2006 Dressage at Devon

32nd Annual International Dressage at Devon Horse Show

The elegance and precision of classical horsemanship are showcased at the highest-rated show outside of Europe, September 26th through October 1st

It has been called poetry in motion and ballet on horseback. For those who practice it, it is a challenging sport that requires a lifetime of dedication. Dressage is the hottest, fastest growing equestrian discipline in the USA today. In September, Dressage at Devon brings top competitors, horses, trainers and judges from across the continent and around the globe together for one of the highest-rated international dressage competitions and the most complete breed show outside of Europe. This year, the 32nd annual Dressage at Devon Horse Show will be held September 26th through October 1st at the Devon Horse Show grounds in Devon, Pennsylvania. Olympic medalist Robert Dover calls Dressage at Devon “the standard by which all American horse shows should be judged.” Competitors at the 2006 Dressage at Devon Horse Show will represent numerous states, as well as several nations and Canadian provinces

Dressage, a French word meaning “training,” describes a rider’s harmonious development of the horse in both body and mind to increase suppleness, obedience and strength. The result is a breathtaking blend of power and artistry. Considered classical horsemanship, the roots of dressage can be traced back 2,400 years to classical Greece. Competition involves a series of movements based on a horse’s action, not unlike gymnastics or figure skating competitions.

Dressage at Devon opens with the three day Breed Division, in which horses are judged for movement and conformation. Dressage at Devon is considered one of the world’s largest breed shows, with over 400 horses competing in more than 50 classes, representing more than 30 individual breeds. “This is where you can see the Grand Prix Champions of tomorrow,” says Breed Show Chair Melanie Sloyer. The USDF Breeders Championship East Coast Qualifier and Final, North American Breeders Futurity Championship Finals and the Born in the USA Breeders Awards are among the highlights of the show’s first days.

Thursday, the four-day Performance Division of dressage competition begins. Most Dressage at Devon classes are F.E.I. (Fédération Equestre Internationale) level, including four Grand Prix classes, the highest level of dressage—the level of Olympic competition. This year, the show is offering an unprecedented $10,000 in prize money for the Grand Prix Freestyle winners. Dressage at Devon was also the first large dressage competition in the United States to offer international-level competition classes for ponies. There will be “dancing to the music” with musical freestyles, in which a horse “dances” a choreographed series of movements to music, and electronic scoring with an instantaneous display of marks for each movement, from each judge.

Special exhibitions including medieval-attired riders performing breathtaking airs above the ground, fast and furious Polocrosse, and the Mainstreamers drill team will be held during competition breaks. The Festival Shops offer exclusive apparel, fine arts, antiques and collectibles from more than 60 vendors. “The best food on the horse show circuit,” according to competitors, includes everything from burgers to full gourmet meals. Families enjoy the weekend atmosphere, where Kids Corral provides activities for youngsters, and exhibitions are geared towards family fun. Audience members may choose to hear live, expert commentary on individual headsets with Dressage with the Experts.

Wednesday, Dressage at Devon offers a forum with best-selling author, trainer, competitor and coach, Jane Savoie. Drawing on the success of her book, she will present Develop That Winning Feeling! Wednesday evening, September 27th.

Friday, September 29th is Ladies’ Day and all those wearing hats will be admitted free, receive a goodie bag and have a chance to win lovely prizes if chosen by a panel of celebrity judges that include hat maker to the Dutch royal family H.W. de Winter.

More than 500 volunteers work together to make Dressage at Devon a success. The show was founded by Delaware Valley Combined Training Association and benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc., one of the oldest and largest therapeutic riding facilities in the nation. Thorncroft helps the disabled to improve balance, circulation, muscle tone, and concentration, while enhancing self-esteem. Since 1991, Dressage at Devon has raised more than $1,000,000 for Thorncroft.

Dressage at Devon takes place at the Devon Horse Show Grounds, Route 30, in Devon, Pennsylvania. Hours are 8 a.m. to about 6 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, Wednesday, September 27 and Thursday, September 28; 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 1. General admission is $8; children under 12 are admitted at no charge. Reserved and box seats are available. For information, call 484-358-5510 or go to www.dressageatdevon.org.

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