#10 IT’S WORLD CLASS. And getting classier every year.
Some of the BEST riders in the world are here, including three out of four on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team: McClain Ward (9-time Devon Grand Prix champ), Beezie Madden and Kent Farrington, now ranked #1 in the world. Or catch a rising star like Devin Ryan. (A happy naming coincidence? We think not.)
The stakes, btw, are higher than ever. Winner of the Sapphire Grand Prix pockets $250,000 – double the purse from just three years ago.
In total, $87,500 in prize money has been added in 2018 – lots of moolah to go around.
#9 IT’S HEART POUNDING.
Thrills, chills, spills and hard knocks – Devon’s got ’em every day. Show jumpers and arena eventers play beat-the-clock, each just a slip-and-fall away from dashed dreams and rough landings. It’s also crunch time for those engaging in less (dare)devilish pursuits like the prancing Saddlebred classes. Watch their faces as they exit the Dixon Oval and the (newly christened) Wheeler Ring. You’ll know if they’re in the money or will have to hope for a better ride next year.
#8 IT’S ARTSY.
Now in its 15th year, the Art Gallery at the Devon Horse Show has also upped its game. Snagging a spot in this juried show and sale was more competitive than ever. Plus, the Gallery features eleven new artists this year. Pick up a print of the 2018 poster by Shawn Faust or an original piece for that lonely wall.
#7 IT’S PATRIOTIC.
Memorial Day’s Tribute to Heroes featured an equestrian color guard at Valley Forge Military and and honor guard of local first responders. A nice touch: all active and retired military, police, fire and EMTs and their families got free admission, courtesy of, who else, Patriot Chevrolet Buick GMC. A new Devon sponsor, Patriot is also donating a two-year lease on a 2018 Buick Encore SUV to the Devon Derby raffle. Winner picks the color. Oh say can you see yourself behind the wheel of this beauty?
#6 IT’S WAY MORE FUN THAN THE MALL
Lots of fresh new shops join local faves like Polka Dots and Eastcote Lane this year. So get your shop on – for Father’s Day, graduation, wedding gifts and maybe take home a little sumpin’ sumpin’ for yo’self.
Want some swag but can’t swing a visit? Devon’s all-new online souvenir shop is always open.
#5 IT’S FOR THE DOGS
Pooches on parade in costumes? Two paws up.
Sponsored by What a Good Dog, “The Dog Show at the Horse Show” on no-charge “Community Night” May 24 had more than 100 entries. Couldn’t make it? Furry friends on leashes are always welcome on the show grounds.
#4 IT’S A KIDDIE CARNIVAL
Who needs the Boardwalk (and the shore traffic) when we’ve got a Ferris wheel and amusement rides, duck pond, games of chance and fried Oreos in our own backyard.
Discounts on the Midway, food and souvenirs on Family Days, May 24 and May 29, with free guided back barn tours 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. May 29. (Note for next year: The show’s opening night is traditionally free of charge.)
#3 IT’S A VISUAL FEAST (AND WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING HORSES).
Ladies Day morning offers the best people-watching in the burbs and, frankly, it’s not even close. Gawk as the hordes gather for the can-you-top-this hat contest and attendant festivities. Click here to Rosé All Day on Wednesday, May 30. There’s still time to enter. (BTW, if you see us on the judging stand, please come by and say hi.)
Not competing? Not a problem. Wear a hat and you get in free.
#2 IT’S LOCAL.
Local riders during Junior (Memorial Day) Weekend, local shopkeepers and 2,000 local volunteers. All harnessed together, pulling for a local cause: Bryn Mawr Hospital.
#1 IT’S DEVON. IT’S WHAT MAKES THE MAIN LINE THE MAIN LINE. PERIOD.
With two hoofs planted in tradition, two hoofs trotting jauntily toward the future, our 11-day, historic horsefest rides for the 122nd time May 24 – June 3. The showgrounds just get spiffier and the amenities nicer. And with exciting additions like Musical Kur, Arena Eventing and an influx of truly elite riders, the show, well, it just keeps getting better.
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, 23 Dorset Ave. runs until June 3. See you there!