Boyd Martin Claims Victory in Devon Arena Eventing on a Day Celebrating Tradition and Thrill
Boyd Martin soars over a cross-country obstacle under the lights of the Dixon Oval during their winning round in the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing. (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography for AKSM Equestrian/AKSM Sports)
Day five of the 2025 Devon Horse Show blended tradition and excitement, featuring the historic Carriage Marathon, the crowd-pleasing Shetland Pony Steeplechase, and a thrilling nighttime victory by Boyd Martin in the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing.
Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - Sunday marked a vibrant and multifaceted fifth day at the 2025 Devon Horse Show, where tradition met adrenaline in a celebration of sport, heritage, and community. With a full schedule spanning disciplines from historic carriage driving to modern eventing, the showgrounds and surrounding streets came alive with the unique spirit that has defined Devon for over a century.
The day opened with one of Devon’s most beloved traditions: the annual Carriage Marathon, also known as the Devon Pleasure Drive. Beginning at St. David’s Episcopal Church, elegant carriages made a picturesque 4.5-mile procession through the neighborhoods of Devon, cheered on by local residents picnicking and waving in honor of Memorial Day Weekend. This event, dating back to the early 1950s and added by longtime Devon chairman James K. Robinson, Jr., remains a visual feast of restored historic carriages, meticulously dressed drivers, and finely groomed horses. Judging took place at both the start and the finish, with the final inspection in the Dixon Oval, where every detail—from carriage authenticity to traditional attire—was carefully evaluated.
Later in the day, the Dixon Oval transformed from elegance to excitement, as the stands filled under the evening sky for the much-anticipated Devon Arena Eventing. As one of the few events of its kind in the world, this class combines the technicality of show jumping with the boldness of cross-country obstacles across both the Dixon Oval and the Wheeler Ring.
Defending champion Boyd Martin, aboard Miss Lulu Herself, once again rose to the top, securing the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing title, sponsored by B&D Builders & Goshen Hill, and taking home the George O. Davidson Trophy. The victory cements Martin’s continued dominance in a thrilling format that has become a Devon signature in recent years.
Another fan favorite that added a dash of whimsy to Sunday’s schedule was the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, featuring pint-sized jockeys racing spirited ponies across miniature hurdles. The high-energy, family-friendly competition was a hit with spectators young and old.
Beyond the rings, the Devon Fair Grounds buzzed with activity. From the midway rides and games to shopping in the vendor village and indulging in the show’s signature sweet treats, the event once again proved itself to be as much about community as it is about competition.
As the sun set on Day 5, Devon continued its proud tradition of blending equestrian excellence with timeless local charm—offering something for every horse lover, history buff, and family looking for Memorial Day memories.
The annual headlining show is not the last show for the year; competition returns to the Devon showgrounds on September 11th for the Fall Classic which runs through September 14th as well as Dressage at Devon from September 23rd to September 28th. Tickets are still available for the show’s 129th run - which ends next Sunday, June 1st - at devonhorseshow.net.