September 22-27, 2026

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Pony Division Sponsored By Moore’s Furniture Crowns 2023 DaD Grand Pony Champion Sponsored by Impeccable Equeery

Devon, PA – Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – Dressage at Devon is proud to offer a full Pony Division, Sponsored By Moore’s Furniture. This year’s pony competition features a full spectrum of Pony Breed Classes, as well as FEI CDIP classes. From Foals to Four-Year-Olds, the top up and coming dressage ponies were out in full force today at DaD. The Champions of the Pony Foal, Filly, and Colt/Gelding contended for the Young Pony Championship, while the Pony Mare and Stallion champions vied for the Mature Pony Championship.  With the Young Pony and Mature Pony Champions Crowned, the first two places from both of those overall sections were then in contention for this year’s DaD Grand Pony Championship, Sponsored By Impeccable Equeery. When all was said and done it was Goldjunge, a 2017 Westphalian Stallion by Golden West NRW × Oosteinds Ricky, owned by Heidi Humphrey, handled by Shane Diel, and bred by Heiner Rohmann, who took home the coveted overall Pony Division honors to be crowned the 2023 Dressage at Devon Grand Pony Champion. Goldjunge and Shane Diel captured the Pony Stallion Championship and the Mature Pony Championship on their way to securing the overall Grand Championship title.


2023 DRESSAGE AT DEVON GRAND PONY CHAMPIONSHIP – Sponsored By Impeccable Equeery

Champion: Shane Diel & Goldjunge

2017 Westphalian Stallion By Golden West NRW × Oosteinds Ricky, Owned by Heidi Humphrey, Bred by Heiner Rohmann

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

Owner, Heidi Humphrey, on winning the 2023 DaD Grand Pony Championship, Sponsored by Impeccable Equeery, with Goldjunge, handled by Shane Diel: 

“It is a dream come true,” Humphrey said, “At Dressage at Devon it is definitely the electric atmosphere, it is like no other place. This is the first time I have been here. I have known about it for years and have not felt like I was ready, but Goldjunge has been so fantastic and is normally chill, so I thought ‘well he could handle the atmosphere’ I have 12 ponies, but I only brought him.”

In response to what brought you to Dressage at Devon, Humphries said, “Everyone has said that Dressage at Devon is the place to go to, the place to be recognized. I wanted to introduce Goldjunge to this country because he has only been in the U.S. for a month. Before that he was in Canada for 6 months, and before that, Germany. I have followed him since he was a yearling. I owned his half sister, I loved her and just sold her this spring. When I found out he was available I had to have him, he is definitely a heart horse for me.”

Reflecting on her first experience at Dressage at Devon, Humphrey said, “Coming here has been a wonderful place to market and meet people. I can’t thank my handler (Shane Diel) enough, he is from the barn where Goldjunge is. All throughout the day, he has been very up and excited. Shane learned from every class and pulled out the best for last, so that was very exciting for me!” On this being Humphrey’s first trip to Devon and first big win taking home the Dressage at Devon Grand Pony Championship, she reflected saying, “It has been really great!” 

PONY FOAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Lindsey Berry & Starberry Solstice

2023 Morgan Colt By CM Sunday Kode × Equinox Challenge, Owned by Lindsey Berry, Bred by Lindsey Berry

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

PONY FILLY CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Elizabeth Jensen & Garnet

2021 Westphalian Filly By Genscher × Charm of Nibelungen, Owned by Moss Rose Farm LLC

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

YOUNG PONY CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Ellen Ziemer & Mufasa D

2020 German Warmblood Colt By  Mc Fly High D × Aester El Nino, Owned by Ellen Ziemer, Bred by Christa Dahlkamp

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

PONY MARE CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Ellen Ziemer & Dresscode Kaiser’s Princess

2014 Mare By Kaiser Bonaparte WE × Veenstra’s Promise, Owned by Ellen Ziemer, Bred by Wilma Mazeland

Photo Credit: Conklin Photographic LLC

 

PONY STALLION CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Shane Diel & Goldjunge

2017 Westphalian Stallion By Golden West NRW × Oosteinds Ricky, Owned by Heidi Humphrey, Bred by Heiner Rohmann

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

 

MATURE PONY CHAMPIONSHIP

Champion: Shane Diel & Goldjunge

2017 Westphalian Stallion By Golden West NRW × Oosteinds Ricky, Owned by Heidi Humphrey, Bred by Heiner Rohmann

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group


YOUTH HANDLER

Winner: Jaime Stirparo & Eleito Santana

2009 Lusitano Gelding By Peralta Pinha × Urque, Owned By: Lori Farace, Bred By: Francisco Antonio Rios Corral

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

The winner in the Adult Amateur Handler Class was Amanda Braun with Cowboy Casanova, a Courtney Peiffer entry out of Union Bridge, Maryland. Braun handled the 2001 Morgan gelding flawlessly to secure top honors in the Dixon Oval here at Dressage at Devon as the handler’s took center stage on Day 1 of the Breed Division. The Breed Division will continue through Thursday, September 28th at the Devon Horse Show Grounds.


GET OF SIRE

Winner:  Iron Spring Farm Inc.’s Cum Laude

Handled by: Quinnten Alston

2010 KWPN Stallion By Apache × Weltmeyer, Owned by Iron Spring Farm Inc., Bred by J.A.M Schel

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

The Get of Sire class awards the most representative sample of the progeny of a sire. This year’s winner was Iron Spring Farm Inc.’s prize stallion, Cum Laude. The 2010 Approved KWPN Stallion by Apache x Weltmeyer was bred by J.A.M Schel and handled in the Dixon Oval today by Quinnten Alston. He’s also a popular sire, with several elite mares to his credit. “Cum Laude came in training with us when he was five years old,” recalls his former rider and owner Vai Bruntink. “I immediately fell in love with him. He was so pretty and sweet.” Bruntink continued to develop the stallion and took him to the young horse classes as a six-year-old. He scored an 82 in the first round of the Pavo Cup and finished in 5th place. He was also a high scoring crowd favorite at national shows during this time.

Cum Laude continued up the levels, winning several national competitions at the ZZ-Zwaar and PSG levels, including freestyles with scores to 78%. He made his CDI small tour debut in 2018 at the World Championships for Young Horses, where he won the CDI1* Prix St. Georges class with a 71.618%. In 2019, Cum Laude advanced to the CDI3* level. Bruntink said, “He loved to do prize givings. I never had to worry if the arena or loud music would distract him because he just felt so confident everywhere.”

Due to his show career, Cum Laude was bred on a limited basis, but his first offspring were so outstanding he quickly became a popular choice. Bruntink said, “Everybody loved his appearance, his flashy way of moving, and above all, his fantastic temperament. When we took him to training or shows, he could travel with a mare on the lorry next to him. He was so smart, with the breeding. He knew his job, and once it was over, he acted like a gelding. He’s a really special horse to us.”

For More Information on Iron Spring Farm Inc., visit their webpage at: https://www.ironspringfarm.com/

PRODUCE OF DAM

Winner: Noel Williams & Marmara

2007 Oldenburg Mare By Licotus × Landadel, Owned by Nancy Holowesko, Bred by Erich Jade

Photo Credit: Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media, LLC for Phelps Media Group

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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