May/June 2024 Issue

Brenda Carpenter Photography The News East Coast Horse Owners Need To Know OUR st YEAR 99 - PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 280 LANC., PA 17604 Vol. 31 No. 2 May/June 2024 (Continued on page 36) Inside... Known as the place “Where Champions Meet,” the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair heralds in its 128th year of world class competition, May 22nd to June 2nd, 2024, at the historic Devon Show Grounds. The oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America, this year once again brings together elite equestrians from varied disciplines in one extraordinary 12-day event. Hunters, Equitation, Jumpers, Saddlebreds, Roadsters, Carriage Driving and Coaching alike will all have their chance to compete for a spot in the famed winner’s circle in the Dixon Oval. From its humble beginnings in 1896, the first Devon Horse Show began as a one-day event that consisted of approximately thirty classes. The original show ring was constructed on grass and the judges and officials sat in a gazebo in ‘the center of the ring. Today, the Devon Horse Show boasts three impressive compe- tition rings featuring hundreds of riders competing in over 300 classes with prize monies totaling close to $1million. Elite open jumper ath- letes who ride at Devon this year will have the opportunity to vie in multiple classes for prizes and awards totaling over Devon Horse Show, “Where Champions Meet” Returns for 128 th Year $487,000. These highly accom- plished equestrians will have the chance to compete each night starting Tuesday, May 28th in the $38,700 Jet Run Welcome Stake, the $38,700 Main Line Challenge, the $226,000 Sap- phire Grand Prix of Devon, the $38,700 Devon International Speed Stake, and the $145,100 Idle Dice Open Stake, a new grand prix class with jumps in both the Dixon Oval and Wheel- er Ring with increased prize money. With a FEI CSI4 rank- ing, athletes competing in any of these events will be eligible to earn world ranking points. On the show’s opening weekend, known as “Junior Weekend,” younger riders from around the country will compete for top honors starting Wednes- day, May 22nd through Sunday, May 26th. These children and teen riders will have their time to shine in the famed Dixon oval through a range of disciplines including jumpers, hunters, equitation, and the highly coveted lead line classes. The 2024 show will also feature the country’s top hunter riders in high level competition. Recognized for its world-class hunter events, Devon will once again host a variety of hunter divisions, all with a US Equestri- an (USEF) Premier hunter rating. A highlight of the week, these skilled athletes will compete for the top honor in the fan favorite $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which will once again be sponsored by the Wheel- er family. Competition for this event kicks off on Thursday, May 31st at 9 am. Experience the timeless charm and rich heritage of Devon's Annual Carriage Plea- sure Drive as it marks its 58th anniversary on Sunday, May The Carriage Pleasure Drive, a Devon Horse Show fixture for 58 years, features elegant carriages of all sorts and sizes. The event begins with judging at St. David’s Church while spectators picnic. The carriages then pa- rade through the town of Devon and to the showgrounds, where final judging takes place in the Dixon Oval. Brenda Carpenter Photography Endurance ‘festival’ at Fair Hill, Wells sets polo record, ‘chasing updates, Crazy Faith Riders, stable protects its horses for life… and much more! Equine Healthcare, Nutrition, Therapy feature … pgs. 14-25