| The Breed Show: Dressage at Devon Abounds
With Entries
 The Breed Show at Dressage at Devon, September 28 through
September 30, is acclaimed as "America's most recognized
breeding show." It is also the largest equestrian breed show
in the world. Dressage at Devon is one of the few dressage shows
in the country that offers a complete breed show. The competitors
are judged on their suitability to become or produce dressage
horses.
Categories of Classes
The Breed Show includes three categories of classes: Young Horse/Sport
Horse Classes including horses up to and including the age of
three years shown "in hand"; Mature Horse/Breeding Horse
Classes for horses four years and older shown "in hand";
and Under Saddle Classes for horses three years and older.
In Hand Classes
Horses are show in "in hand" classes by a handler who
follows a prescribed pattern of movements for the judging. They
are scored for movement, conformation and general impression.
Movement considers the horse's freedom, harmony and balance. Conformation
is evaluated in terms of function, differing slightly for stallions
and mares, with the horse harmonious in all its parts. The general
impression of the horse includes manners and temperament and is
significant because a successful dressage performance horse must
be capable of intense concentration and effort, while remaining
calm, obedient and willing to work.
Under Saddle Classes
Under saddle classes are conducted with riders on the horses,
and are judged, at the walk trot and canter, on quality of gaits,
presence, balance and compliance. These classes are most entertaining
as spectators are able to watch a multitude of young dressage
prospects together in one arena with
Diversity Of Breeds
A diversity of breeds are formally recognized by a series of Individual
Breed classes organized in cooperation with breed associations
in the United States and abroad. This year's line-up includes
the Dutch Warmblood, Hanovarian, American Warmblood, Trakehner,
Selle Francais, Westfalen, Belgian Warmblood, Lipizzan, Holsteiner,
Appaloosa, Friesian, Haflinger breeds, and Sport Horses of Color.
Dressage at Devon is also the site of the United States Dressage
Federation Breeders Championship Finals, the culmination of a
multi-show competition.
Breed classes will be held in the morning and the afternoon of
Tuesday, September 28, Wednesday, September 29, and Thursday,
September 30.
Dressage at Devon takes place at the Devon Horse Show Grounds,
Route 30, in Devon Pennsylvania from September 28 through October
3. It includes a breeding competition, dressage competition, special
exhibitions, food, shops, and children's activities. General admission
is $6; children under 12 are admitted at no charge. Reserved and
box seats are available. For information, call 610.449.0243.
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