| Welcome To Dressage at Devon 1999
 International Riders, Breeders, and Judges come to Classical Horsemanship
Competition 25th Annual Dressage at Devon, the largest, most comprehensive
horse show of its kind, takes place September 28th through October
3rd.
Considered the premier North American equestrian event of its
kind, and the highest rated international dressage competition
outside of Europe, Dressage at Devon combines six days of world-class
dressage, breeding competition, shops, food and special activities.
The 1998 show attracted over 500 competitors from across the United
States and close to a dozen nations, including seasoned Olympic
competitors and future Olympic hopefuls. Olympic medalist Robert
Dover calls it "the standard by which all American horse
shows should be judged." Dressage at Devon benefits Thorncroft
Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
The focus of the event is the four-day dressage competition.
Dressage, a French word meaning "training," describes
a rider's harmonious development of the horse in both body and
mind to increase suppleness, obedience and strength. Considered
classical horsemanship, the roots of dressage go back to antiquity,
and, in recent years its popularity has gained momentum. Today
dressage is the fastest growing equestrian discipline in the United
States. Competition involves a series of movements based on a
horse's natural body action, not unlike gymnastics or figure skating
competitions. Through years of training and endless hours of practice,
a successful horse and rider team will display a graceful harmony
that appears effortless and that many have described as "poetry
in motion."
Dressage at Devon incorporates competition from fourth level
through Grand Prix, the highest level of dressage competition,
including musical freestyles at two levels. It is a qualifying
competition for the 2000 Olympics, the 2000 World Cup, and the
2000 Young Riders Championship. It is also the championship competition
for the 1999 AHSA/Cosequin Junior Dressage Team Championships
and the Junior Olympics.
In addition to the performance show, Dressage at Devon features
a two and a half day Breeding Division including individual breed
classes and a series of championship classes. The show is the
Breeders' Championship Finals for the United States Dressage Federation.
For those interested in learning about dressage, Dressage with
the Experts offers the spectator an opportunity to listen to live
expert commentary during the competition.
A wide variety of exhibitions are planned for the main arena
including performances by Proud Meadow Friesians and Haflinger
horses; the Thorncroft Mainstreamers; a USET Dressage-Reining
Pas de Deux with two-time dressage Olympian Lendon Gray and champion
reiner Rocky Dare; canine freestyles; a Military Light Cavalry
History; and more.
The Festival Shops offer exclusive apparel, fine arts, antiques
and collectibles for spectator and rider from over 50 vendors.
"The best food on the horse show circuit," according
to competitors, includes everything from burgers to full gourmet
meals, including the Wine and Cheese Shop and Beer Garden.
On Saturday and Sunday, Kids Corral presents craft projects,
Moon Bounce, a raffle, and an opportunity to meet and speak with
a variety of equestrian experts.
Dressage at Devon is presented by Delaware Valley Combined Training
Association and benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding,
Inc., one of the oldest and largest therapeutic riding facilities
in the nation. Thorncroft helps the disabled to improve balance,
circulation, muscle tone, and concentration, while enhancing self-esteem.
Since 1991, Dressage at Devon has raised close to $400,000 for
Thorncroft.
Corporate sponsors for the 1999 show include The Rittenhouse
Trust Company, Dressage Today magazine, Jaguar Cars, Christiana
Mall/Preit Rubin, Godiva Chocolatier, Chubb Group, New Holland
North America, Cross Country International, Pfizer Animal Health,
Exelon Energy, and Round Hill Resort.
Dressage at Devon takes place at the Devon Horse Show Grounds,
Route 30, in Devon Pennsylvania. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday,
September 28 through Thursday, September 30; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday,
October 3. 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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