September 22-27, 2026

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News from Devon: Day 2 Breed Division Recap

Young Stars Shine Bright on Day Two of Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon’s Breed Division

The 50th Anniversary Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon continued to showcase the nation’s most promising sport horses on Wednesday as Day Two of the Breed Division delivered big scores and young talent in the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Arena. From freshly minted three-year-olds to seasoned stallions, handlers and riders brought their best to the historic showgrounds.

Temptation ISF Crowned Grand Champion; Nala BDL STER Earns Reserve Grand
The crowing point at the end of Day Two closed with a tearful celebration by the Iron Spring Farm staff as Temptation ISF capped her extraordinary afternoon by winning the Grand Championship presented by Bred in the USA Syndicate for Iron Spring Farm. Temptation, handled by Quinnten Alston, is a 2023 Dutch Warmblood filly (Kaiman–Love Dance by Vitalis) was bred and is owned by Iron Spring Farm of Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Iron Springs Farm’s Temptation ISF claimed the Grand Championship along with a slew of other accolades Wednesday. Photo by Anna Smolens of Purple Horse Designs and Photography

Reserve Grand Champion was awarded to Nala BDL STER, whose consistency across multiple divisions turned heads throughout the day. Nala BDL STER, is a 2018 KWPN mare by Vitalis out of Heavenly ISF by UB40, owned, shown and bred by Frank Burns of Spring City, Pennsylvania.

Nala BDL STER Takes Mature Horse Title; Ezekiel Adds Reserve to His Resume
The Mature Horse Championship presented by Bred in the USA Syndicate was won by Nala BDL STER, the 2018 KWPN mare by Vitalis out of Heavenly ISF by UB40, owned and bred by Frank Burns of Burns Dressage located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and handled by Bruce Griffin III and Rebecca Arnold.

Ezekiel, captured Reserve Champion while adding an accolade for handler Joshua Johnson and Firefox Farm LLC. Ezekiel is 2019 Trakehner stallion (Bourani 5–Emma Peel by Kentucky 107).

Ezekiel won a variety of titles on Day Two of the Breed Division. Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photography

Vesterdams Hestia Wins Mare Championship; Nala BDL STER Named Reserve
Six mares previously topping their classes returned for the ProElite/USDFBC Mare Championship. Vesterdams Hestia, owned and shown by Kristen Ortt of North East, Maryland, took the championship. The 2018 Dutch Warmblood mare is by Blue Hors Fifty Cent out of Vesterdams Rheia by Weltjunge.

Reserve honors went yet again to Nala BDL STER as Frank Burns collected more ribbons.

The Mature Horse Championship presented by Bred in the USA Syndicate was won by Nala BDL STER. Photo by Susan J Stickle Photography

Temptation ISF Sweeps Filly and Young Horse Championships; Solstice D Doubles Up on Reserve
A double celebration for Iron Spring Farm ensued as Temptation ISF handled by Quinnten Alston won both the ProElite/USDFBC Filly Championship and the Young Horse Championship presented by Triple Crown. The 2023 Dutch Warmblood filly (Kaiman–Love Dance by Vitalis) was bred and is owned by Iron Spring Farm of Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Temptation ISF, bred and owned by Iron Spring Farm and handled by Quinnten Alston, won the Young Horse Championship presented by Triple Crown. The award was presented by Karen Engel and Kelly Payne of Triple Crown. Photo by Priceless Equine Photography

Solstice D matched Temptation’s feat with back-to-back Reserve titles. The 2024 Hanoverian filly (Skyline to B–Wild Rose KS by Widmark) is handled, bred and owned by Lauren Dearlove of Lovettsville, Virginia.

Ezekiel and Joshua Johnson’s Captures Stallion Championship; Branley Ash Nautilus Earns Reserve
The ProElite/USDFBC Stallion Championship was captured by Ezekiel while adding yet another accolade for handler Joshua Johnson and Firefox Farm LLC. The 2019 Trakehner stallion (Bourani 5–Emma Peel by Kentucky 107) is owned and bred by Firefox Farm LLC. As a three-and-four-year-old, Ezekiel won the Trakehner Riding Horse Championships and passed the 50-day dressage test with a score of 8.02. At his U.S. debut, he took top honors in the pure Trakehner class.

Branley Ash Nautilus and King Santacruz captured the Reserve Championship with the 2018 Weser-Elms stallion (FS Numero Uno–Georgina by Dornik B), owned by Roseview Farms LLC of Wellington, Florida and bred by Christine Baker.

Bridget Hay and Vanessa Secure Four-Year-Old Prospect Championship; Hannah Irons and Dayli Dream Reserve
Switching to the ProElite/USDFBC Four-Year-Old Prospect Championship, Bridget Hay and Vanessa won the championship. The 2021 Oldenburg mare (Negro–Vinja by Antango), was bred by Andre Gervain.

Bridget Hay and her 4-year-old Oldenburg mare Vanessa. Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photography

Hannah Irons and Dayli Dream took Reserve with the 2021 Hanoverian mare by Dynamic Dream out of Darnell by Diamond Hit, owned by Laureen Megan and bred by Dr. Wilhelm and Anneke Froling.

Allison Nemeth Pilots Tycoon to Three-Year-Old Materiale Victory with a Standout 85.5%
Wednesday afternoon’s ProElite/USDF Three-Year-Old Materiale Championship drew 20 talented pairs. Judges awarded the blue ribbon to Allison Nemeth riding Tycoon, Alice Tarjan’s 2022 Westphalian colt (Taurus–Unknown, Finest Selection) with an impressive 85.5%.

Allison Nemeth rode Alice Tarjan’s Tycoon (Taurus-Finest Selection), a 2022 Westphalian colt for the win with a 85.30% in the Materiale Three-Year-Old Colts and Geldings class presented by Central Jersey and Rigging. Photo by Susan J. Stickle Photography

Tarjan herself took the Reserve Championship aboard her Hanoverian filly Lamia Eden (Las Vegas–Unknown, Blue Hors Zack) on 82.45%. “She’s like the whole package with super gaits and a good mind,” Tarjan said of Lamia Eden, purchased from Vicky Nedergaard in Denmark.

Quinnten Alston and Usher ISF Take Top Honors in Colt/Gelding Championship
Handler Quinnten Alston guided the 2024 KWPN colt Usher ISF (Cum Laude–Jurdanea), owned by Iron Spring Farm of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, to the ProElite/USDFBC Colt/Gelding Championship.

Reserve Champion went to King Santacruz with Zurich HTF, a 2022 Hanoverian colt by Zenon, a 2022 Hanoverian colt by Zenon, bred and owned by Hilltop Farm.

Silva Martin and Valballa Lead Packed Field to Four-Year-Old Materiale Championship
In a class brimming with promise, Silva Martin and Valballa rose to the top to claim the ProElite/USDF Four-Year-Old Materiale Championship. Martin piloted the bay Westphalian mare (Velego–Cosmos Girl by Carpalo 2) to an 80.30%, narrowly edging out Bridget Hay and Vanessa, who scored 80.15% aboard her Oldenburg mare (Negro–Vinja OLD by Antango du Feuillard), bred by Andre Gervais.

Silva Martin and Valballa won the ProElite/USDF Four-Year-Old Materiale Championship at the Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon. Photo by Susan J Stickle Photography

Hannah Irons and Ein Traum LLC Claim Five-Year-Old Materiale Crown with 81.55%
Leading off the day, Hannah Irons and the Westphalian gelding Ein Traum LLC (Escamillo–Supersusi K by Sandro Hit), owned by Irons Sporthorses, impressed the judges to capture the ProElite/USDF Five-Year-Old Materiale Championship with an 81.55%.

Reserve honors went to Larissa Billings and Festival, a 5-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Feinrich out of Destination 2 by Don Gregory 3, owned by High Point Hanoverians and bred by Hof Kasselmann, Billings and Festival earned a 79.55%.

From three-year-old prodigies to veteran mares, Day Two underscored why the Breed Division at Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon remains a proving ground for the sport’s future. With big scores and repeat winners, the 50th Anniversary show is shaping up to be one for the record books.

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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 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.

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