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A Look Back
at
Devon
The du Ponts and Devon
Four generations of the family of William du Pont, Jr. have sat in Box 22 and shown at Devon.
In 1919 William du Pont, Jr. married Jean Liseter Austin. The couple had four children prior to divorcing in 1941. Fortunately for Mrs. du Pont, she retained the box.
 | | William du Pont, Jr. on Nancy Pansy |
 | | Jean Austin du Pont on Witchcraft |
Since the 1920's the family has not only enjoyed the world class competition in the Dixon Oval, they've participated in it!
 | | Nine members of the extended du Pont family participate in the Family Class. |
With four generations coming to Devon year after year to watch and ride, the du Pont family truly personifies the tradition of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
 | | Jean Austin duPont, Evelyn duPont Donalson, Judy Donalson Jefferis, Jennifer McClellan Files |
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Photos courtesy of:
Brenda Carpenter T
Alden Corrigan
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Archive
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Devon's Future Stars
On Saturday May 28 the Dixon Oval will be filled with Devon's youngest competitors. Many of today's great riders began their horse show careers in the Devon lead line class. The lead line division is split into two sections, one for children three and under, and one for four and five year olds. While the majority of riders will show in traditional English attire, it is not uncommon to see western, sidesaddle and dressage. Once in a while, if the young rider is too small for a saddle, you will even see children in baskets strapped to their ponies. This class is always very well attended. Many years upwards of fifty ponies are in each section. One child is cuter than the next, many with giant bows in their hair, and most with huge smiles on their faces. Lead line is a definite crowd pleaser, with family and friends of the riders lining the rail, and cameras snapping for that perfect shot.
The handlers are also a captivating sight. Most are decked out in their "Devon finery" featuring big hats and eye-catching attire. You may recognize some of the big name trainers leading ponies borrowed from the hunter classes in the gold ring. The class is judged on manners and suitability of pony to rider. While only a few will place in the lead line classes, all of the children are winners. Everyone is given a Devon blue ribbon and a lollipop!
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Family Fun at Devon
For generations, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has been the official kick off to summer for local families. Memorial Day weekend is Junior Weekend at Devon, so the competition in the ring is all about young athletes, from nationally ranked teenagers to the cutest little pre-schoolers in the Lead Line sections.
The Country Fair offers family fun throughout the duration of the Show. The Midway offers rides and games for all ages, including a larger gondola style Ferris wheel this year! The Candy booth is always a hit with the younger set, happy to take their time carefully selecting just the right combination of old fashioned penny candy, the newest novelty treats, and of coarse, lemon sticks and classic Devon fudge. If your looking for healthy options for the little ones, you'll find them in Hot Dogs (hummus and pita, carrots, celery and ranch dip) and Tea Cart (fresh fruit, yogurt, etc.)
Families joining in the fun of Memorial Day weekend at Devon can get there early to take advantage of some great general admission offers. On Saturday, May 28, the first 700 children's tickets will be free, courtesy of Cambridge Schools of Ardmore. On Sunday, May 29 the first 300 children's tickets will be free courtesy of Braxton's Animal Works.
Look for great deals on Family Days, Thursday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 31. Opening Day, May 26, all children's tickets will be free courtesy of Hartstrings. You'll find specials on food in the Hot Dog, Hamburger and Soda booths as well as in the Tea Cart. Midway will offer discounted wristbands for rides. On Saturday, May 28, Children's Day Activities will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 in the Pavilion, join your creative kids in a variety of crafts at just $4.00 per activity.
Whether you come Memorial Day weekend or later in the show, great family fun is the order of the day at Devon!
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Pony Hunt Teams: Time for Some Fun!
 | | Killer Bees |
After two days of intense pony hunter competition, the pony hunt teams class allows for some creativity and fun in the Gold Ring. This class takes place on Saturday afternoon and is open to ponies that have competed in one of the regular pony hunter sections. The teams of three ponies will be shown over a course of jumps, one behind the other, until the last fence, which they jump in unison. Each team is responsible for coming up with a theme. Both ponies and riders are decked out in costumes and they choose the music they will ride to. Exhibitors and spectators alike love this class, even most of the ponies appear to be having a good time. Last year's class featured Dr. Suess's three Things, Shrek, killer bees, Smurfs, Flintstones, wild animals and many more creative costumes.
Before each team enters the ring, it is a custom to present the judges with a gift relating to the theme. This gift is considered a bribe! Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm in Maryland loves the pony hunt teams. She feels that is a wonderful opportunity to bring the kids together and allows them to take a break from competing against each other. "The pony hunt teams really means a lot to the kids. It is a chance for them to compete on equal ground. It doesn't matter for once who has the nicest pony, it is all about having fun." Kids from different barns are able to team up together and plan far in advance for their theme. This Devon tradition is a definite favorite. Be sure to check out all of the fun and excitement in the Gold Ring on Saturday afternoon!
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