From Lead Line to Legacy: Junior Stars Highlight Devon’s Fourth Day
The next generation of Devon Champions took to the Dixon Oval on the afternoon of Saturday, May 24, 2025 for their first-ever chance at a Devon Blue ribbon. Over 100 kids under five years old dawned their finest attire and biggest smiles in front of packed grandstands for the annual Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Lead Line classes. (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography for US Equestrian)
Day four of the 2025 Devon Horse Show celebrated the next generation of equestrians with standout performances in junior hunter and jumper divisions, charming lead line classes, and a showcase of tradition through pony hunt teams and the historic Radnor Hunt exhibition.
Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - Day four of the 129th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair offered a vivid snapshot of the sport’s future, showcasing rising stars and time-honored traditions. From the smallest lead line riders to the finest junior hunters and jumpers, Saturday was a celebration of youth, talent, and dedication in the ring.
Walkenbach Dominates Junior Hunters
Paige Walkenbach closed out her junior career in show-stopping fashion, taking home top honors across multiple divisions. With two standout mounts from Walkenbach Equestrian LLC—Oldenburg gelding Babylon and Hanoverian gelding San Pedro 15—she swept both the Small and Large Junior Hunter 16-17 divisions. Her performance earned her the titles of Overall Small and Large Junior Hunter Champion, culminating in the most prestigious honor: Devon Grand Junior Hunter Champion with San Pedro 15.
Walkenbach also claimed the Best Child Rider on a Horse Award and the Angelo Award, a fitting finale for her last year as a junior. Speaking about the moment, she shared, “It’s definitely a little bit more pressure... but I want to end my last Devon on a good note.”
Trainer Jim Hagman praised the connection between Walkenbach and San Pedro 15: “It’s a wonderful partnership… the best horses, it’s about trust.”
In the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, Faith Schuttemeyer and Ladies First took top honors, while Ava Barnes and Atlas were named Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under champions.
Grand Pony Hunter Champion: Play Date and Grace Stenbeck-Werner
The Wheeler Ring hosted fierce competition in the Pony Hunter divisions, with Grace Stenbeck-Werner aboard Swede Ventures LLC’s Play Date emerging as the 2025 Devon Grand Pony Hunter Champion.
Lead Line: The Next Generation Begins
Devon’s beloved Lead Line classes did not disappoint, with more than 100 young riders showcasing early promise in the “exhibition of cuteness.” Winners included:
Charlotte Beach and Mi Amor (3 & Under)
Cora Bechtel and SHF Tweek (4 & 5-Year-Olds)
All participants received goodie bags from The Plaid Horse and Belle & Bow Equestrian—perhaps a small but significant start to future Devon careers.
Griffin Captures Junior Jumper Classic, Lignelli Clinches Division
Junior Jumper action lit up the Dixon Oval in the evening as Avery Griffin and Oh My Star Van Strytem bested a seven-horse jump-off to win the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame 1.45m Junior Jumper Classic.
Griffin also earned the Shalanno Style of Riding Award, while Alexa Elle Lignelli and XO Zadora were crowned Junior Jumper Division Champion and received the Leading Junior Jumper Rider Award.
Tradition Takes the Spotlight
The evening wrapped up with fan-favorite festivities, including the Pony Hunt Teams, Horse Hunt Teams, and a special exhibition from the Radnor Hunt Team, the oldest continuously active fox hunt in the U.S. Their performance brought hounds, huntsmen, and history to life in the Dixon Oval.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the evening, the Hunt Teams sported themed costumes, with riders decked out as characters from Shrek, SpongeBob, Looney Tunes, and more—blending creativity with equestrian prowess.
As Day 4 came to a close, Devon proved once again that it’s more than a horse show—it’s a rite of passage, a tradition, and a launching pad for equestrian excellence. With juniors stepping into the spotlight and honoring those who came before them, the future of the sport was on full, shining display.
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.