Jumpers have always been a major part of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and this year, with three new sections, these terrific athletes will add even more excitement to the oldest and most prestigious outdoor show in the country. Devon, held May 25-June 3, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated over $11.4-million over its four decades of association. Jumper classes are held daily throughout the 10 days, culminating in two grand prix classes, held Thursday and Saturday evenings, but there is also a potpourri of equestrian disciplines, from hunters to elegant side saddle competitions, high stepping gaited horses and carriages of all types, plus exciting exhibitions.
New this year are jumper sections for ponies, adult amateurs and young horses. Pony Jumpers compete in the last class Sunday afternoon and the second class Sunday evening, following the first class for Adult Jumpers.
Adults continue as the last class Monday afternoon and the first class that evening. Classes for five-, six- and seven-year-olds are scheduled for Memorial Day and Tuesday mornings. Open Jumpers are now scheduled to begin competing Tuesday afternoon, with the $75,000 Grand Prix of Devon opening the Thursday evening session, the $15,000 Gambler's Choice as the last class Friday evening and the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake the last class Saturday evening. Amateur Owner Jumpers compete Friday and Saturday.
Junior weekend opens the 10 days of competition on Thursday, May 26, and includes hunter, jumper, pony hunter and pony breeding classes. The junior rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation, as modeled by Olympic medalists Billy Steinkraus, George Morris, Joe Fargis and Conrad Homfeld, as well as exhibiting the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman will be awarded the SHALANNO, Style of Riding Award, on Saturday evening, May 28, after the final junior jumper class.
The Carriage Pleasure Drive on Sunday opens a week of adult competition in hunters, jumpers, three- and five-gaited horses, Friesians, Hackney and harness horses and ponies, Roadsters and four-in-hand coaching. Ladies side saddle classes are featured Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday, June 1, is devoted to breeding classes, featuring yearlings, two- and three-year olds.
Four-in-hand coaching is held on evenings Monday through Friday, and the Friday night schedule includes a number of Saddlebred championships. The final evening of the show includes three- and five-gaited, Hackney Pony, Fine Harness Horse and Roadster championships, building up to the $50,000 Idle Dice Stake, the Open Jumper Championship and the Leading Open Jumper Rider award.
The beloved Budweiser Clydesdales return in exhibition, performing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon. The Country Fair features boutique shopping for sporting clothes, often appliqued with an equestrian motif, paintings and prints, gorgeous gold and silver jewelry, garden accessories, furniture painted with horses and dogs, fancy hats, leather goods and antiques, collectibles and souvenirs. Food is available for every taste from hamburgers and hot dogs to gourmet dining in the cafeteria, and the famous Devon fudge.
General admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12 and $5 for seniors. Reserved seating is available. Call for ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the ticket office at the show grounds from April 5-May 19, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or call (610) 688-2554. For information on the availability of boxes, call Milly Levin at (610) 964-0550.
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