Contagious gave McLain Ward his 12th victory in the Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon in 2022. Credit Emma Miller, Phelps Media Group
Known as the place “Where Champions Meet,” the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair heralds in their 127th year of world class competition, May 25th to June 4th, 2023, 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 11-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 was a one-day event with approximately thirty classes. The fenced-in 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 impressive competition rings featuring hundreds of riders competing in over 300 classes with prize monies totaling close to $1million. Elite open jumper athletes will have the opportunity to vie in multiple classes for prizes and awards totaling over $487,000. These highly accomplished equestrians compete each night starting Tuesday, May 30 in the 38,700 Jet Run Welcome Stake, followed by the $38,700 Main Line Challenge, the $226,000 Sapphire 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 Wheeler Ring and increased prize money. With a FEI CSI4 ranking, 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 Thursday, May 25th through Sunday, May 28th. These top children and teen riders will have their time to shine in the famed Dixon kicking off Memorial Day Weekend starting at 8 am, Thursday, May 25th.
This year 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 Equestrian (USEF) Premier hunter rating. A highlight of the week is the fan favorite $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which will once again be sponsored by the Wheeler family. Competition for this event kicks off on Thursday, June 1st at 10 am.
From Wednesday, May 31 through Saturday June 3rd, the graceful Saddlebred and Hackney competition classes take to the Dixon Oval. The $3,000 Five-Gaited Saddlebred Stake brings the elegance of these athletes to the forefront on Friday, June 2nd.
The $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing returns for its fifth year. This extraordinary competition features a blend of cross-country and stadium jumps across both the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Rings. Open to the nation’s top athletes, the technically difficult course will once again be designed by Olympic Gold Medalist, Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain.
Several family friendly exhibitions will also take place throughout the show. On Thursday, May 25th, the canines take to the Dixon Oval to compete in the Devon Dog Show. Presented by What A Good Dog, the show will include an exciting exhibition, three classes: Simon Says, Novelty Division, the Canine Lead Line Costume Parade, and the popular selfie station inside the Dixon Oval for all participants. Other must-see exhibitions include the always popular Radnor Hunt Hounds on Saturday May 27th and the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase on Sunday May 28th and Monday May 29th. In addition, the Budweiser Clydesdales will appear daily from Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 3rd.
Last but definitely far from least, the 11 days will finish with pony and horse hunter breeding which takes place in the Dixon Oval beginning at 8 am on Sunday, June 4th. The most promising young ponies and horses in the country will have their chance in the spotlight, and breeders will have the opportunity to display their up-and-coming foals, yearlings, and young ponies and horses.
For more information about the 2023 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair and to purchase tickets, visit www.devonHorseShow.net.