Dressage at Devon, a staple on the international dressage calendar in the U.S.A, returns this week with stacked entries, featuring multiple Olympians, and a program packed with education and entertainment.
Hosted on the historic Devon Horse Show ground and with its European-like atmosphere, Devon delivers what no other dressage competition in the U.S.A. does. This year's 49th edition of DaD is proudly sponsored by Kingsview Partners. Devon offers a breed show, educational events, fantastic boutiques, entertainment and, of course, world class performance sport.
DaD Revival with Top Attendance
With a new board of directors and inspired volunteers at the helm, Dressage at Devon is experiencing a major revival in the past few years after it had to swim against the current caused by Florida's magnetic pull.
Riders and breeders are honouring the efforts of the new organizers' committee and this year Devon celebrates a filled entry field of 29 Grand Prix riders and 25 small tour riders.
This high attendance is a record in recent years and testimony to renewed appeal of the show. The schedule features CDI classes for young horses, youth riders, amateurs, and a small and big tour.
Entry Field with Olympic Flair
2024 U.S. Paris Olympic team rookie Marcus Orlob will begin his campaign to qualify for the 2025 World Cup Finals in Basle (SUI) aboard Alice Tarjan's Dutch warmblood mare Jane (by Desperado x Metall). Also Canadian Olympian Camille Carier Bergeron will show her Oldenburg mare Finnländerin (by Fidertanz x Donnerhall) for the first time since Paris. Canadian Evi Strasser, who competed at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and who is a Devon regular for the past three decades, will ride for World Cup points on Disney Tyme.
Several other U.S team riders are lined up to compete in Devon: 2019 Pan American Games gold medal winner Sarah Tubman and the 2024 World Cup Finals rider Kevin Kohmann. In the GP Special tour Tina Konyot, a U.S. 2010 WEG team rider and 2009 Devon Kur winner, will be presenting her rising GP horse, Grover.
The competition at Devon will be buzzing this year with 25 small tour riders competing in the Dixon Oval, including Canadian Olympians Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and Lindsay Kellock.
Education and Entertainment
Brett Parbery
Throughout the week, educational seminars take place at the show grounds with keynote speakers Dr. Elizabeth Davidson, Dr. Jose Garcia-Lopez, Lynn Palm, and Shawna Karrasch. An additional session is scheduled concerning financial advice for equestrians, presented by Kingsview Partners.
This year will be the third time Dressage at Devon offers a Masterclass as part of the show program to bring further education about the principles of dressage to its audience. After hosting two successful Masterclasses featuring Sabine Schut-Kery and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Devon looked in a different direction for a presenter of our eagerly anticipated 2024 Masterclass. In an effort to bring even more innovative educational content for its audience, it was decided to invite the Australian team rider, trainer and representative for dressage on the other side of the Pacific Ocean: Brett Parbery.
The Jewel Court Stud USA Dressage at Devon 2024 Masterclass is an exclusive, live event on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Five demonstration riders will receive personalized instruction from Brett during the Masterclass. Tickets are available for purchase.
Dance Off
Spectators can experience the thrill of magnificent horses grooving to live music, with riders dressed in dazzling bling to impress both you and the judges on Friday 27 September 2024 round 5 - 6 PM. Defending champion, Lauren Sammis will return to defend her 2023 title and will be joined by Jim Koford, Silva Martin, and Lauren Chumley for the Dance Off, presented by RDS Automotive Group.
In this innovative competition, riders and their finely trained horses will “battle” with intricate Dressage routines, performed improvisationally to live music by Elegance Quartet and DJ Fusion designed to showcase their precision, grace, and athleticism. To add to the vibe of the event, the four horse/rider combinations have each selected a decade representing the 60s/70s/80s/90s through their costumes/attire, as well as the music to which they will perform. A further twist lies in the judging panel, made up of elite breakdancers and dressage experts, who will evaluate the performances based on rhythm, creativity, and flow.
The dance battle will be judged by world-renowned breakdancers, including Philip Kim, aka “Phil Wizard”, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist from Canada, as well as a leading, international dressage competitor, JJ Tate.
A limited number of spectators can watch Thursday night’s Jewel Court Stud USA Dressage at Devon Masterclass with Brett Parbery and Friday night’s Dressage at Devon Dance Off inside the Dixon Oval.
Don't Miss a Hoof Beat
RS Damon with the arenas
Tickets for the competition, education seminars, and more can be purchased here.
Join Dressage at Devon live on USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, from September 25th to September 29th!
Visit Dressage at Devon online on the official website or social media: Facebook and Instagram
Photos © Olivia Airhart - PMG