The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair started as a one-day horse show and grew into the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in the U.S. This historic event takes place in Devon, Pa. and draws equestrians from across the country and local fans alike to enjoy all that it has to offer. Here are five reasons to follow the excitement of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
1. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is celebrating its 128th anniversary.
The first edition of Devon took place in 1896 as railroad lines developed the “Main Line” area in the western suburbs of Philadelphia and nearby farmland. By 1914, Devon became the largest outdoor horse show in the U.S. The Country Fair was added to Devon, and Bryn Mawr Hospital was chosen as the official charity in 1919. To date, over $18 million has been raised for the hospital. Devon received a US Equestrian Heritage Competition designation as a competition that has been established for a long period of time and has made substantial contribution toward the development and promotion of the sport.
2. Watch wall-to-wall coverage of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on the USEF Network and coverage on ESPN3.
The USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse will be live streaming the horse show from start to finish. Tune in now and catch all the action form the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring. You can watch live for free with a USEF Fan account. Want to rewatch your favorite class? Take 40% off an annual USEF Subscriber Membership with promo code Devon24 to watch live and on demand. You will be able to take advantage of a full year of member benefits for just $15.
This year, the iconic Sapphire Grand Prix will be live on ESPN3 on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET and then will be replayed on ESPNews Sunday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
3. There are many different breeds and disciplines to watch and enjoy.
Devon offers a variety of classes for several breeds and disciplines. Classes feature American Saddlebreds, carriage pleasure driving, English pleasure, eventing, Friesians, Hackneys, hunters, hunter seat equitation, jumping, Roadsters, saddle seat equitation, Western, and more. Competitors and fans can experience many different aspects of equestrian sport all in one place.
Go to US Equestrian’s Learning Center to brush up on the breeds and disciplines you can see at Devon. Watch such videos as The Friesian Horse, The Morgan Horse, and American Saddlebred: What Makes a Winner. Find out more about the intricacies of the various disciplines with Carriage Pleasure Driving, Hunters: A Winning Round, and Riding a Winning Jump-Off.
4. Special events and exhibitions provide fun offerings at Devon.
The special events and exhibitions are entertaining highlights of Devon. The Carriage Pleasure Drive, is a longstanding special event at Devon where drivers show off their carriages as they drive along the streets of Devon much to the enjoyment of spectators. Arena Eventing is another exciting special event at Devon. Rider-and-horse combinations give spectators a taste of eventing while they navigate a course of cross-country and show jumping fences in both the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring. The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase is one of Devon’s exhibitions with determined youth riders and their ponies racing along a course in the Dixon Oval.
5. Follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes coverage.
The US Equestrian social media accounts will provide loads of additional content from Devon. Be sure to check out the USEF Network Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts as well as the US Equestrian Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter accounts. Photo galleries, videos, and clipped rides are just a few things that you will be able to enjoy from the Devon content lineup.
