Devon Horse Show returns for 122nd edition

DEVON » As the Memorial Day weekend arrives, the Devon Horse Show is going full gallop. The horse show is really two events, a world-class show jumping horse event which attracts riders from across America and the Country Fair with Ferris wheel, merrygo-round, Skee ball and shops with all the latest fashions. The Devon Horse Show opened Thursday and runs through June 3.

When asked what brings visitors and participants to the 122nd annual event in the heart of suburbia you hear a common refrain, “It’ Devon.”

“It’s a classic prestigious

short show,” said Cassie Volikas of Malvern who was enjoying the day with her two long-hair chihuahuas puppyies. “I come every year, I love seeing my friends who are riding.”

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Devon, but keep them on a leach.

“We love it, it’s a great show,” said a proud Karen Saad of Fairhaven New Jersey, who could be seen photographing her daughter Grace who placed sixth in the A.S.P.C.A. Mackay horseman ship class. “She set a goal of winning a ribbon at Devon this year and is thrilled.”

“I’ve been coming since I was very little,” said Priscilla Belsinger of Berwyn, who was on the midway with her son and grandson. We have a box. We usually come three nights and give the tickets away for other days to friends. My favorites are the shops and the open jumper classes.”

Over at the information booth just inside the main gate, volunteers Didi Rieger of West Chester, Marcia Pontius of Strafford and Jean Lineman of Radnor were busy uniting a girl who lost her hat with a woman looking to turn it in to the lost and found.

“That was easy,” laughed.

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA We love it, it’s a great show,” said a proud Karen Saad of Fairhaven New Jersey, who could be photographing her daughter Grace who placed sixth in the A.S.P.C.A. Mackay horseman ship class with her horse Quinn. “She set a goal of winning a ribbon at...

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Cassie Volikas of Malvern enjoys the Devon Horse Show with her two longhair chihuahuas puppies, Jade and Lightning.

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A rider takes a jump at the Devon Horse Show Friday, the show continues through June 3.

PETE BANNAN-DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Riders warm up for their turn at the Devon Horse Show Friday, the show continues through June 3.

PETE BANNAN-DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The barns and stables at the Devon Horse Show are a interesting experience to see.

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Noah Marklund, 3, of Coatesville with his unicorn enjoys the Devon Horse Show Friday.