Aaron Vale, Colin Syquia, and a Legendary Farewell Headline Grand Prix Day at 2025 Devon Horse Show
Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 soar over a jump as the sun sets in the Dixon Oval during their winning round in the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Hayden Sudall/AKSM Photography for AKSM Equestrian/AKSM Sports)
Grand Prix Day at the 2025 Devon Horse Show showcased thrilling international competition, emotional farewells, and standout victories from Aaron Vale and Colin Syquia in a celebration of elite equestrian sport and tradition.
Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. — Grand Prix Day at the 129th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair proved to be a thrilling spectacle of elite sport and equestrian tradition, as riders from around the world converged on the historic Dixon Oval for one of the most anticipated evenings of the season.
The night belonged to Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25, who claimed victory in the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, sponsored by Meridian Bank. The competition, featuring a truly global roster of contenders from the U.S., England, Ireland, Colombia, Israel, and Egypt, delivered one of the most competitive jump-offs in Devon history.
Vale and his 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding—owned by The Carissimo Group—were the final pair to enter the jump-off and laid down a blazing fast clear round, overtaking Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, who had briefly held the lead aboard Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z. Alex Matz and Ikigai rounded out the top three.
With the win, Vale added his name—and Carissimo 25’s—to the Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy, further solidifying his place in the annals of American show jumping.
Earlier in the day, hunter riders took center stage in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by The Wheeler Family. Colin Syquia and Front Page, a Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Cynthia Sulzberger, rose from seventh place after the first round to clinch the title with an extraordinary handy round that earned a score of 201, for a combined total of 381.
The victory marked a full-circle moment for Syquia and Front Page, who have been partnered since the gelding was three and a half. “He was champion here two years ago in the second years,” Syquia said. “He loves this venue like I do… it’s iconic. You feel the energy, the history—it makes you want to perform better.”
Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek placed second, while Michael Britt-Leon and Prime Time took third.
In addition to the day’s top competition, the show paused for a moving tribute to a true Devon legend. Mindful, Selma Garber’s 21-year-old Hanoverian gelding, was honored with a retirement ceremony following the Hunter Derby. The beloved hunter made his final lap in front of an emotional crowd of fans, owners, and fellow exhibitors.
Adding to the evening’s grandeur was the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales, whose thunderous performance brought tradition and spectacle to a day already rich with legacy.
As the sun set over the Dixon Oval, Thursday at Devon once again proved why the show is known as the place “Where Champions Meet”—from new stars making their mark to legends riding into history.
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 this Sunday, June 1st - at devonhorseshow.net.