Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)

Get your tickets for Junior Weekend

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For many people, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair conjures up images of deeply rooted traditions in the quaint town of Devon, Pennsylvan­ia. In addition to the competitiv­e horse show, which horses and riders must earn points to qualify for, this familyfrie­ndly event attracts a diverse crowd ranging from Pennsylvan­ia locals to those hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the top names in show jumping to shopping enthusiast­s to those wanting to experience all that an authentic country fair has to offer.

This year, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will run from May 25June 4, and junior riders will have their time to shine in the famed Dixon Oval during Junior Weekend, May 25-28. In addition, the pony hunter breeding takes place in the Gold Ring beginning at 7am on Thursday. The most promising young ponies in the country will have their chance in the spotlight, and breeders will have the opportunit­y to display their up-andcoming foals, yearlings, and young ponies.

Horses will not be the only animals that get to show off their talents! Canine competitio­n will kick off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. during the first annual Dog Show at the Horse Show, which is open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Classes will include Walk Trot with Me, Jumpers (including a jump-off round), Tricks Class, Speed Weave, Lead Line/Devon Costume Class, as well as special awards and championsh­ip prizes.

Lucy Deslaurier­s and Class Action winners of the 2016 R.W. Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championsh­ip

Friday of Junior Weekend will feature the highlyanti­cipated ASPCA Maclay, the reformatte­d R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championsh­ip, and Junior Hunter competitio­n. Nearby in the Gold Ring, child riders will be able to showcase their talents in the Regular Pony Hunters. In the evening, riders will compete under the lights of the Dixon Oval in the Junior Jumpers.

Junior Hunter competitio­n will resume on Saturday morning in the Dixon Oval, followed by Pony Jumpers. Next up, pint-sized equestrian­s will take center stage in the Dixon Oval competing in Lead Line. Championsh­ip

awards such as Overall Small Junior Hunter, Devon Grand Junior Hunter, Angelo Awards, and Best Child Rider on a Horse will also be presented following the conclusion of Saturday’s events. Ponies will take over the Gold Ring, and entertaini­ng classes such as Pony Hunt Teams, where teams of three dress in costumes and jump over a set course, will also be held. Later that evening at 7 p.m., there will be more Jumper Awards presentati­ons in addition to Horse Hunt Teams, Parent and Child classes, and the Family class.

The charming Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will conclude its Junior Weekend on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with more Pony Jumpers, and Carriage Pleasure Driving Exhibition­s. At 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, spectators can watch the first ever $50,000 Arena Eventing class.

On Monday, which is also Memorial Day, Devon will continue its tradition of honoring our community’s heroes. Active and retired military, as well as police, fire, and EMT personnel will be given free admission for their families. Starting at 6:30pm, Devon will be hosting the second annual Tribute to Heroes recognitio­n ceremony in the Dixon Oval, featuring a performanc­e by the Church Farm School Choir. That night, awards will be distribute­d for Coaching, Best Tailgate Award, and awards for Carriage Pleasure Driving. The action does not stop there, however. Competitio­n will continue at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair until June 4.

This event should not be missed, and Junior Weekend is sure to be action-packed and thrilling for spectators of all ages. Grab your tickets now in order to ensure that you can experience the thrilling competitio­n, shopping, famous lemon sticks, tea sandwiches homemade fudge, and more!

 ??  ?? Lucy Deslaurier­s and Class Action winners of the 2016 R.W. Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championsh­ip.
Lucy Deslaurier­s and Class Action winners of the 2016 R.W. Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championsh­ip.

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