|
___________________
A Look Back
at
Devon
The Grandstands
There's no better seat in the house than a box in the Main Grandstand, and that's been so for 100 years.
In the early years of the Show, spectators brought their own seating and informally gathered along the rails of the ring with no protection from the weather. In 1910, the first box seats were built. The 46 boxes were constructed of wood and protected by canvas awnings. A boardwalk in front and a bandstand for musicians provided much improved conditions for viewing the competition and socializing.
 | | Original box seating circa 1918 |
The most desirable boxes not only had a perfect view, but natural shade provided by an apple tree growing in the middle of the Grandstand. In 1918 the Sunday Record described the scene, "Directly in the front middle of the Grandstand was a large apple tree and Mrs. George Fales Baker always insisted on having the center box, shaded by the apple tree. There she sat, every Devon Horse Show, the rest of her life, even after she had to be carried to her box in a chair."
 | | Main Grandstand |
In 1923, the original box seating and boardwalk were removed to accommodate the ever-growing crowds with the Main Grandstand. The new Grandstand was built with a foundation and piers of concrete.
 | | Aerial of the rings, 2009 |
In the 1960's, the South Grandstand was added, with additional grandstands built in the 1980's on the east side of the ring. In 1990, the decision was made to demolish the 1923 Main Grandstand and replace all of the structural wood with steel, while maintaining the original Edwardian appearance.
Today, there are a total of 365 boxes at Devon seating 2090 people and a total seating capacity of over 3000.
|
| Presenting Sponsor | |
|
| Major Sponsors | |
|
|
New Footing for the Gold Ring
After receiving an incredibly positive response to the footing installed in the Dixon Oval in 2010, the Gold Ring got the same treatment for 2011. The company who did the installation last year, Equestrian Services International, is back on site with their unique combination of sand and fiber making the Gold Ring surface equal to that of the Dixon Oval.
 | | ESI Gold Ring Installation |
The Poels Sand Footing, developed by Bart Poels, is considered by many elite riders to be the finest footing available today. The footing provides better drainage with lower maintenance. More importantly, it allows for a consistent footing for all competitors, whether they are the first in the ring or the last.
"We are pleased to be in a position to renovate and install the identical state-of-the-art footing in the Gold Ring as we did in the Dixon Oval last year," said Devon Horse Show and Country Fair President, Wade McDevitt. "This is another huge accomplishment as we continue to elevate and improve our physical plant."
 | | Gold Ring, April 2011 |
|
The Majestic Friesian
____________________________________________________________________
The big, black, beautiful Friesian horses will once again return to Devon for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening competition. Originating from the country of Friesland, one of eleven provinces in the Netherlands, the Friesian is the only horse native to Holland. Known for their shiny black coat, long flowing mane and tail, and shire-like fetlock hair, these beautiful horses range in size from 15-17 hands. Beauty, however, runs more than just skin deep for the Friesians. They are easy going, intelligent, honest, willing and very gentle, with a wonderful disposition. Despite their draft-like appearance, Friesian horses are graceful and nimble for their size. They are also versatile, used in both harness and under saddle disciplines and, most recently, making their mark in Dressage.
 | | Annika Bruggeworth and Gooitzen fan Teakesyl |
Gooitzen fan Teakesyl is a seasoned competitor here at the Devon Horse Show, having won the Amateur title with owner Annika Bruggeworth four years in a row! He was imported from Holland as a two year old and trained by Jan Lukens in upstate New York. Gooitzen fan Teakesyl is a first Premie, the highest rating for a Friesian, and had made it to the grueling final test to be an approved Stallion in Holland. " His future however was to be a prized competitor on the US circuit" says Annika Bruggeworth. He has not only won World Championship titles in both riding and conformation in hand, but also boasts an undefeated streak of 74 consecutive wins, all at A rated competitions with Bruggeworth. Bruggeworth and Friesian Season have a new import from Holland, a four year old gelding named Ykmar fan de Visscherwel, who is also in training with Jan Lukens. Ykmar fan de Visscherwel will be making his debut here at Devon in the Open Friesian division with Lukens handling the ride. Will Gooitzen fan Teakesyl's winning streak continue, or will a newcomer steal the show?
|
|
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Sunday, May 1, 4-6PM______________
 Devon is just a few short weeks away. Become part of the fun by volunteering! The Devon Country Fair is one of the largest volunteer fundraising efforts in the country. Nearly 2000 volunteers come together each May in support of Bryn Mawr Hospital. Swing by the Volunteer Appreciation Party in the Hospitality Room on the Horse Show Grounds. You'll have an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, learn more about what each committee does, sign up and get your volunteer and parking passes.
Volunteers old and new are encouraged to stop by and have some refreshments. If you've signed up on line, you'll be able to pick up your volunteer badges and parking passes. If you would like to explore volunteer opportunities at Devon on line, please click here.
|
|
Join Us for the 6th Annual Black Tie & Boots Ball
It's time to kick off the Devon season in style! On May 7th, Bryn Clovis, the breeding annex of Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran's storied Brushwood Farm will again be the magnificent setting for the Black Tie & Boots Ball. Hundreds of guests decked out in ballgowns, cowboy boots and everything in between, will enjoy cocktails overlooking the rolling paddocks and historic stone barn. Dinner and a live auction will be followed by music and dancing to Sugarfoot Farm, fronted by local musicians George "GT" Corrigan and Jimmy Unger. 
Auction items include a private hunt for six, an opportunity to ride the Wells Fargo Stage Coach in the Dixon Oval at Devon, a one month lease on a new Jaguar as well as vacation home stays and other wonderful prizes. The event is sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Company and all proceeds benefit The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation. For more information, please click here to visit our web site or call 610-964-0550. |
The Devon Blue Collection is proudly presented as this year's Operation Goldmine prize. This beautiful collection features luxury accessories in Devon's favorite shade; an Hermes Mini Bucket bag, an Emilio Pucci Orchidee oblong scarf and a David Yurman cable bangle bracelet with blue topaz caps and 14K gold accents. The drawing will be held on Thursday, June 2 prior to the Grand Prix. Chances are $25.00 each and can be purchased by contacting Candy Kirby at 610-527-4558.
|
|
|
