September 22-27, 2026

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USDF Breeders Championship Final – East Coast Series – Age Class Champions

Devon, PA – September 28, 2023 –  Thursday morning in the Dixon Oval, the USDF Breeders Championship Final – East Coast Series Age Group Materiale Classes took center stage. Horses who qualified for their respective age group throughout the competition year had the opportunity to vie for USDF Breeders Championship honors here at Dressage at Devon.

USDF BREEDERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – EAST COAST SERIES

3, 4, & 5 YO Materiale Championships

 

Photo Credit: Nemzoff Fine Art/Nemzoff International for Phelps Media Group

USDF Four Year Old Materiale Champion Hannah Heritage & Athena LG

2019 Hannoverian Mare by Ampere, Owned & Bred by Margaret Graham

USDF Breeders Championship Final – East Coast Series awarded tri-colors in the 3, 4, & 5 Year Old Materiale Championships presented by Triple Crown Nutrition this morning in the Dixon Oval. The USDF Three Year Old Materiale Championship presented by Triple Crown Nutrition welcomed Kimberly Kotch and Salinger H2O to the winner’s circle. The 2020 Oldenburg Gelding by Secret out of a Canto mare was bred by Kendra Hansis, owned and ridden by Kotch. The pair scored an overall 78.050% after receiving a 75.000% and an 81.100%, respectively, from the two judging panels. Taking home the tri-color honors for the USDF Breeders Championship East Coast Final in the USDF Four Year Old Materiale Championship presented by Triple Crown Nutrition was Hannah Heritage aboard the entry owned and bred by Margaret Graham, Athena LG. The 2019 Hannoverian mare by Ampere scored an 82.400% and a 77.400% for an overall 79.900% to take home the championship honors here today. Rounding out the age group Materiale classes, the Five Year Old section was captured by the Courtney Alston entry, Tackmann’s Delicious, piloted to the win by Kaitlin Blythe. Scoring a 83.500% and 73.000% from the two judges panels, the 2018 German Riding Pony Stallion posted an overall 78.250% to take home the top honors in the USDF 5 Year Old Materiale Championship presented by Triple Crown Nutrition.

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

SHOPPIN’ IN THE USA

In support of US Breeders, the team at Dressage at Devon created “Shoppin’ in the USA” presented by Horses 4 Your Consideration to serve as a platform to introduce breeders and their offspring to a knowledgeable prospective customer base, making it easier for buyers to see multiple horses at one time here at Dressage at Devon. Prospective buyers can view Shoppin’ in the USA horses while they are warming up as well as during competition – the classes in which they will compete are listed in the e-catalog.  The Final Presentation of these quality horses took place in the Dixon Oval today, the following are a few of the quality horses participating in the Shoppin’ in the USA Program, which is only open to horses competing at DaD.

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

ARLO

2018 Westphalian IBC Gelding

$48,000 USD

Arlo is a stunning 2018 gelding by Ampere out of a Disconto mare (Diamantino x Fruhlingsonne) Arlo has successfully competed as a 3 and 4 year old at Dressage at Devon, placing as high as second  and making the ribbons in the highly competitive USDF 4 Year Old Class 2022. He has scored to 79.4% in Materiale and 74.6% in the YH tests in  2022 he was Westphalian USDF Champion at Training Level and Reserve Champion Materiale. Arlo is schooling Second Level and has an amazing and powerful hind leg, which no doubt will take him easily to the FEI levels.  Arlo is very elastic and has a natural lead change. He is a horse for the future and would make a wonderful partner to move up the levels. Ampere is a son of Rousseau, who stood in the US for many years. Ampère is a talented and highly regarded stallion who gives the rider a very good feeling, and is known for being an honest, reliable and sensible stallion with a very good work ethic. Ampère won the Dutch performance test – the 70 days performance test in Ermelo – in 2008, with very high scores (walk 8; trot 9; canter 9,5; ridability 9; talent as dressage horse 9). During the test, riders praised Ampère as the best horse they had ridden in years. Fortunately, he passes his exceptional gaits on to his offspring.

Ampere is a very successful highly regarded son of Rousseau. Ampere is a very popular sire whose frozen semen is available here in the US. Ampere won the 7 Day.

For more information, please contact: Russell’s Landing Farm, Emily Hadden Morris, 412-370-2323, poseidon2010@icloud.com

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

DANCING DEBUTANTE

2023 Westfalen German Riding Pony Filly by Golden State NRW x Dresscode Dancing Date

$18,000 USD

Dancing Debutante PVF is a 2023 Westfalen German Riding Pony filly by the highly successful, performance proven, Golden State NRW (FS Golden Moonlight) out of the imported Westfalen German Riding Pony mare Dresscode Dancing Date (Dating AT).

As a sire, Golden State has made his mark in the competitive world of German Riding Ponies in Europe. He is the sire of no less than 6 licensed sons only having stood in Germany for 2 season!! His children and grand-children have also collected accolades by the dozens: Licensing winners, Premium stallions, States Premium daughters, Bundeschampions, Foal Championship winners and reserves, and more. His competition career started off very young with a reserve championship at the German Foal Championships in 2009. At his licensing in 2011, he was named Premium and the following year he was the 3yo Westfalen Champion and Bundeschampion – his high score of 9.56 still holds the record today. Since his import to the USA, he has continued to rack up accomplishments including 2014 USDF Horse Of The Year and 2016 NDPC AA Champion at 3rd Level. In 2022 Golden State re-entered the show ring coming 2nd in his very first I1 Open with Emmanuelle Lord. He ended the 2022 season with over 73% in both PSG and I1.

Dancing Debutante’s dam, now 4 years old and granted premium mare status in 2023, has successfully competed at breed show in-hand classes, including Dressage at Devon in 2021 and 2022. Debutante’s dam has shown successfully in USDF Materiale classes; a dressage career is planned for “Dee” after her foal is weaned. Debutante is a striking red dun with an exceptional temperament and 3 good gaits. Debutante is a promising sport pony prospect with a pedigree suitable for breeding.

For more information, please contact: Pura Vida Farms, LLC, Dr. Ellen L. Ziemer, DVM, 919-270-8395, ziemere@gmail.com, www.puravidanc.com

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

FINLEY HTF

2022 Hanoverian Gelding by Foundation x Releve’ HTF

$14,000 USD

Bred by Hilltop Farm, Finley HTF is a 2022 Hanoverian Gelding by Foundation x Releve’ HTF. At Finley’s Hanoverian Inspection, he was named Top Colt and earned the coveted Gold Medal Foal award. His beautiful type, elastic movement, and charming character have kept him as a favorite and his pedigree foretells a bright future in dressage sport. His sire is Foundation (Fidertanz-De Vito) has produced over 30 licensed stallions, the Reserve World Champion Young Horse Ferrari OLD, and FEI competitors at an early age. Ridden by Matthias Alexander Rath, Foundation has been successful in Grand Prix CDI competitions including Rotterdam, Aachen, Doha, and Falsterbo. Grandsire Fidertanz was also successful at international Grand Prix level and was named Hanoverian Sire of the Year in 2021. Dam Relevè HTF (Royal Prince-Cordoba) earned an impressive 7.83 at her mare inspection and is a Premium Hanoverian Mare. Her offspring consistently inherit her beautiful type and correctness. Her first foal was Reserve Champion of the USDF East Coast Foal Championship at Devon. Damsire, Royal Prince, stood at Hilltop for many years, and still holds the record for the highest finish by an American-owned horse with his 4th place finish at the WBFSH Young Horse World Championships as a five year old in 2004, and went on to compete successfully through Prix St. Georges. Finley has a very social, engaging character and seeks out attention. There is lots to love about this fun young horse and we think he will be easy to develop in the coming years. Royal Prince was the sire of 2011 DaD Grand Champion Rheporter.

Finley HTF’s 2023 DaD results include: Hannoverian IBC – 3rd, Yearlings Golts and Geldings – 3rd , & Colts and Gelings Championship – 3rd

For more information, please contact: Hilltop Farm – Natalie DiBerardinis, 410-658-9898, 410-658-1836 (direct), natalie@hilltopfarminc.com, www.hilltopfarminc.com

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

FORMIDABLE RS

2023 Westfalen Colt by HB 1 Freedom RS (Florestan I) x S1 Sabina RS (Sandro Hit)

$20,000 USD

This flashy colt wowed the judges at his Westfalen inspection with a 8.25 and was site champion out of 19 entries. Formidable RS’s Florestan x Sandro Hit pedigree has given him a brilliant presence, displaying elegance and beauty combined with excellent conformation and three phenomenal gaits. He is friendly and confident with a brave nature and a super work ethic. Sabrina RS was a GOV USEF Horse of the Year as a yearling. Sabrina RS dam is out of Bella Lika, who was the Grand Champion at Dressage at Devon many years ago, Balalaika was the first mare to beat all the stallions. Formidable RS has an pedigree stacked with Grand Prix horses. Formidable RS had good success here at Dressage at Devon, receiving good ribbons in multiple classes.

For more information, please contact: Riverside Sport Horses, Teresa Smith, 443-333-6791, riversidesporthorses@me.com

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

NAMASTE PVF

2023 Premium Westfalen German Riding Pony Colt by HB 1 Branley Ash Nautilus x S1 Kaiser’s Prinzess

$18,000 USD

Namaste PVF is a premium Westfalen German Riding Pony colt, owned and bred by Dr. Ellen L. Ziermer, DVM of North Carolina. Namaste PVF was born May 20, 2023, and is sired by Branley Ash Nautilus (FS Numero Uno) out of imported German Riding Pony mare Kaiser’s Prinzess (Kaiser Bonaparte We). Namaste is a well-developed, elegant modern-type colt with excellent conformation and 3 good gaits. Breed show judges commented on a walk with clear rhythm and big stride and a ground covering trot with uphill balance. Namaste competed in July 2023 at the Raleigh Summer Dressage Show I and was awarded Reserve Grand Champion, with scores in his classes as high as 84.25%. Namaste has a friendly, confident personality and is a delight to handle. Namaste PVF’s 2023 Dressage at Devon results include: Pony Colts and Geldings – 3rd, and Colts and Geldings of Current Year – 8th.

For more information, please contact: Pura Vida Farms, LLC, Dr. Ellen L. Ziemer, DVM, 919-270-8395, ziemere@gmail.com, www.puravidanc.com

 

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

R GRAND TOTIL

2021 KWPN Colt by Gaudi x Jesire

$60,000 USD

R Grand Totil is a 2021 KWPN colt sired by Gaudi out of Jesire by Colonist. Gaudi has made quite a name for himself as a very popular son of Totilas and the only Totilas offspring standing at Stud in the US. The damsire of the mare is by Colonist. This cross has proven to be an amazing cross with such personality and athletic ability. Toti has had amazing results in the breed show ring. In 2022 R Grand Totil was Reserve Champion for All Breeds and was third in the colt Championship at Dressage at Devon his full brother Poseidon was Reserve Champion. In 2023, R Grand Totil has been undefeated in his age division, Champion Colt at every show and Grand Champion of the entire show twice. His full sibling, Olympia, a 2019 mare, was Grand Champion mare of the South East Finals breeders Championships and Grand Champion of the Materiale for 4/5 year old mares at the South East Finals breeders Championships. “Toti’s” current median score for the USDF is 82.475. He has an amazing canter and a fun personality, he travels great, and is very happy to show off in the arena. In 2023, R Grand Totil has been Grand Champion four times and is currently leading the 2 Yo’s for the USDF.

For more information, please contact: Danielle Sintoni, 980-429-8772, sintoni1313@live.com

 

Dressage at Devon CDI JOG

Sponsored By Unionville Equine Associates 

AWARDS

Humans and horses flaunting their best during the 2023 Dressage at Devon CDI Jog sponsored by Unionville Equine Associates, were given awards for their efforts and impressive presentation of both themselves and their horses. The three awards for the best dressed humans and best turned out horse during the CDI Jog were:

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

Christian Garweg
BEST DRESSED MAN
SPONSORED BY DOVER SADDLERY
Award Presented by Dover Saddlery’s Carolanne Messina

 

Christina Morin Graham
BEST DRESSED WOMAN
SPONSORED BY DOVER SADDLERY
Award Presented by Dover Saddlery’s Carolanne Messina


Selfmade
Owned and Presented by Adrianne Alvord
BEST TURNED OUT HORSE
SPONSORED BY BAYFOX DESIGNS, LLC & UNIQCORN EXCEPTIONNEL

 

Thursday, September 28th, marked the final day of breed division competition at Dressage at Devon presented by Kingsview Partners. With the NorCordia Dressage at Devon 2023 Master Class presented by Running ‘S’ Equine Veterinary Services taking place in the evening of the same day, dressage takes over at DaD! Friday, September 29th is the first full day of performance division competition featuring the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix (Qual. for GPS) Sponsored by Quarry View Building Group, the FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix (Qual. for World Cup Freestyle) sponsored by BioStar, and the new and exciting specialty event, the Dressage at Devon Dance Off!

For more information on the Dressage at Devon schedule of events click here.

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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