September 22-27, 2026

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Friday at Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon: Young Horse Brilliance, FEI Sport and Fan Festivities

Friday at Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon opened with a showcase of developing talent as young horses and rising stars took center stage in the Performance Division. From expressive 4‑year old finals to polished CDI1* and CDI-Am Prix St. Georges rides, the morning and midday classes delivered a compelling blend of future promise and international quality.

As the day progressed, the showgrounds shifted into full Friday rhythm. Fans filled the walkways for sponsor activations, rider celebrations, and the unmistakable community spirit that defines Dressage at Devon. The combination of world‑class sport and festival‑style energy set the stage for the evening’s CDI‑W and CDI3* Grand Prix qualifiers and a weekend of championship competition.

Carl Hester signing fans’ autographs | Event sponsored by Mary Phelps, Markel
Photo Credit: Mary Phelps

 

Carl Hester with Mary Phelps, Markel, sponsor of the autograph signing event
Photo courtesy of Mary Phelps

Friday Fan and Rider Festivities

A much‑anticipated mid‑morning highlight of the day was the Carl Hester Autograph Signing, proudly sponsored by Mary Phelps, Markel. Spectators gathered for a rare chance to meet the Olympic gold medalist and 2026 Dressage at Devon Masterclass headliner. Carl’s warmth and humor made the session unforgettable, setting an uplifting tone for the rest of the day.

Friday afternoon brought competitors together for the Performance Rider Welcome Party, sponsored by Pilates in Motion and Fantasia Wines. Held at Clydesdale Corner, the rider gathering offered a relaxed space for Performance Division athletes to unwind between classes, enjoy live music from Kendall Conrad, and take part in a complimentary Fantasia Wines tasting.

Evie Oliver and Shading, winners of this year’s Fearless Restaurants Dressage Dance Off
Photo Credit: Bethany P Photography

Fearless Restaurants Dressage Dance Off

In a moment that echoed last year’s playful “blonde wig” highlight, Friday evening’s excitement kicked off with the Fearless Restaurants Dressage Dance Off, now in its fourth year and held in the Dixon Oval just before the Grand Prix classes. Elite riders faced off in a head‑to‑head dance battle — horse‑and‑rider combinations performing to contemporary music while judges George Williams, Shelly Francis, and Wayne Grafton offered live commentary.

The first round featured three individual performances. Defending champion Shannon Stevens returned — wig included — riding Juiz, opening with an attention‑grabbing piaffe, sweeping half passes, and a raised‑hand cue that had the crowd clapping along.

The first round featured three individual performances. Defending champion Shannon Stevens returned — wig included — riding Juiz, opening with attention‑grabbing piaffe pirouettes, sweeping half passes, and a raised‑hand cue that had the crowd clapping along. Shannon amplified the theatrics this year with a striking gold‑and‑black costume: a towering feathered headdress, sculptural black base layers, and metallic accents that gave her a regal, warrior‑queen silhouette. Juiz matched in coordinated gold detailing, creating a unified, cinematic presentation as they powered through the choreography.

Evie Oliver and Shading followed with a Dolly Parton‑themed ride, complete with a pink cowboy hat, tassel chaps, crisp changes, and kiss‑blowing canter pirouettes — all wrapped in a full hot‑pink, fringe‑flying spectacle. Her bright pink outfit, blonde curls, and perfectly coordinated horse turned the pair into a vibrant, high‑energy duo. As they swept through their lateral work and spun playful pirouettes, the Dolly theme carried through every stride, earning cheers from the crowd and setting a delightfully flamboyant tone for the round.

Maggie O’Leary and Maxima closed the round with “Dancing Queen,” delivering one‑handed pirouettes and bounding changes that fit the disco‑bright flair of her shimmering, multicolored costume. When the music briefly cut out, the audience didn’t miss a beat — singing them through the final strides and cheering as the duo danced their way to a sparkling finish.

Final deliberations before crowning the winner of this year’s Fearless Restaurants Dressage Dance Off
Photo Credit: Bethany P Photography

After a quick judges’ conference — punctuated by the Jeopardy music — Shannon and Evie advanced to the final.

Shannon returned showcasing Juiz’s expressive piaffes, half passes, and a bold extended trot. Evie answered with “Jolene,” highlighting a string of one‑tempis. When the judges turned the final decision over to the audience, cheers rose for Shannon — but an even louder roar crowned Evie Oliver and Shading the 2026 Fearless Restaurants Dance Off Champions, a fitting finish in the year of Dolly.

Jontelle Forbus and Orlando for FEI Seven-Year-Old Final, sponsored by GASTROGARD.
Photo Credit: Bethany P Photography

Young Performance Horse Championships

Awards provided by Back on Track

The Four-, Five-, Six-, and Seven-Year-Old classes culminated in their final tests today.

Jontelle Forbus and her own Orlando (Kardieno x Moeders Vader) once again claimed the win in the FEI Seven-Year-Old Final test, sponsored by GASTROGARD, adding the victory to the one they secured yesterday.

Charming Boy (Celebration WE x Cyriac WE), owned by Lynn Rzonca and ridden by Emily O’Neill, improved upon their second-place finish in yesterday’s test to earn the win in today’s FEI Six-Year-Old Test.

In the FEI Five-Year-Old Test, Vanessa (Negro x Antango) took the class win with owner and rider Bridget Hay. They finished third in yesterday’s class and improved their score by over 5% today to take top honors.

Lauren Chumley continues to have a winning week— she captured the win in the USEF Four-Year-Old Test, sponsored by Dr. Debra Tarantino, aboard S Lord Jerseydale (Lord Leatherdale x Negro), her own Dutch Warmblood. The stallion’s uphill canter and exceptional willingness stood out throughout the test and helped him increase his score from yesterday by over 6.5%.

S Lord Jerseydale and Lauren Chumley, winners of the USEF Four-Year-Old Dressage Test
Sponsored by Dr. Debra Tarantino | Awards provided by Back on Track
Photo credit: Bethany P Photography

CDIAm FEI Prix St. Georges for Amateur

Awards sponsored by Back on Track 

The CDIAm FEI Prix St. Georges, with awards sponsored by Back on Track, saw Kerry Karangelen take the top placing with Johnny Cash on a score of 67.206%. Thursday’s Masterclass rider, Denise Steele returned to the Dixon Oval with Bon Chance 8 taking second place with a 66.794%, demonstrating consistent scores across the panel of judges.

Kerry Karangelen and Johnny Cash, winners of the CDI-Am FEI Prix St. Georges for Amateur
Awards provided by Back on Track
Photo credit: Bethany P Photography

CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges 

Sponsored by Back on Track

Midday competition transitioned into the CDI ranks with the CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges, a GAIG/USDF Qualifier sponsored by Back on Track. Sixteen riders delivered polished, expressive tests that highlighted international depth and technical precision.

Silva Martin took the lead late in the class with only three riders to go aboard Farouche (Foundation x Carpalo 2), earning 70.941%. Her polished, expressive ride drew cheers from the afternoon crowd as she exited the Dixon Oval patting her horse with a smile her face and a wave to the onlooking crowd. Farouche, an eight-year-old Westfalen mare owned by Christine Capano and bred by Pascal Kandziora, showed superior uphill balance and elasticity paired with a clear confidence and presence on her way to the class win.

Canada’s Beatrice Boucher secured second place on Mystery with 69.559%, delivering a steady, harmonious test. Mystery, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Indian Rock, demonstrated clarity and consistency in the work, receiving high marks and runner-up honors.

In third, Catherine Malone and Opium SR earned 69.000%. The uniquely colored eight-year-old Lusitano mare by Guardião Do Penedo stood out in the lineup, producing a composed, accurate ride that put the pair firmly in the top three as one of the final competitors to complete their test.

The leading combinations showcased the depth and quality of this year’s CDI1* field, setting a strong tone for the weekend ahead.

Farouche and Silva Martin, winners of the CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges
Class awards provided by Back on Track
Photo credit: Bethany P Photography

Setting the Stage for Friday Night Lights

The day’s earlier sessions delivered a strong competitive foundation, highlighting rising talent alongside seasoned international combinations. As the lights rose over the Dixon Oval, the crowd settled in for a night of top sport and anticipation carrying into a full weekend of championship competition. Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon continues Saturday with more FEI classes, educational offerings, and the trademark energy.

 

 

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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