Devon Horse Show Honors Heroes and Tradition on Memorial Day
A carriage passes through the Leopard Lakes community in Berwyn, Pennsylvania during the annual Devon Pleasure Drive on Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography for AKSM Equestrian/AKSM Sports)
Memorial Day at the 2025 Devon Horse Show blended heartfelt tributes to American heroes with historic pageantry and top-tier equestrian competition, highlighting tradition, community, and excellence in sport.
Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - The 129th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair marked its sixth day with a powerful blend of patriotism, pageantry, and top-tier equestrian sport during its annual Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 26, 2025. As has become tradition at Devon, the holiday honored American service members past and present with ceremonies, carriage displays, and thrilling competitions under the lights of the historic Dixon Oval.
A signature event of the day, the Tribute to Heroes Ceremony, kicked off the evening session, offering a heartfelt salute to military personnel, first responders, and their families, all of whom received free general admission for the day. The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry raised the American flag as the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia performed stirring renditions of God Bless America and The Star-Spangled Banner. This year’s World War II honorees, Peter Iannotta and Ray Parker, were recognized for their service, continuing the Devon tradition of honoring the legacy of America’s heroes.
In the competition ring, it was Gigi Phillips aboard Gieke de Cour au Bois who stole the spotlight in the jumper ranks, taking top honors in the NAL 1.15m Amateur Jumper Classic and clinching the overall 1.10m/1.15m Amateur Jumper Championship.
Adding to the evening’s charm was the highly anticipated four-in-hand coaching class, a nod to Devon’s rich heritage. Under the Dixon Oval lights, spectators were treated to the spectacle of exquisitely restored coaches and horses in pristine turnout. Misdee Wrigley Miller, representing Park Drag from Paris, Kentucky, earned The Bailey Banks and Biddle Company Challenge Trophy, continuing her winning tradition in the coaching ranks.
The day concluded with spirited competition in the Single/Pair Pony Driving divisions. Red Beans and Rice, driven by Rita Michalenko, impressed judges across the board, winning both the Single/Pair Pony – Pleasure Turnout and finishing strongly in the Scurry classes. Their consistency and polish earned them the Single/Pair Pony Driving Championship and the coveted Joseph M. Pierce Memorial Challenge Trophy, with the championship apron sponsored by Misdee Wrigley Miller.
From honoring American heroes to celebrating time-honored equestrian sport, Memorial Day at Devon delivered its signature blend of elegance, excellence, and heartfelt community spirit. As the show continues through the week, the tradition lives on—alive with history, horsepower, and hometown pride.
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.