50th anniversary Archives - Dressage at Devon

September 22-27, 2026

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Olympic Champion Ingrid Klimke to Present Exclusive Masterclass at Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Devon, Pennsylvania – April 15, 2025 Dressage at Devon, one of North America’s most prestigious dressage competitions, is thrilled to announce a rare and exclusive masterclass with Olympic champion and world-renowned equestrian Ingrid Klimke. This highly anticipated event will take place during the 50th anniversary of Dressage at Devon, the iconic horse show held in […]

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.

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