April 12, 2003 - Richard McDevitt of Malvern, PA, long-time President of the Devon Horse show, former President of the American Horse Shows Association and prominent Philadelphia lawyer, died on Friday, April 11.

McDevitt served as the President of the American Horse Shows Association, now known as USA Equestrian, from 1975 – 1987. His influence was widespread, specifically in the area of enforcement and promotion of the drugs and medications rules. McDevitt made it a personal mission to rid the sport of these types of abuse, for the benefit of not only the sport, but also for the welfare of the horse. During his tenure the AHSA saw a 70% increase in competitions and the membership more than doubled.

Due to his dedication to the sport, McDevitt received the AHSA Award of Merit, an award given only upon special discretion of the Executive Committee. In 2000 McDevitt was awarded the Marty Simensen Memorial Trophy for his work as a pioneer of the AHSA Drugs and Medications Program.

For 26 years McDevitt served as the president and guiding force to the Devon Horse Show and also served as its Chairman. He served on the Appeals Committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and was President of the Ground Jury at the 1984 Pan American Games. He also served as President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and was a member of the USET Executive Committee.