| Special Exhibitions Delight Equestrians and
Non-equestrians Alike
 The
elegant atmosphere of the show ring at Dressage at Devon will
be punctuated by a series of light-hearted exhibitions Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
Grand Prix Dressage, In-Hand
New to Devon is "One Hand on His Shoulder," a special
presentation featuring the classical elegance of in-hand work
at the Grand Prix level combined with the creativity of the freestyle.
The hand belongs to Jean Luc Cornille, and the shoulder belongs
to his long-time partner Lafayette, a 22-year-old Selle Francais
gelding.
Along with a notable background in gymnastics, Jean Luc has a
distinguished and diversified equestrian career that includes
many French national and international three-day eventing, show
jumping, and dressage accomplishments, including Olympic team
and individual medals. He is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale
d'Equitation in Saumur, France where he rode as a member of Le
Cadre Noir.
Appearing Friday & Saturday Evenings, Sunday Afternoon
Pas de Deux: Dressage and Reining
An elegant Pas de Deux teams the classical art of dressage with
the new world discipline of reining. This is an event that has
always been received with overwhelming enthusiasm at Dressage
at Devon crowds. This year two-time dressage Olympian Lendon Gray
is teaming up with champion reiner Rocky Dare for an inspired
performance that offers an uncanny comparison of the two types
of riding.
Appearing Friday & Saturday Evenings
Proud Meadow Friesans
Jorrit, the Friesian stallion will perform with stablemates Doktor
and Tjerk. (See article)
Appearing Friday and Saturday Evenings
The 7th Regiment de Hussards Cavalry Drill
The 7th Regiment de Hussards will reenact a light cavalry drill
from the French Napoleonic era. The unit is dedicated to recreating
the uniforms, accouterments, and drill of the Emperor Napoleon's
Grand Armée during the period 1806-1815. The 7th was involved
in numerous battles under Napoleon, Waterloo. The unit is represented
by two companies, the 1st and the 5th.
Appearing Saturday Early Evening & Sunday Afternoon
Costumed Musical Freestyle
Will you recognize this mythical princess and her powerful steed?
Xena (Robin Lubert of West Chester, PA) presents a costumed musical
freestyle with her Dutch warmblood, Ceros. The marriage of riding
and music are a natural for Robin, a violinist with the Allentown
Symphony.
Appearing Friday & Saturday Evenings, Sunday Afternoon
Canine Freestyle
Canine Freestyle is a choreographed musical performance illustrating
the training, harmony, and joy of a dog and handler team. Drawing
upon canine obedience and equine dressage, the Canine Freestyle
Federation, Inc. has developed the sport of freestyle as a creative
and artistic exploration of the movement potential of the canine
athlete. In freestyle competition, there are no leashes or physical
contact between the dog and handler. Every movement is accomplished
through the subtle use of verbal cues and body language. The music
is chosen to suit the rhythms of the dog and demonstrates the
grace, beauty, and intelligence of the dog working in harmony
with the handler.
Appearing Friday Lunch Break
A Haflinger Exhibition
An emerging sport horse breed, the Haflinger horses will participate
in the Dressage at Devon Breed Division for the first time this
year. A charming, hearty breed from Austria, the Haflingers are
distinguished by their striking chestnut or palomino coloring,
accompanied by a flaxen mane and tail. The breed originated as
a mountain pony and was primarily used for driving and as a pack
animal, although it was also ridden. The modern Haflingers are
a little larger in size and are enjoying growth as a versatile
sport horse in the US. Several Haflinger enthusiasts will exhibit
their horses in harness and under saddle.
Appearing Saturday Early Evening & Sunday Afternoon
Mainstreamers Drill Team
The Thorncroft Mainstreamers will step into the Dixon Oval several
times throughout the weekend of October 2 and 3 to entertain the
crowd with a precision quadrille performance to music.
The Mainstreamers consists of 10 remarkable riders, ranging in
age from 11 to 22 years old. Some of the children have some kind
of a disability, others do not. The team's riders and six horses
learn to perform precise and intricate movements with one another.
The process requires patience and dedication. Throughout the process,
the riders learn to accept each others level of ability without
question, and are rewarded with enhanced understanding of each
other and improved riding skills. The Coaches and riders support
each other both physically and emotionally, "through an atmosphere
of cooperation, respect and love in an equestrian environment."
Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding, Inc., in Malvern, PA, is a leader
in proving the many benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.
Therapeutic riding is known to strengthen balance, increase circulation,
improve muscle tone, and enhance self-esteem. Since its founding
in 1986, the Thorncroft Mainstreamers team has performed throughout
the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
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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