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Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Proudly Introduces New $50,000 Arena Eventing Class

Photo By: Brenda Carpenter.

Devon, Pa. – April 6, 2017 – The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is pleased to announce the newest addition to its 2017 lineup of exciting equestrian events. A new $50,000 Arena Eventing Class will be the first in the show’s history, blending cross country and show jumping obstacles to highlight the best of the discipline.

Presented by Mid-Atlantic Packaging, this class will include 40 eventers who will take to the Dixon Oval on the evening of May 28, 2017 at 7 p.m. Olympic gold medalist Captain Mark Phillips, former coach of the U.S. Eventing team, will design the course for the athletes.

“[Arena Eventing] is always a big success. It’s really exciting because they are going a lot faster than the jumpers go,” noted Phillips. “In other places they have had sellout crowds because the crowd really gets behind it. The ones I’ve been to have always been a great atmosphere. Obviously the first year at Devon is a little bit of a learning curve. It’s starting off at 40m per effort, which is a bit more spaced out then they are for normal show jumping, so riders can gallop a bit faster than they do in a grand prix.”

In addition to the support of Captain Mark Phillips, riders of both disciplines have embraced Devon’s Arena Eventing. These prolific riders include the current coach of the U.S. eventing team, David O’Connor, Rio Olympians Phillips Dutton and Boyd Martin, and Irish international show jumper Kevin Babington.

To be eligible for this class, athletes must have received a qualifying score in a CCI** or be jumping at 1.40m in show jumping.

Of the 25 total jumps, horse and rider will have to navigate 15 standard cross country jumps and 10 show jumps over a 1,000 meter course. Fault penalties will be given for any knockdowns and exceeding the course time limit. Prize money for competitors will be awarded up to 10th place and there is no entry fee to enter.

“We were going to do it over two rounds and take the top horses through to the second round, but in the first round you use both arenas, the Dixon Oval and Gold Ring,” explained Phillips. “In the second round, just the top riders who went through go under lights just in the Dixon Oval.”

Athletes interested in competing can contact Elly VandeMerkt for more information about the entry process by emailing elly@devonhorseshow.org. All sponsors, owners, riders, and other financial supporters can make their reservations first for a table in the Devon Club by emailing elly@devonhorseshow.org or calling (610) 964-0550 x204.

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 offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

For reserved seating to experience arena eventing, please call the Devon Horse Show at (610) 688-2554 or email tickets@devonhorseshow.org.

Website:  Devonhorseshow.org

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

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