Devon, – June 3, 2018 – The final day of the Devon Horse Show saw the award for Best Young Horse being given to Richard Taylor and Renoir, owned by Susan Tice-Grossmann of Keswick, Virginia, in the Dixon Oval. Taylor and Renoir are no strangers to this prestigious award, as this is his fourth year in a row taking home the title and Renoir’s second year in a row securing top honors.
Sponsored by Renaissance Farm, the award and the Kenneth Wheeler Perpetual Trophy was presented to Taylor and Renoir, a 3-year-old Oldenburg colt, who impressed judges for the second consecutive year throughout the duration of Sunday’s class. The colt is by Rosenthal out of Furstine and was bred by John Barilar. Taylor, who has been attending the Devon Horse Show for 53 years, continually praised Renoir for his impeccable behavior and will to win as soon as he stepped foot in the Dixon Oval. According to Taylor, Renoir is broken to walk, trot, canter and trail ride and shows every indication of being a very successful show hunter in the future.
Following the award for Best Young Horse at the Devon Horse Show on Sunday, the Leading Handler Award, also sponsored by Renaissance Farm, and the Michael E. Grady Memorial Perpetual Trophy was presented to Emily Anne Belin.
While Sunday marked the conclusion of the 2018 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the always highly-anticipated event looks forward to returning in 2019!
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Richard Taylor – Best Young Horse, sponsored by Renaissance Farm, winner
On Renoir:
“This horse has been incredibly healthy and he has a wonderful temperament. He’s a horse that everyone finds appealing. He’s big, beautiful and he exudes class. The spectators will come over and say that he is a beautiful horse. This woman stopped me and said, ‘It was a joy to watch you show that horse.’ The credit goes to the horse. It’s a joy for the owners to win here, a joy for the people who work on the farm and it’s a joy for me to bring him in the ring. He has always stood there well. I don’t know how he’d know that sign says ‘Where Champions Meet,’ but when you start down the ring he’s not going to buck, jump or shake his head. He says to me, ‘I’m on a mission. Can you keep up?’ It’s all of that rolled together. It’s a privilege to have one like him.”
On Renoir’s life at home:
“He lives at the Grossmanns’ farm. This spring he has lived out in a field with a run-in shed and blankets because the barn is being completely renovated. He gets the best care. Even without a $5 million barn, he still gets fabulous care. It’s a great story to me because it proves if you want to do something badly enough, you can do it.”
How You Can Continue to Support Devon
By Veronica J. Finkelstein
Even once the last horse leaves the ring and the Ferris wheel comes down, you can still support the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. At the conclusion of the show, all of the flowers and greenery in the rings are sold. This provides a truly unique way to take home a piece of Devon that you can enjoy for years to come. Imagine looking out your window and seeing a wisteria that you know came from the Dixon Oval!
In addition, throughout the year, Devon and local shops host Devon Shopping Days. If you shop during these days, a portion of the sales will be donated to Devon. The shopping days originated from the idea of the country fair’s long-standing Christmas tree sale, which ended a few years ago. Many local vendors have participated over the past few years, including Polka Dots, Louella, J.McLaughlin, Talbots, Trove General Store, Little House Shop and Malvern Saddlery.
You can also shop for Devon merchandise through Devon’s own website. There, you will find iconic Devon souvenirs such as baseball caps, sweatshirts, t-shirts, ties and tote bags. These items can be shipped worldwide so even if you don’t live in the local area, you can still purchase a little piece of Devon as a holiday or birthday gift.
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the upkeep of and improvements to the showgrounds and equestrian facilities. By shopping, you make it possible for Devon to continue to improve and grow.
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!
