Devon, Pa. – May 31, 2018 – Thursday night at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair once again belonged to the “King of Devon” McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, who surpassed 31 contenders to claim the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4* for a record tenth time in his career. Ward rode the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare, Clinta, owned by Sagamore Farms, around the famed Dixon Oval in front of a packed crowd, consisting of diehard show jumping fans to Pennsylvania locals, hoping to witness some of the greatest names in the sport of show jumping go head-to-head for the most coveted trophy in the Devon collection: the Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy.
Hunt Tosh and Flamingo-K Claim $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Thursday afternoon at the Devon Horse Show brought top hunter horses and riders together to showcase their best efforts in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by the Wheeler family. At the end of the afternoon, it was Hunt Tosh of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Ceil Wheeler’s Flamingo-K who bested the playing field of 30 other entries.
Amanda Murchison and CH Spread The Word Earn Three-Peat Devon Blue in Adult Three-Gaited English Show Pleasure
The Dixon Oval saw “Devon at Sunset” take place on Thursday, where highlighted events included the Adult Three-Gaited English Show Pleasure class with eight horse-and-rider combinations. For the third year in a row, it was Amanda Murchison and her own CH Spread The Word who took home the Robin Hill Challenge Trophy in the competitive class.
Dancing on Horseback
By Veronica J. Finkelstein
Spectators at this year’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be treated to a very special exhibition — a Musical Kur performed by Michael Bragdell, the head trainer of Hilltop Farm. Performances are scheduled for Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2.
“Freestyle to Music,” also known as “Musical Kur” or simply “kur” (an anglicized version of the German word for freestyle), is a form of dressage competition where the horse’s movements are choreographed to music to create a competitive dance. The best routines result in a seamless blend of athleticism and artistry, while highlighting the indelible bond between horse and rider.
Bragdell, who will be performing the demonstration at Devon, is no stranger to success in the dressage ring. Bragdell captured his first U.S. dressage national championship aboard Selten-HW in the FEI 4-year-old division in 2008 and again in 2012 aboard Hemmingway. He has won four US Dressage Finals national championships and is a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist.
Come watch Bragdell demonstrate the very best of what dressage has to offer at the Devon Horse Show! His Musical Kur is sure to enchant and inspire!
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the country fair, which benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital and has donated over $14 million to date. The country fair offers world-class shopping, rides, games, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
For more information about the Devon Horse Show, please click here. To purchase tickets, click here or email tickets@devonhorseshow.org. We look forward to seeing you at the 2018 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair!
