Young riders show off their skills at Devon Horse Show

Sapphire Grand Prix set for Thursday as show continues through Sunday.

Brad Larrison

May 29, 2018

A competitor at the 122nd edition of the Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
A competitor at the 122nd edition of the Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Catherine Sweeney rides her horse, Can Fly, through the course Sunday at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
The 122nd edition of the Devon Horse Show began this Thursday and runs until Sunday, June 3. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Competitors walk their horses before running the course. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Vendors sell antiques and other goods at the country fair portion of the Devon Horse Show on Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Vendors sell antiques and other goods at the country fair portion of the Devon Horse Show on Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
The country fair at the Devon Horse Show features games, food and rides. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Riders line up in the main oval at the Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
A rider is given a ribbon after competing at the Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Prizes hang from a skee ball booth at the country fair portion of the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
A trainer warms up a horse at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Competitors in the Therapeutic Riders Division ride in different formations at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Competitors in the Therapeutic Riders Division ride in different formations at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Competitors in the Therapeutic Riders Division ride in different formations at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
A bugler sounds off to start another round of equestrian competition at the Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Kiley Ahn jumps her horse Root Beer Float at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Holly Koczon jumps her horse Angel at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Austin Bauman jumps her horse Miracles Happen at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Ashyln Morelli jumps her horse Just One Look at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Hallie Rush jumps her horse Sky Miles at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Hallie Rush rides her horse Sky Miles at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Katharine Dade jumps her horse National Treasure at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 27. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)

As the unofficial start of summer arrived this Memorial Day weekend, so did the 122nd edition of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The show, featuring a variety of equine events, is the oldest multi-breed horse show in the United States and has benefited Bryn Mawr Hospital since 1919.

On Sunday afternoon at the fairgrounds, young riders participated in the show-jumping competition. All were looking to complete the timed course without any mistakes. The riders, many of whom had traveled from across the country, commanded horses including E-Z To Spot and Can Fly around the course with precision.

A group of riders competing in the Therapeutic Riders Division provided some inspiration during the afternoon. The division hosts young people with disabilities and special needs.

The event continues through Sunday, with gates opening at 8 a.m and closing at 10 p.m. The show’s main attraction is set for Thursday with the Sapphire Grand Prix, which features top names in the sport. Several former Olympians are scheduled to compete in this year’s show, including last year’s winner McLain Ward, a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Tickets are available in advance or at the event for $15.

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