September 2025 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN September 2025 6 Some events deserve the title of iconic, and the 50thAnniversary of Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon (DAD) is one of them. For 50 years, Dressage at Devon has welcomed Olympic riders, devoted fans and rising stars in the Performance and Breed Divisions to the Dixon Oval for a week of elite sport, equestrian education and that unmistakable Chester County charm. From Sept. 23 to 28, the golden anniversary promises to deliver all the tradition you love, with a few new reasons to make the trip, especially if you’re reading this from the tack room or trailer here in the mid-Atlantic. What to Expect: World-Class Competition Friday to Sunday, September 23 - 28, 2025 The week kicks off with the world-renowned Breed Division Tuesday through Thursday, where future stars show off their conformation, movement and charisma. The breed show isn’t just for breeders—it’s a great opportunity to learn about bloodlines, evaluate young talent and see future FEI horses before they hit the big stage. On Tuesday, the Individual Breed Classes featuring more than 20 breeds and the Pony Class Division consisting of 18 classes, sponsored by Kickapoo Ponies, are followed by the fan-favorite Parade of Breeds, a colorful celebration of equine diversity which includes the winners from all the breed classes. Wednesday includes a variety of classes including Materiale, Young Horse/Sport Horse, and Mature Horse/Breeding classes. This division isn’t just for fun, it’s a USDF Breeders Championship Series Qualifier and the East Coast Final, making it a must-attend for top breeders from across the country. Beginning Thursday, the Performance Division features four days of international and national-level dressage competition. Many classes are FEI-level, including the Grand Prix and the highly anticipated Saturday night Grand Prix Freestyle, where riders perform choreographed tests to music under the lights. You’ll seeWorld Cup qualifiers (CDI-W), CDI3* and CDI2* competitions, and classes for Children, Juniors, Young Riders andAdultAmateurs.Whether you’re into polished piaffes or just want to witness Olympic-level artistry, the Dixon Oval delivers. Want to add your opinion? Download the Spectator Judging app sponsored by Horse- Flight and score Saturday night’s rides from your seat. Mark Your Calendar: AMasterclass with Ingrid Klimke Thursday, September 25, 2025 New this year, and not to be missed, is the 2025 Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon Masterclass with Ingrid Klimke Presented by Capital Square on Thursday, Sept. 25. at 6 p.m. Ingrid is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in eventing and a force at the Grand Prix level in dressage. Her session will blend real-time training with insights into her system and philosophy. Whether you ride, teach or love to learn, this is a rare chance to gain knowledge from one of the most dynamic horsewomen in the sport. Tickets are available at dressageatdevon.org/masterclass. Looking for a cool holiday find for your favorite equestrian? Join Ingrid’s pop-up shirt and book signing between 4 and 5 p.m. on Thurs- day, Sept. 25 for a uniquely personalized gift. After the Masterclass, attend the Ingrid Klimke Meet and Greet Reception sponsored by Fichtbauer Saddles and presented by Mary Phelps Markel Insurance. Dressage at Devon has long been about more than ribbons. The show offers a full roster of educational opportunities, including the masterclass, live commentary during select classes, and presentations around the grounds. Riders, grooms and spectators alike will walk away with new ideas and inspiration. Check out the list of educational opportunities in the sidebar labeled Love To Learn with DAD. A Battle of the Grand Prix Grooves Friday, September 26, 2025 If you’re looking for something with fabulous flair, don’t miss the Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon Dance-Off, back for its second year on Friday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. This crowd-pleaser pits elite dressage riders against one another in freestyle “battles” set to live music—and judged by celebrity break dancers It’s fun, flashy and surprisingly fierce. Shopping and Savoring Friday to Sunday, September 23 - 28, 2025 | All day And of course, there’s shopping. The Fall Festival of Shops is a paradise of vendor booths offering everything from custom tack and rider apparel to artisan jewelry, antiques, unique artwork and fash- ionable finds. Whether you need a new bit or just want to get a head start on holiday shopping, the vendor village is worth the trip alone. Hungry?You’ll find crab cakes, burgers, truffle fries and funnel cakes in charming outdoor cafés. The Pub offers full coverage of the compe- tition on big screens so you can eat, drink and still catch every canter. And don’t miss Shop, Sip & Stroll on Wednesday evening (5–7 p.m.), where you can sip wine as you scope out the offerings and select vendors donate a portion of proceeds back to the show. 50 Years of Dressage at Devon: A Golden Celebration for the Equestrian Community SPECIAL EVENTS Location: Devon Horse Show Grounds, 23 Dorset Rd, Devon, PA 19333 Dates: Sept. 23–28, 2025 Masterclass: 2025 Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon Masterclass with Ingrid Klimke Presented by Capital Square; Thursday, Sept. 25; 6 p.m. Breed Show: Sept. 23–25 Performance Classes: Sept. 25–28 Dance-Off: Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon Dance-Off, Friday, Sept 26; 5:30 p.m. Freestyle Night: Saturday, Sept. 27 Tickets & Info: www.dressageatdevon.org Follow on Instagram: @dressageatdevon