Devon Returns with a Wet Start
Belle Fayvinia Z and Capri Truesdale show at Devon during an evening session on Thursday, May 22, 2025 (Andrew McKeough/AKSM Photography for AKSM Equestrian/AKSM Sports).
Devon Horse Show Opens with Junior Talent and Heartfelt Traditions.
Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - The first two days of the 2025 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair offered a wet but wonderful start to the historic event, showcasing rising junior talent, heartfelt traditions, and community spirit along Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line.
Day One: Junior Hunters Shine Through the Rain
Opening day on May 21 saw the Dixon Oval come alive with junior hunter competitors, while Hunter Pony Breeding classes graced the Wheeler Ring. Despite rainy conditions, the enthusiasm was palpable as young riders aimed for a coveted Devon blue ribbon. Among the day’s top accolades were AB Designer Debut, who captured both Pony Hunter Champion – Filly and Best Young Pony, and Churchill, who took home the prestigious PBHA Trophy.
“The weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits,” one official noted. “It’s always inspiring to see such dedication from our youngest equestrians.”
Championship honors in the Junior Hunter divisions are set to continue through May 22 in the Wheeler Ring.
Day Two: Champions Crowned, Dogs Parade, and Legacy Lives On
Thursday, May 22, marked a turning point as Devon crowned its first hunter and jumper champions of the season. The Junior 3'3" Hunters took center stage, with Goodnight Moon, owned by Michelle Decker-Rumanes and ridden by Stella Rumanes, dominating the division and earning both the Devon Grand Junior Hunter 3'3" Champion and Large Junior Hunter 3'3" Champion titles. All Inklusive took top honors as Small Junior Hunter 3'3" Champion.
The evening concluded with the $3,750 1.40m Junior Jumper Class, where JJ Torano and Vitus K clinched the win. Reflecting on his victory, Torano shared, “For my parents to have competed here back in their junior years, and now I’m here at the same venue, same show, same ring — it’s special.”
Meanwhile, the ever-popular Dog Show at Devon, presented by What a Good Dog, drew smiles with its selfie stations, Simon Says competitions, novelty classes, and a charming costume parade. Four-legged companions and their handlers competed for fun prizes, proving that Devon is as much about community and joy as it is about equestrian excellence.
A Tradition with Purpose
Established in 1896, the Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America. Operated by more than 2,000 volunteers, the show is a major philanthropic event benefitting Bryn Mawr Hospital and preserving one of the world’s premier equestrian venues.
With its blend of elite competition, family fun, and local heritage, Devon continues to prove why it remains a cherished springtime tradition.
Up Next: Junior jumpers return to the ring, and more champions will be crowned as the excitement builds heading into the weekend.
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.