Dressage at Devon is pleased to be the first horse show in the United States to offer a foal championship. The foal championship, sponsored by Hassler Dressage, will be a part of the event’s extensive breed division, which takes place September 23-25.

The foal championship was added for a number of reasons. Because their ever-changing conformation can impact their movement, foals will be on a more equal ground when judged against each other. “It is always difficult to judge foals against other horses,” said Breed Show Chair Melanie Sloyer, “so the foals are often passed by in the championships.” It also, she added, makes the judges’ job more reasonable. Offering a championship just for these young horses will have the added benefit of allowing them to avoid the stress that can result from entering multiple championship classes.

Foal championships have been a tradition in Germany, and with some other breed registries in Europe and the Canadian Sport Horse Association. Said Susanne Hassler, Vice President of Hassler Dressage and Director of Breeding for the organization, “At Hassler Dressage we feel it is very important to highlight the American breeder and the new foal championship at Dressage at Devon is an ideal way to do so. With the European market pressure ever present, even with the current strength of the Euro, our American breeding program must be emphasized and promoted. We look forward to celebrating our American breeders’ beautiful foals!”

Dressage at Devon offers one of the most complete breed shows outside of Europe with 32 individual breeds, more than 70 classes, and close to 500 horses. In addition to the foal championship, the show pins champions in filly, colt, young horse, mare, stallion, and mature horse divisions, as well as a Grand Champion. It is also the venue for the Great American/United States Dressage Federation Championships.

The 34th Annual Dressage at Devon Horse Show takes place on the Devon Horse Show Grounds in Devon, PA., September 23-28 and benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc. For more information, visit www.dressageatdevon.org.