Day Five of the Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon brought together past and present in a blend of pageantry and high-level sport. As the fifth day of the Performance Division unfolded, the Dixon Oval celebrated 50 years of dressage tradition with a nostalgic Legends of Devon Parade before giving way to electric performances in the CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, the CDI3* Grand Prix Special and a full slate of small tour classes.

Photo – Ben Ebeling and Bellena wowed the Saturday night crowd with their Grand Prix freestyle in the iconic Dixon Oval. (Susan J. Stickle Photography)

Legends of Devon Parade

A festive Legends of Devon Parade celebrating 50 years of Dressage at Devon featured riders, judges, handlers and breeders donning red and black while circling the Dixon Oval before the start of the CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Kingsview Partners. It was a celebration of friends and living legends to the delight of the audience.

Grand Prix Freestyle Under the Lights

An opening ceremony featuring a color guard and a choir from nearby Villanova University singing the National Anthem kicked off the evening on Saturday, Sept. 27. The FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Kingsview Partners, featured 17 dancing horse-and-rider duos performing advanced dressage moves to a musical score of their choosing.

Benjamin Ebeling and Ann Romney’s 15-year-old Hanoverian mare Bellena earned a 77.665% to capture the thrilling win in a freestyle created by Karen Robinson. Bellena is by Belissimo NRW out of Wellfair 3 by Weiser 2.

“That was an electric environment to be sure,” Ebeling said. “There’s no place like Dressage at Devon. This was a big step in getting my horse acclimated in big environments in an arena like this.” When asked about the highlight of the freestyle, he cited Bellena’s extended walk in the freestyle because, despite the atmosphere, she relaxed and put her trust in him.

Super Thrilled

Kevin Kohmann and Dünenesee, whose barn name is Denzel, placed second with a 77.005%. Denzel is a 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Dancier out of Doublette W by Onassis and owned by Diamante Farms.

“I’m super thrilled,” Kohmann said, adding that the atmosphere in the Dixon Oval was electric. “It feels like a big show in Europe. I love it here. This was the show where I rode this freestyle the first time and I’m here one year later to ride it again.”

Meagan Davis and Toronto Lightfoot captured third place with a 73.315%. Toronto Lightfoot is a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Totilas out of Okima Lightfoot by Onassis owned by Scott Durkin. Davis said the one-tempi changes seemed like a real highlight of the freestyle created by Terry Gallo.

Electric

“He was actually pretty electric but rideable, which I’ve been looking to find in the ring,” she said. “I wanted to add a little power and keep that softness, because I’ve worked really hard on building a relationship with him.”

She said she’s risen up the ranks and competed at Devon in FEI ponies, juniors, Young Riders, the small tour and Grand Prix. “Devon’s such a great, confidence builder for everybody to be able to go out in that ring and get the experience from ponies to Grand Prix riders. It’s just a great show.”

Conclusion

From living legends parading the Dixon Oval to thrilling freestyles and tightly contested small tour classes, Day 5 of the Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon delivered a showcase of excellence and tradition. As the Performance Division moves toward its final days, both seasoned professionals and rising stars continue to make their mark in one of America’s most iconic dressage arenas.