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Feeling the Devon Blues – Final Day of Freestyles for 2023

Devon, PA – Oct. 1, 2023 – The sun was shining bright for the final day of competition at the 2023 edition of Dressage at Devon presented by Kingsview Partners welcoming the much beloved, Freestyle Sunday. U25, Junior, Amateur, and other CDI riders took their turn in the Dixon Oval dancing their way down the centerline for the last time this year.

Sienna Rowe and Lightfire Just Do It. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Coming off of her recent gold in the Junior Individual Championship at The 2023 FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships, presented by USDF, Rowe closed out her 2023 competition year at Dressage at Devon on Jason Rowe’s 13-year-old Westphalian gelding Lightfire Just Do It recreated the same magic here at Dressage at Devon posting the only score over 70% of the class, riding to a final score of 71.040% in the CDIJ Junior Freestyle.

Sienna Rowe and Lightfire Just Do It. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Rowe kicked off her trip to DaD on Friday with her first win of the week in the CDIJ Junior Team Class posting her first score over 70% of the week with a 70.404%. On Saturday, she continued her winning streak with another blue ribbon performance posting a score of 69.069%. Completing the Dressage at Devon trifecta, Rowe claimed her third and final victory of Dressage at Devon in her least favorite event, the freestyle with her best score of the week. Recapping her performance Rowe stated, “The freestyle is not my favorite. It was pretty good, and Nike was good. the canter half passes are probably my favorite to do on him, because he just bunches up and he just goes along and does what he’s best at.

Sienna Rowe and Lightfire Just Do It. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Reflecting on her first experiences riding with the magical atmosphere of DaD, “I thought it was great,” she stated “It’s a very different show, and not like other shows, it is very original!” The young Virginian will be skipping the winter season in Wellington to focus on school, but will be riding Lightfire Just Do It, her show jumper, and her pony in the off-season in preparation for Young Riders next spring.

Keelin Craige and Capstone’s Oh Henry. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Keelin Craige and Molly Ryan’s 2009 ISR gelding, Capstone’s Oh Henry (Empire’s Power × Wild Rush) claimed the second-place position with a score of 65.430.

CDIAm FEI Intermediate I Freestyle, sponsored by Mary Phelps/Markel Insurance Winners Christina Morin-Graham and Ici De La Vigne Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media  for Phelps Media Group

Amateurs took center stage and the penultimate class of the day in the CDIAm Intermediate I Freestyle.

Christina Morin-Graham and Ici De La Vigne Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

The win in the CDIAm Intermediate I Freestyle, sponsored by Mary Phelps/Markel Insurance, went to Ici De La Vigne, owned and ridden by Christina Morin-Graham. The 2013 KWPN mare by Jazz x Future 71, posted a 69.683% to secure the blue.

Don Giorgio and Sensei. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Don Giorgio on his own Sensei, the 2013 Westphalian Gelding by Sezuan 2 × Fürst Piccolo 2, bred by Christine Schreiner took home second with a 68.850%.

Amina Bursese and C Discreto. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Rounding out the podium in third it was Amina Bursese of Jupiter, FL and C Discreto, a PRE 2014 Stallion by Machin × Carbonero V, bred by Yeguada Castelnovo with a 67.792%.

Erin Bonneville and Qennett HTF. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

The final class of the 2023 edition of Dressage at Devon was the CDI1* Intermediate I Freestyle. Erin Bonneville scored an impressive 74.225% to take home the win with her own Qennett HTF, a 2014 Hanoverian Gelding by Qredit Hilltop × Negro, bred by Hilltop Farm Inc.

 

Meagan Davis and Toronto Lightfoot. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Second went to Meagan Davis of Loxahatchee, FL and Toronto Lightfoot, owned by Scott Durkin. To the soundtrack of James Bond, Davis posted a 72.075% aboard the 2013 Oldenburg gelding by Totilas x Onassis, bred at the Lightfoot Breedings Stables in Denmark by ZG Lyngs u.Damsbo, Stutteri Lightfoot.

Laine Ashker and Zeppelin. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Laine Ashker rounded out the top three, scoring a personal best of 71.033% aboard Ann Wilson’s 2014 Oldenburg Gelding, Zeppelin, by Blue Hors Zack × Hardenberg Donnerschwee, bred by Richard Wiegert.

DRESSAGE EXPLORERS DAY PRESENTED BY THE GRIER SCHOOL

Dressage Explorers Day Presented By The Grier School offered countless fun and educational events and was enjoyed by children of all ages. To start the day off, Father Macklin was welcomed to the Dixon Oval, as were a vast array of animals for the Blessing of The Animals ceremony. Children had the opportunity to create stick horses in the Make-N-Take Stick Horse tent, whom they then rode down the center line of the Dixon Oval in the Centerline Ride. The Model Horse Show invited kids to bring their favorite Model Horse to compete in the Model Horse Show.

Dressage at Devon would like to thank the Grier School for their generous sponsorship of Dressage Explorers (Kids) Day.  The Grier School is a boarding and day school for girls in grades 7 – 12, located on 320 mountainside acres in beautiful Central Pennsylvania with 250 students who enjoy a well-rounded education in academics, the arts, and athletics. Riding at Grier School offers students the opportunity to develop skills through several programs designed to help riders achieve their equestrian goals. For more information about the Grier School please visit: https://www.grier.org/

Dr. Liz Arbittier, VMD, VCA, and her team of vets and vet techs from The University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center were set up with their vet truck for the New Bolton Center Vet Truck/Meet the Vet & Vet Tech. Kids were invited to talk to Dr. Liz and her team about what it is like to be a vet and the path to get there. Dressage at Devon would like to extend a big thank you to the entire New Bolton Center team in attendance today.

The University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center’s Dr. Liz Arbittier, VMD, CVA & Team Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Families having fun at Dressage at Devon! Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
All 4 Paws Rescue Inc’s “Mikey” Finding Himself a New Home Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Dixon Oval Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Make-N-Take Stick Horses Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
The Pony Kissing Booth Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Kimberly from Kimberly & Co Face Painting Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Dixon Oval Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Make-N-Take Stick Horses Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group

A Frenchie & His Pumpkin at Dubarry Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Make-N-Take Stick Horses Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Make-N-Take Stick Horses Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
DaD would like to thank The Grier School for their generous sponsorship of Dressage Explorers Day Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Kids of all ages enjoyed Dressage Explorer’s Day Presented By The Grier School! Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Birthday Girl “Molly” At The Blessing of The Animals Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
Model Horse Competition Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group
“Nala” From The Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program Photo Credit: Nemzoff International, LLC for Phelps Media Group

Check back after the show for the Dressage Explorers Candids Gallery here.

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Parking at Dressage at Devon

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.

Helpful Tips Before You Arrive

Following the Flow of the Week

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.


How to Read the Competition Schedule

Check the Header
At the top of the sheet you will see:

  • The show name and date (Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon 2026)
  • The arena name either Wheeler Arena next to the grandstands or Dixon Oval the main arena surrounded by the iconic blue grandstands
  • The judge’s name for that ring

Understand the Columns
The sheet is usually set up as a table with

  • Time when the ride begins
  • Rider name
  • Horse name
  • Test or class such as Prix St Georges or Grand Prix
  • Number on the bridle or saddle pad for identification


Reading the Scores
Dressage tests are scored from 0 to 100. Here’s how to understand what those percentages mean:

  • 60 to 65 percent: A solid test with room for improvement
  • 66 to 70 percent: A strong ride with good flow and expression
  • Above 71 percent: An excellent test with accuracy, harmony and quality of movement 

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!

 

What You Look for in a Dressage Test

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.

Where to Watch

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.

Reserved seating is available for featured events.

Horse Show Etiquette

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.

  • Keep your energy steady during the test. Avoid sudden loud noises or big movements right at the rail that might distract a horse.
  • If you are on the rail stand still as the horse passes.


Cheer and clap when a ride is finished especially at the salute. Riders and horses thrive on it here!


Spectator Judging

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.

Events Beyond the Competition

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 Capital Square Masterclass with Carl Hester 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

View full event schedule


Dressage at Devon Weather

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.


The Community

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.

COMING SOON

Check back when the show begins September 23rd 2025.

Why Dressage at Devon?

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

  • Two shows in one: a massive breed division where foals and young horses are showcased and judged, and a performance division where seasoned athletes compete at the highest levels of the sport
  • The highlight of the week is the Grand Prix freestyle on Saturday night, when riders guide their horses through intricate routines set to music under the lights of the Dixon Oval
  • An atmosphere unlike any other dressage event in North America, with packed grandstands, shopping, food and a festival style energy that attracts lifelong fans and first time spectators alike
  • Competing at Dressage at Devon is considered a career milestone, much like playing at Wimbledon or Carnegie Hall

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.

Event Schedule
Competition Schedule

What is Dressage?

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:

  • Respond softly and precisely to the rider’s signals
  • Carry itself in balance
  • Move with rhythm
  • Transition smoothly between gaits

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:

  • Piaffe – a trot in place
  • Passage – an elevated springy trot
  • Pirouettes – controlled turns in place at the canter

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.

  • Introductory and Training Levels
    The foundation stage. Horses show walk, trot, and canter in simple patterns, with a focus on rhythm, relaxation, and obedience.
  • First through Third Level
    Balance and strength begin to develop. Horses show lengthened strides, circles, changes of lead, and lateral work such as leg yields and shoulder-ins.
  • Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges
    Considered advanced. Horses demonstrate flying lead changes, collected gaits, half passes, and pirouettes. This level begins to prepare them for international competition.
  • Intermediaire I and II
    A bridge to the top levels. Horses refine movements like piaffe and passage, and perform more complex sequences of flying changes.
  • Grand Prix
    The Olympic standard. Every transition and step is judged. Horse and rider must demonstrate complete harmony while performing the most demanding movements in the sport.

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:

  • Builds muscle, balance, and suppleness gradually
  • Develops focus and confidence in busy environments
  • Protects the horse from injury or stress
  • Teaches the rider subtle communication and feel

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.

Why Dressage at Devon is Important