Victoria Colvin (The Book LLC)

Devon, PA - The final day of Devon was off to a beautiful start; the sun was shining, a nice breeze was blowing, and spectators lined the stands waiting for the first Hunter Derby rider to enter the in-gate. The ring was filled with hunter-style jumps--natural wood, shrubbery, a crisp hedge roll top, and numerous branches decorated a series of obstacles. The Derby is a unique set of classes, with fences set to different heights so riders can chose the high of low option for varying points. As the riders warmed up in the ring, the stands buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

Kelley Farmer started off the day on Mythical, setting the bar high for other riders with a round 1 score of 181. In total Kelley rode 5 horses in the derby. On Taken she had a refusal at an oxer, saluting the judges and dismissing herself from the ring. She came back in on Commentary with a round 1 score of 171, followed by her ride on On Q and finishing up with Skorekeeper. Mythical, Commentary, and Skorekeeper all made it into the second round. Victoria Colvin pulled ahead in round one beating Farmer's 181 on Mythical with a 187 on Inclusive. Round one finished strong, and as round two began the competition was tight. All riders scored above 100 in their second round, many above 170. Kelley Farmer swept the field scoring a 197 on Skorekeeper and an amazing 202 on Commentary, but it was Victoria Colvin, the last rider of round two, who sent the stands into a roar with her total combined score adding up to over 376, earning her first place. Farmer tied up second and third on Commentary and Skorekeeper respectively.

With that, Ringmaster Alan Keeley sounded the closing call and brought the 2013 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair to an end for another year.The final day at Devon ended with riders and spectators in high spirits. These past two weeks we have seen some of the best horses and riders in the world. We have seen endless excitement, beauty, showmanship, and teamwork. Like always, the Devon Horse Show does not disappoint. Next year we can surely look forward to even more spectacular events and welcome some new riders into the Dixon Oval.