Lectures

2026 Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon

DRESSAGE AT DEVON FORUM PRESENTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Dr. Olivia Lorello

Dr. Olivia Lorello, is an Associate Professor of Equine Field Service at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. She graduated veterinary school from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and then completed an internship at B.W. Furlong and Associates in New Jersey. Following her internship, she completed a PhD in Equine Cardiology at the University of Bern in Switzerland. During her PhD, she completed a veterinary acupuncture course at the Chi Institute. Following her PhD, she went to Texas to practice in a large referral hospital, during which time she completed chiropractic training. Dr. Lorello came to New Bolton Center in 2019 where she currently practices all aspects of general equine medicine with a special focus in sports medicine, exercise physiology, and complementary and alternative medicine.

HARMONY BETWEEN RIDER AND HORSE IN THE BARN AND IN THE ARENA WITH HILARY M. CLAYTON, BVMS, PHD, DACVSMR, FRCVS presented by Team tate academy
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 from 9 AM - 12 PM, and then continuing from 1 - 3 PM

DESCRIPTION
Equine sports science has become an established area in veterinary medicine and there is a rapidly growing body of knowledge about all aspects of equine performance. This talk will focus on recent developments in knowledge about tack, training and horsemanship that have an impact on harmony with the horse.

Bridle fit and its relevance in establishing appropriate regulations in competition has received considerable attention recently. The most recent information about pressure exerted on the horse’s face by different types of nosebands and bridles will be presented in relation to the development of rules governing an acceptable level of noseband tightness and how tightness should be measured. The implications for the relationship between tack, rider and horse will be discussed. Locomotion, gait analysis and lameness are always important topics in equine sports medicine. The talk will review the basics of lameness detection including recognition of changes in the horse’s facial expressions and body language that are indicative of pain or discomfort. Early detection of a problem is the key to speed resolution. The latest developments in automated methods of lameness detection and the use artificial intelligence to pinpoint the lame limb, the severity of lameness and whether it is improving or deteriorating over time will also be covered.

ABOUT DR. HILARY CLAYTON​
Dr. Hilary M. Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and lifelong horsewoman. She has performed innovative research on equine locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, conditioning programs for equine athletes, and the interaction between rider, tack, and horse. She has published eight books and 300 peer-reviewed papers on these topics. 

Dr. Clayton served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1997 until she retired from academia in 2014. She continues to perform collaborative research with colleagues around the world. She is a charter diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and has been inducted into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, the Midwest Dressage Association Hall of Fame, and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame.

KWPN-NA PRESENTS AN INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR SCORING AND LIVE HORSE DEMO WITH FLOOR DRÖGE​
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 | 1 - 4:30PM

DESCRIPTION
Come learn how linear scoring creates a shared language for describing horses in clear, neutral, and informative terms. 

A lecture with KWPN inspector Floor Dröge will take place from 1:00 – 3:00PM in the Hope Scott Memorial Room, followed by a live horse demonstration from 3:30 – 4:30PM in the warmup area. Doors will open at 12:30PM.

ABOUT FLOOR DRÖGE​​
Floor has been an inspector for the KWPN since March 2017. After completing her HBO Equestrian training at NHB Deurne, Floor started working in education. She has been employed by the former National Equestrian College in Deurne for eight years and has, among other things, fulfilled the position of educational coordinator. She then transferred to another branch, where she worked as team leader of the Animal- and Equine management course.

Floor was no stranger to the KWPN when she started, as she was a training rider for several years in the Stallion Performance test. When the EPTM tests were still held in Deurne, she also was a test rider there. Being a rider for these tests, sparked Floor’s interest in breeding.

Floor currently runs a small breeding program at home, including her 13 year old Bretton Woods mare Hera, which she bred out of the top mare Astrid Sollenburg by OO Seven x Metall. Floor rode Astrid from EPTM all the way to Grand Prix. Floor has regularly sat in the judge’s booth at competitions as well, as she is certified to judge up to the Small Tour.

Floor’s main tasks as senior Inspector for the KWPN include assessing horses and advising breeders. She judges the Pavo Cup, Stallion Competition and is involved in the Stallion Selection committee. Floor is deployed Internationally as well and since the last three years, she is part of the judging team on the North American inspection Tour and the North American Stallion Sport test.

The Inside Track to Dressage Education and Professional Development presented by USDF
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 | 1 - 4 PM

DESCRIPTION
Welcome to an overview of USDF’s Dressage Development Program and Instructor/Trainer Development Program! We will clearly outline the objectives of the program which is to promote dressage education to the general membership through our Dressage Development Seminars. Offer Professional Development education and prepare dressage instructors for certification. We will highlight the Lungeing, Teaching and Training segments of the program with discussions on each revolving around the Pyramid of Training

ABOUT BILL MCMULLIN
Bill is a USEF ‘S’ Judge, USDF FEI Certified Instructor, USDF Faculty Member and USDF Gold Medalist. As half of the Warren-McMullin Dressage team, he and partner Bill Warren spend winters in Wellington, FL and summers in New England. Even with much traveling across the country to judge and teach clinics, they are able to cover for each other when ‘home’ to maintain their local clientele. Bill also is currently enjoying the training process with his own horse, the 8 year old Hanoverian Lin Jia de Lys, aka ‘Ninja’.

Dr. Joy Tomlinson

Dr. Tomlinson, is an Assistant Professor of Large Animal Medicine at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. She received her degrees in biological and environmental engineering and veterinary medicine from Cornell University. After graduation, she completed a private practice internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital in southern California, followed by a residency in large animal internal medicine at New Bolton Center, achieving board certification in large animal internal medicine in 2014. After her residency, she worked at Cornell University as a Lecturer and Senior Research Associate, performing groundbreaking research focused on equine viral hepatitis, including the pathogens equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV). Her seminal work in this area has defined new diseases, resulting in federal regulations to prevent disease transmission. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognized her work as having significant impact on the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of equine disease with the conferral of the AAEP 2021 Research Award. Dr. Tomlinson’s clinical interests include hepatitis, critical care, infectious respiratory diseases, and headshaking syndrome. In her free time, she enjoys riding her horse and competing in Eventing.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for the 50th Anniversary of Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon.

Check back soon for 2026 show dates, ticket information and special announcements.

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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.

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 2025)
  • 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!

Download a day sheet (coming soon)

See the results (coming soon)


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.

Watch the Livestream!

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.

(Details coming soon)


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 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

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.

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.