Memorial Day at Devon Honors Heroes and Features Amateur Jumpers and Carriage Eventing

Members of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry present the colors in the Dixon Oval during the Memorial Day Tribute to Heroes ceremony. (Olivia Airhart/Mane Source Media for Phelps Sports/Phelps Media)

Devon celebrates Memorial Day by recognizing military members and first responders, highlighted by a tribute to 101-year-old WWII veteran Ray Parker, alongside exciting wins in amateur jumping and carriage eventing.

Article by Alex Zimmerman, AKSM Sports

DEVON, Pa. - The Devon Horse Show delivered an action-packed Memorial Day with standout performances in both amateur jumping and the highly anticipated return of carriage eventing. In the Dixon Oval on Monday afternoon, amateur jumpers competed for the final blue ribbon in their division and championship honors in front of a holiday crowd. Katie Brandt and her mount, Clinto VH Dingenshof Z, emerged victorious in the NAL/WIHS 1.15m Amateur Jumper Classic. Delivering a flawless jump-off round in 35.856 seconds, the pair captured the blue ribbon and earned the title of 1.10m/1.15m Amateur Jumper Champion. The win was a milestone for Brandt, who was making her debut appearance at the prestigious show. Following her victory, Brandt shared her excitement, calling the experience phenomenal and magical while praising her horse for making her dream a reality.

Meanwhile, the grounds buzzed with the thrilling return of Carriage Eventing, a fast-paced competition combining the technical strategy of cross-country eventing with the high-adrenaline speed of carriage driving. Drivers guided their horses through both the Wheeler Ring and the Dixon Oval, navigating tight turns and technical obstacles where a clipped element resulted in costly penalties. After an initial round, the top six drivers advanced to a final showdown. Demonstrating unmatched speed and precision, Colten Parker and his pair of full-sibling Welsh Pony crosses, Jack and Jill, claimed the ultimate victory by posting the fastest combined time across both rounds of the demanding competition.

Beyond the equestrian excellence, Devon continued its tradition of honoring the nation's heroes this Memorial Day. With free general admission for all military personnel, first responders, and their families, troops took center stage during the holiday. The evening session in the Dixon Oval began with a Tribute to Heroes featuring local military members and first responders. The Orpheus Club of Philadelphia serenaded the crowd, while the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry presented the colors alongside a march by the Valley Forge Park Alliance. The special ceremony was highlighted by the recognition of this year’s WWII Honoree, retired 17th Airborne Division veteran Ray Parker, age 101, whose service to the country was celebrated by the grateful attendees.

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