixon Oval, some entertaining and exciting exhibitions are planned, including the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, trick and Roman riding, carriage racing and the Radnor Hunt foxhounds.
Rachel Jackson began trick riding when she was just 14 years old. Jackson plans to thrill the audience with her agility and courage atop her well-trained horses – all retired racehorses. Jackson is scheduled perform Friday, May 22, Saturday, May 23 and twice on Sunday, May 24.
On Memorial Day afternoon, cheer on your favorites as the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series comes to Devon! A popular tradition in Europe, pint-sized jockeys donning bright silks gallop their Shetland ponies over obstacles with one goal in mind – to win.
“We’re delighted with the excitement that continues to surround the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series since it first debuted at Washington International Horse Show in 2013 and expanded in 2014 to include a leg at the historic Devon Horse Show,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. “We are looking forward to seeing the furry ponies and kids dressed in a rainbow of jockey silks light up the Dixon Oval again on their way to Washington in October! It’s a fun event for spectators and a great way for kids to get excited about equestrian sports.”
The Washington Post calls pony racing “the cutest sport.” The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase is scheduled for Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25.
Carriage racing will feature cones and obstacles.
Back by popular demand, carriage racing returns to Devon this year. Competitors race their single or pair of horses and ponies through a series of cones and obstacles against the clock in an attempt to produce the fastest time. This is hair-raising, pulse-quickening entertainment engages the spectators to root for their favorite teams. Carriage racing is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.
The Radnor Hunt, founded in 1883, is the oldest continuously active foxhunt in the United States. The Hunt will present their pack of foxhounds to spectators for a colorful exhibition. The presentation will highlight the management and training of the hounds and the traditions of the hunt. The chase has been a staple of country life in and around Philadelphia for generations. The Radnor Hunt exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at 8:50 p.m.
Note: the schedule is subject to change. Please check here for exhibition schedule updates.
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
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 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
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.
Todd Minikus and Quality Girl win the $25,000 Bluegrass Classic at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show (Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography)
Lexington, Kentucky (May 18, 2015) – Vita Flex Victory Team member Todd Minikus jumped to first place on not just one but three horses at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on May 6-10. This past weekend on May 15 in the Kentucky Spring Classic, Minikus won the $20,000 1.45m Bluegrass Classic on a fourth horse. He claimed victories aboard well-known mount Quality Girl, young horses Con Capilot and Maharaja Del Juncal, and Oldenburg gelding Cordonos. Vita Flex, a leading equine supplement brand with products designed to help horses carry their riders to victory, is proud to congratulate Minikus on his successes. The victories in Kentucky came as no surprise to spectators, as seasoned competitor Minikus has already been extremely successful earlier this year in Wellington, Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival and in the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach.
Minikus opened the Kentucky Spring Horse Show by winning on a new mount – Plum Creek Hollow Farm’s 12-year-old Westphalian stallion Con Capilot – in the $5,000 1.45m Open Jumper Class. Maharaja Del Juncal, a young horse owned by Two Swans Farms, finished first in the Six-Year-Old Jumpers. Quality Girl, owned by the Quality Group, bested the competition in the $25,000 Bluegrass Classic.
Quality Girl, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare (Quidams Rubin x Dobrock), has been ridden by Minikus for the past three years. The pair have enjoyed much success, including winning the 2014 Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties, NY. Quality Girl was also named Horse of the Year last year. At the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Minikus and Quality Girl were one of only three clear rounds and blazed through the jump-off to beat the starting field of 37 combinations with a time of 33.609 seconds. The victory earned the pair valuable points for the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Rankings.
During the Kentucky Spring Classic, Minikus and Cordonos (Lordanos x Tin Rocco), owned by Matthew de Grande, raced to first place in the $20,000 1.45m Bluegrass Classic. Of the forty-seven riders who competed in the speed class, only eleven cleared Bernardo Cabral’s course. Minikus and Cordonos’s time of 60.766 put them ahead of closest contender Shane Sweetnam and Beluga.
The Vita Flex Victory Team rider Todd Minikus credits a well-planned training program complemented by conscientious nutrition and supplements from Vita Flex as helping achieve such success in show jumping. “The fine line between good and great is paying attention to your horses,” Minikus explains. “To be able to feel that power and speed and athleticism is very special. Vita Flex helps me keep my horses in tip-top condition for competing, and makes sure that we stay in the winner’s circle.”
Vita Flex, with advanced supplements specifically created for equine athletes, will be with Minikus and his horses as he campaigns for a spot on the U.S. team for the Pan American Games in Toronto in July. Vita Flex® products include health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance supplements, topical ointments, vitamins, and minerals. For more information about Vita Flex, its products, and the Victory Team members, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848-2359.
Hayley Waters Bests $3,500 NAL Low Jr./AO Jumper Classic on Final Day of Tryon Spring 5
Mill Spring, NC – May 17, 2015 – Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA continued her incredibly successful week at Tryon International Equestrian Center’s (TIEC) World Championship Hunter Rider Week (WCHR), taking top honors aboard Point Being in the final $50,000 WCHR Open Hunter Classic. The class marked the conclusion of WCHR Week at the Tryon Spring 5 competition. The Tryon Spring Series will continue on Wednesday, May 20, with the start of Tryon Spring 6 and the Tryon Spring Series will continue through June 7.
Farmer, who took home the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby this past Friday aboard longtime mount, Mindful, finished her week at TIEC with a win on another rising talent in her ever-growing string, Point Being. The duo bested the class of 16 to take top honors, scoring an 87.5 in the first round and a 91 in the second. An ecstatic Farmer feels more prepared than ever heading to The Devon Horse Show next week, the next stop on their 2015 show schedule.
“This was a great week! I had him as a First Year horse last year and then he spent the winter in California so we just got him back shortly before the Lexington Spring Shows started. We went to Texas, where he ribboned, and then came here where he was third in the Derby,” said Farmer. “When we came back for the Handy round on Friday, I messed up. We’re still getting familiar with each other again.”
Point Being is a true star according to Farmer and just needs a little bit of refinement before truly coming into his own in the hunter ring. She continues to have high hopes for the gelding heading into the competitive part of the summer season.
“He’s always tries his hardest. It’s a benefit, but it can also be a detriment sometimes too because he tries so hard and sometimes it’s almost too hard,” she explained. “That is nothing you would ever want to fault him for though, because that’s what we love about him so much.”
Farmer’s trainer Larry Glefke agreed. “He can be a little bit difficult because of the fact that when he goes in the ring he doesn’t ever try and not jump over the top of the standards.” The beautiful bay gelding has the talent to excel in a both the hunters and the jumpers, but Glefke believes the experience in the hunter ring will do nothing but benefit the gelding moving forward in his career, whether that be in the hunter ring or possibly jumping around a Grand Prix.
“We’ve had some big time jumper riders and trainers tell us that we really need to take him over to the jumper ring. He’s only seven years of age, but we’ve always said, even if he makes it over in the other ring, this is incredible experience for him too,” said Glefke and Farmer agreed.
Competing the gelding has been a highlight for Farmer, who has always thought he would be excel under her tutelage. The duo has already been extremely successful upon his return and ultimately, Farmer will look towards USHJA Derby Finals with Point Being later in the summer in Lexington, KY.
“I’m so excited to have him back. I’ve always absolutely loved him, and I have a special place in my heart for horses that give you that much try and he brings that much intensity every time,” commented Farmer. “He’s always been one of my favorites.”
Farmer had four other rides in the class, finishing in second aboard Avatar Real Estate, LLC’s Dalliance, fourth on Jessica Stitt’s Taken, sixth piloting Kensel, LLC’s Mindful, and twelfth aboard Glefke & Kensel, LLC’s So to Speak, all of whom have the talent to win on any given day.
“Today’s class was lovely and the ring was beautiful. They built a great course, and the horses jumped really well. It’s so nice for this venue to give that kind of money for a hunter classic and the footing is beautiful and the facility is just tremendous,” said Farmer. “This was such a pleasant experience for us and the horses and J. P. Godard put on just a lovely show. We really couldn’t be happier with how this week went for us.”
Glefke agreed and continued with the sentiment. “This facility is just top-notch and with the grass rings they’re going to build, I truly love this place. We normally don’t come to shows that we haven’t been to before because we don’t know about the footing, but the footing here is absolutely sensational and the stabling is just world-class, plus I love the Roger’s Diner and the chocolate milkshakes,” he laughed.
Hayley Waters and Carthesino Z Win $3,500 NAL Low Jr./AO Jumper Classic
Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL took the top prize in the $3,500 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic besting the class of 23 entries. Waters and Carthesino Z finished the first track in 78.314 seconds and completed the jump-off nearly three seconds faster than the second place finishers, Madeline Thatcher aboard Skilliane De Varnel, crossing the timers in 30.628 seconds.
Hayley Waters and Carthesino Z
“He’s a really quick horse, and he turns really well in the ring. I know I can ask him for the tight turns, and he’s super careful all the way around,” commented Waters. “I trust him at the jumps, and he’s confident in the ring, so I felt like he did a really great job for me today.”
The course had several tight inside turns that made riders work hard to finish clear and within the time allowed. Waters looked to take the risky turns, but knew that Carthesino Z would stay with her throughout the course.
“I definitely thought the inside turn to the last fence was going to be hard. I didn’t know if it was going to be faster to go inside or right around, but when I was riding and saw it, it was right there so I just took a chance and went for it and he handled it brilliantly,” she said.
Carthesino Z packs a lot of punch for his smaller and more compact frame. He can turn on a dime and made the 1.20m course look easy. Waters, who has been riding the gelding for a little bit over a year, has been impressed with his ability to step up to the plate and is looking to move him towards the High Amateur classes over the summer.
“He’s just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. We started him mostly in the Lows and then we moved him to the Mediums when we were in Ocala this winter, so this is his first week back from his vacation after the winter season,” commented Waters. “I’m hoping to move him up to the Highs pretty soon at some point this summer.”
Waters competed two horses in the $50,000 Tryon Grand Prix held last night, May 16, under the lights in the George H. Morris Stadium. She piloted both mounts around the large Guilherme Jorge (BRA) with no jumping faults, adding only time penalties to both rounds. The numerous opportunities TIEC offers have made it a successful stop in her seasonal schedule this year.
“We came to TIEC last fall, and we decided that it was a place we wanted to continue competing at. The atmosphere is perfect and everything is so beautiful. The footing is also just top notch. Overall it’s a great show,” she said. “I’ve been able to gain valuable experience here, and we’re hoping to come back in July after we do Devon and Upperville later in the month.”
Madeline Thatcher of West Bluffdale, UT finished the class in second and third place. She rode to second aboard Skilliane De Varnel in 33.352 seconds and Dolce Vita to third in 33.943 seconds.
For more information on TIEC and a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
