Rising Stars Torano, Lanasa, and Ward Capture Grand Titles at the 130th Devon Horse Show

JJ Torano celebrates a monumental week at the 130th Devon Horse Show, proudly taking it in as the Devon Junior Jumper Champion after completing an impressive sweep of the division under the lights of the Dixon Oval. (Olivia Airhart/Mane Source Media for Phelps Sports/Phelps Media)

Saturday night celebrated equestrian talent across all ages, highlighted by impressive grand championship victories for rising stars Maxima Lanasa, Lilly Ward, and JJ Torano in their respective hunter and jumper divisions.

Article by Alex Zimmerman, AKSM Sports

DEVON, Pa. - The 130th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair recently concluded with remarkable performances from equestrians of all ages, showcasing rising stars and crowning multiple grand champions across a variety of divisions. The prestigious event featured everything from the youngest equestrians in the annual Leadline class to the intense, high-stakes competition of the junior hunter and jumper divisions.

The beloved Devon Leadline drew a large crowd, highlighting riders ages 2 to 5. Dressed in their finest equestrian attire, the show's smallest competitors paraded through the Dixon Oval on beautifully turned-out ponies and horses, as one generation proudly led the next in a celebration of the sport's deep-rooted traditions.

In the junior hunter divisions, Maxima Lanasa rode Samantha O'Brien's 2013 Warmblood gelding, Dom Perignon, to secure the 2026 Devon Grand Junior Hunter Champion title. The spectacular pair also claimed the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under Championship and the Overall Large Junior Hunter Championship. Additionally, Dom Perignon was honored with the Angelo Award, which recognizes the horse that best exemplifies the classic hunter in movement, jumping style, and presence. Reflecting on her momentous success, Lanasa stated, "Yesterday, obviously, it went so well. I'm so happy. And today, I wanted just to keep that momentum, and I know my horse, like, he'll do anything. I knew he could win, and I just wanted to get him the ride that he deserves."

Over in the Wheeler Ring, 11-year-old Lilly Ward rode McLain Ward's Celebration to capture the Grand Pony Hunter Championship alongside the Wizard of Oz Perpetual Trophy. The pair had a fantastic start with two first-place ribbons and ultimately clinched the Small Pony Hunter division championship. Ward, who also earned the Best Child Rider on a Pony award, noted the significance of the win in her third year competing at Devon. "I came in strong today, and I was really excited," Ward said of her impressive victory.

Under the lights of the Dixon Oval, JJ Torano concluded a dominant week by sweeping the junior jumper competitions. Torano captured his third victory of the week in the 1.45m Junior Jumper Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic aboard Jet Show Stable’s Vitus K. The win marked the completion of the coveted Devon Junior Jumper trifecta. Torano ultimately earned the Devon Junior Jumper Championship aboard Lyon 50 and reserve honors with Vitus K, as well as the Leading Junior Jumper Rider Award and the Shalanno Style of Riding Award.

"That one with Vitus was very special," Torano remarked. "It’s been three years now. My first year here at Devon with Vitus, I jumped clear and had a time fault. Last year, I jumped clear, I was last to go in the jump-off, I had the fastest time and knocked the last jump down. So we really wanted this."

Speaking to his mount's undeniable enthusiasm for the sport, Torano added, "Everyone watching Vitus knows he loves his job. Watching him go around, everybody can see he enjoys what he does. He has a great attitude. He knows his job. He wants to win every single time he walks in the ring. He gives 100%."

Torano had his sights firmly set on the jumper division from the start. "This was my main goal coming here this week. I had equitation and hunters, but this was my main focus," he said. Following advice from his trainer John Brennan, who encouraged him to "Go for it. We're at Devon," Torano executed his plan flawlessly. Looking forward, Torano plans to remain in the area to step up to four-star competition. "I have never jumped a four-star. I’ve never jumped that height before, but the only way to do it is to jump and get that experience," Torano shared. "It’s not going to be easy, jumping against international riders, but it’s going to be a great experience for me. I need to get out there and learn at a new level."

You can stream all live and past coverage of the 130th Devon Horse Show on USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.