Dressage has been called poetry in motion and ballet on horseback. Its beauty dates back hundreds of years and yet, today, continues to gain popularity across the county. Dressage is a French word meaning “training” and describes the sequential development of the horse’s suppleness, obedience and strength. The result is a breathtaking blend of power and artistry. Competition involves a series of movements based on a horse’s natural gaits, not unlike gymnastics or figure skating competitions.
For more than 50 years, Dressage at Devon (DAD) has brought top competitors, horses, trainers and judges from across the continent and around the globe together for one of the highest-rated international dressage competitions.
In 1965, a group of riding enthusiasts got together and formed a club, in response to the question “How come the kids get to have all the fun?” The idea of an adult pony club caught on and the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association or “DVCTA” was born.
The mission of the club is to provide instruction and training for members and to inform and demonstrate dressage to the public. So, in the early 70s, the club put on a successful dressage show at the Willcox’s Tory Hill Farm in Glen Mills, PA. Gaining in popularity, the show moved to The Radnor Hunt Club in Malvern, PA while continuing to search for a permanent home. We credit the late Pat Franco with the idea of moving the show to the Devon Horse Show Grounds and in 1975 Dressage at Devon or “DAD” was born.
The increasingly popular Fall Festival actually started as an Art’s & Craft’s Festival, a reflection of the “back to nature” culture of the 70s. At that time there were more horses than spectators, but the high level of enthusiasm among the competitors convinced the volunteer DAD committee that this was a show with great potential. Early on, most of the volunteers came from the ranks of the DVCTA membership. Today, volunteers come from all over the country.
The show continued to grow, added two days for the breeding show, adding exhibitions and larger classes. Today these efforts at improvements continue, with revamped scheduling, new classes in performance, new vendors, additional educational opportunities, and the increasingly popular Dressage Explorers.
Dressage at Devon has evolved into one of the most prestigious dressage competition in the hemisphere. It is an internationally rated dressage show as well as the largest open breed show in the world. The food vendors are rated as the best on the horse show circuit and the Festival area and overall venue is unique in the horse show world.
But what makes Dressage at Devon truly special is the dedication and efforts of our competitors, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. We couldn’t do it without you.
Nicole is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist and an “L” Graduate with Distinction, as well as a four time North American Youth Championships medalist. She currently serves as a volunteer and committee member for Dressage4Kids, a board member of The Dressage Foundation, and Chef d’Equipe for Region 1’s NAYC team. In each of these roles, she is deeply invested in the long term health of the sport and in creating meaningful pathways for the next generation of riders.
Beyond the arena, Nicole brings extensive professional experience as a Product Manager at MarketSmart, where she partners with nonprofit organizations to strengthen engagement and inspire lasting support. This blend of dressage experience and nonprofit leadership equips her to guide Dressage at Devon with care, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the community that makes the event possible.
Audrey bring her financial skills and community leadership to our team. Audrey is the Executive Director for Community Lenders, mission driven 30-bank loan consortium that provides long-term financing to organizations committed to improving their communities. She is also the Treasurer for the Buxmont Riding Club of Tylersport, PA. She grew up Eventing, moved to hunters while in college, jumpers after college, and dressage after having children. Audrey continues to care for her horses and like to trail riding.
Mimi has been breeding Swedish, Dutch and Danish Warmbloods for over 40 years. A multiple winner of regional and CBLM Championships on her homebreds, Mimi earned her USDF bronze and silver medals. Mimi also claims her eventing history competing up to the Intermediate level, although starting and ending her riding career in dressage. After moving to Lancaster County, PA in 1994 from California, Mimi has competed at DAD many times in both the performance and breeding divisions. Mimi’s professional life as an educator started in the classroom as a high school teacher and ended as the CEO of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, a consortium of state and local education agencies. In her retirement, she continues to serve as CEO Emerita and leads professional development projects across the country. Mimi and her husband, Dr. Allen Leslie, live on a beautiful farm in Andrews Bridge Hunt Country where they continue to breed warmbloods.
Anne Gribbons was the U.S. Equestrian Federation technical advisor for dressage from 2010-2012. She has trained and shown 15 horses of her own to Grand Prix and competed in 10 national championships, as well as in Europe, including the Aachen CHIO (Germany). Seven of her horses have been named U.S. Dressage Federation Horse of the Year, and she was a member of the 1995 Pan American Games silver-medal winning team for the United States. Anne is a Federation Equestre Internaionale five-star judge, and she was a member of the FEI Dressage Committee from 2010-2013. She was inducted into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame in 2013. Anne is a columnist for the Chronicle of the Horse and a collection of those columns is now available in her book “Collective Remarks.”
Cara Demoulas Kettenbach has competed at Dressage at Devon for many years and brings a long standing understanding of the show and its community. She is the owner of Broadfields 121 in North Andover, Massachusetts, where she breeds warmbloods for sport. A graduate of Boston College, Cara has held extensive leadership roles with the New England Dressage Association, including board service where she led a successful restructuring of the sponsorship program, streamlining giving levels and increasing supporter participation. She also served for many years on the NEDA awards committee, independently managing the annual banquet, silent auction, and year end awards, and currently serves on the NEDA Sport Horses committee, supporting show operations and awards management across New England. In addition to her equestrian leadership, Cara brings professional business experience through retail ownership and as a part owner of Market Basket, offering valuable perspective on operations, sponsorship, and organizational sustainability.
Christina is a Managing Principal at Graham Partners, Inc., a private investment firm based in Newtown Square, PA with $3.7 billion of assets under management. She holds several senior leadership roles at Graham Partners and serves on the firm’s Investment and Valuation Committees, as well as on the boards of certain portfolio companies. Prior to joining Graham Partners, she worked in investment banking at Comerica Bank (through W.Y. Campbell & Co.) and Goldman, Sachs & Co. Christina graduated from the University of Virginia and holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Christina lives with her husband and children on a farm not far from the Devon Horse Show Grounds, and actively competes as an amateur dressage rider.
Ellin is a former member of the United States Equestrian Team who represented the United States in international dressage competition, including the World Championships, World Cup, Pan American Games, and as alternate for the 1984 Olympic Games. She is a U.S. National Champion and a recipient of the United States Dressage Federation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Richard McDevitt Sportsmanship Award. In addition to her competitive career, Ellin served as President of the United States Dressage Federation and chaired the Dressage Committee of the American Horse Shows Association, guiding the sport at a national level for over six years.
George is one of the longest serving Presidents of the United States Dressage Federation, and a prominent figure in international Dressage. As a well-respected US team competitor, Trainer, Coach, Clinician and Author, he has successfully represented the United States in International Competitions and has won numerous National Championships. He has trained many horses and riders from Junior/Young Riders to Adult Amateurs, however, he is most known for piloting the black Westfalen mare, Rocher, to international fame. He is currently the US Dressage National Youth Coach and his leadership skills have earned him a recent appointment to the Federation Equestrian International Dressage Committee. George is known for his quiet, classical approach to his horses and his riders as well as notorious for his dry sense of humor.
Jane is currently an Equestrian Facilities Designer at Quarry View Building Group, with over 20 years of experience. As the Owner of The JED Group, Jane managed 12 internationally ranked bullriders of the PBR, Inc., soliciting sponsorship and managed appearance schedules. Jane served for several years as President of the Penn State Buck’s County Extension Board with responsibilities for all services and fundraising initiatives for over 9,000 4-Her’s. As a volunteer, she has also created 501c3 charitable organizations and continues to secure funding for several charitable organizations.
James Peterson is a collaborative leader with a long career helping organizations grow thoughtfully, strengthen their communities, and serve their people well. As CEO of Mercury Financial, he guided a mission-driven team that expanded access to credit for middle-class families, building a company that now supports more than 1.5 million customers. His earlier leadership roles at TD Bank and JPMorgan Chase reflect the same approach: building strong teams, creating welcoming customer experiences, and supporting long-term stability across large, complex organizations.
James brings a deep commitment to service — shaped by his years in the U.S. Army and his extensive volunteer and board work — and a belief in the power of community-centered organizations. He is excited about the opportunity to support Dressage at Devon’s mission, its volunteers, and the unique sense of belonging the show creates for riders, families, and fans.
Marie Kohles is a collaborative leader with deep experience in financial stewardship, nonprofit service, and the equestrian community. A former Audit Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, she spent more than two decades supporting major organizations while building a reputation for integrity and strong governance. Her volunteer work — from serving on the board of Prevent Child Abuse NJ to supporting local schools — reflects her longstanding commitment to community. Through Seven Stars Equine Arts, she also contributes to the development of top sport horses and riders. Marie is eager to bring her financial expertise, nonprofit experience, and passion for horses to support Dressage at Devon’s mission.
Barbara Ann “Missy” Shaffer owns and manages Laurel Hill Farm in Unionville, PA and is
passionate about horses and land preservation, conservation and open space. Missy currently serves as Treasurer and a Board Member of Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds. She serves on the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum’s Board of Trustees. She also serves on the President’s Council of Natural Lands and is a longtime member of the Newlin Township Open Space Committee.
An attorney, Missy was senior counsel at Aetna and US Healthcare for fifteen years following stints running the Washington DC office of New Jersey Governor Jim Florio and as Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Frank J. Guarini who served on the House Ways & Means Committee.
Missy is married to Ben Barnett and their daughter Anabel teaches at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, DE.
Parking is available near the Devon Show Grounds with several options depending on when you arrive and how close you want to be.
Attendants will direct spectators on where to park when you arrive. Please allow extra time to walk across the street and into the gates especially during busy evening events Thursday through Saturday nights.
Additional parking is sometimes available in nearby overflow lots. Signs and attendants will guide you if the main lot is full.
Accessible parking for guests with mobility needs is located close to the entrance gates. Be sure to bring your placard and let the attendants know so they can direct you to the right area.
Street parking around the neighborhood and in designated resident lots is limited. Please follow all posted signs and instructions to avoid being ticketed or towed.
If you are traveling by train or rideshare you can be dropped off right at the front gates on Lancaster Avenue. This can be a great option on busy nights.
From Tuesday through Thursday the breed division showcases foals young horses and breeding stock. From Friday through Sunday the performance division features the sport side of dressage including tests that lead up to the Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday night under the lights is a highlight of the entire week. Freestyles continue through Sunday with additional rides on Saturday afternoon.
Check the Header
At the top of the sheet you will see:
Understand the Columns
The sheet is usually set up as a table with
Reading the Scores
Dressage tests are scored from 0 to 100. Here’s how to understand what those percentages mean:
Awards and Breaks
Breaks are noted for judges and ring staff. Awards ceremonies are a celebrated part of the Dressage at Devon tradition so stay to cheer for the winners!
Download a day sheet (coming soon)
See the results (coming soon)
hen you watch a test notice the rhythm balance and harmony of horse and rider.
The best rides look effortless as though the horse is dancing on its own. At the higher levels watch for advanced movements such as the piaffe, passage and pirouette. See if you can name the movement. When the ride ends you can view the official results after the test (link coming soon).
You know a rider is doing well when they stay the course of the pattern, don’t break strides for a few steps, when the horse is expressive and free flowing and he rider looks like they aren’t doing anything up there.
Wheeler Arena
Next to the grandstands. This arena often hosts the breed classes and select performance rides. The rail is open to stand along and gives you an up close view
Dixon Oval
The main arena surrounded by the famous blue grandstands. The atmosphere especially at night is one of a kind. Seating in the Dixon Oval includes paid and reserved box seats or reserved grandstand seats. Some seats may be open if not occupied and you can always ask a staff member if you are unsure. Standing at the rail and on any benches is also an option if you do not have tickets for reserved seating.
The shared energy between the crowd and the competitors makes Dressage at Devon one of the most unique shows in North America. It is important to remember that horses are extra sensitive to their surroundings by nature. They are prey animals and even the most highly trained horses can spook or lose focus when they enter a new arena. By following these few things, you help horse and rider partners show their best and you help create an experience for all those around you.
Cheer and clap when a ride is finished especially at the salute. Riders and horses thrive on it here!
On Friday and Saturday nights during the Grand Prix classes, spectators are invited to score along with the judges. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn how tests are evaluated.
(Details coming soon)
Dressage at Devon is more than a horse show. Throughout the week, you’ll find hands-on experiences, expert lectures, unique exhibitions and family-friendly activities that add to the tradition and energy of the event.
Tuesday
• Parade of Breeds returns to the Dixon Oval, celebrating the beauty and diversity of dressage breeding with commentary and group presentation of class winners
Wednesday
• Shop Sip and Stroll brings after-hours shopping, drinks and music to the Fall Festival vendor area
• Lecture Series begins with educational talks on training, development and breeding
Thursday
• The Masterclass with Ingrid Klimke features Olympic-level insight to six all-star equestrians
• Vendor pop-ups, lectures and special events continue throughout the showgrounds
Friday
• Performance Division continues with qualifying tests, including the Grand Prix level freestyle qualifier
• A Dance-Off featuring top riders going head to head with celebrity breakdancing judges
Saturday
• Grand Prix Freestyle takes center stage under the lights in the Dixon Oval
• Food, shopping and music bring a festival atmosphere
Sunday
• Dressage Explorers Day invites families and kids to enjoy crafts, games and hands-on learning
• Musical Freestyles and Mimosas on the Midway offer a relaxed final day with plenty of riding action
Monday
• Devon Plant Sale takes place near the front gate before show close
Dress for changing weather. Afternoons can be warm and evenings cool. Bring layers and a jacket for the night events and classes. Wear comfortable shoes since you may walk on gravel or grass and sometimes in mud. Leave umbrellas at home when possible and bring a rain jacket or poncho instead since umbrellas can spook horses. Sometimes they do not but sometimes they do so it is better to plan ahead.
One of the best parts of Dressage at Devon is the people. The community is welcoming and open. If you have questions about the schedule, the classes or where to go, do not hesitate to ask. Staff, volunteers and even fellow spectators are happy to help you feel at home.
Dressage at Devon is not just a horse show. It is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in North America, blending high level sport, tradition and community. Each fall the historic Devon Show Grounds in Pennsylvania become the stage where the best dressage riders and horses from the United States and abroad come together.
What Makes it Stand Out
Why the Grand Prix Matters
The pinnacle of dressage is the Grand Prix level, which only a small fraction of riders ever reach. Out of thousands of competitors in the United States, only a few hundred ride at this level each year, and fewer than fifty compete in international Grand Prix classes on American soil.
Dressage at Devon is one of the rare places on the East Coast where spectators can see this elite level up close. Many of the riders who perform here go on to represent the United States at the Olympics, the World Cup Finals and the World Equestrian Games. Winning or even placing at Devon is a once in a lifetime achievement that marks a rider’s career.
Long Story Short
For someone new to the sport, Dressage at Devon is where you go to see the very best. It combines the history of a landmark event with the thrill of top level competition and the welcoming energy of a community gathering. Whether you know horses or not, you leave with the sense that you have witnessed something rare and world class.
Dressage is often called the art of horse training, but at its heart it is about partnership. Horse and rider learn to move as one, with the horse responding to the smallest signals so every stride looks effortless.
The word itself comes from the French for “training.” The goal is to bring out a horse’s athletic ability and willingness so that the movements look natural and fluid. To someone new, the best comparison is figure skating on horseback, where strength, precision, and artistry meet in the arena.
The Basics
At its most basic level, dressage teaches a horse to:
Riders guide with subtle aids from their legs, seat, and hands. To an observer it can look like the horse is dancing on its own.
Dressage in Competition
In the Performance Division, horse and rider perform a set series of movements called a test inside the arena. Judges score each movement on accuracy, balance and harmony.
At the highest levels, horses perform advanced movements such as:
These require years of careful training and athleticism, yet the goal remains for it all to appear effortless.
The Breed Division focuses on evaluating foals, young horses, mares and stallions. Horses are judged on conformation, movement and genetic potential. This is often where future dressage stars make their first appearances, giving breeders recognition and offering buyers a chance to see promising horses at the very beginning of their careers.
Competition Levels Explained
Dressage is structured in progressive levels, like school for horse and rider. Each stage adds new skills while building strength and understanding.
Why Levels Matter
The levels are designed to protect both horse and rider. Just as a student cannot skip from basic math to calculus, a horse cannot jump from simple gaits to piaffe.
Progression through the levels:
The beauty of dressage lies not only in the freestyles under the lights but in the journey itself. Each level deepens the partnership and proves that patience, trust, and respect create the highest form of art.
