Torano Defends Junior Jumper Title as Morassutti Claims Grand Hunter Champion at Devon
JJ Torano and Lyon 50 race through the Dixon Oval, securing their second consecutive victory in the 1.40m Junior Jumper Speed Class with a fault-free time of 53.163 seconds at the 130th Devon Horse Show. (Olivia Airhart/Mane Source Media for Phelps Sports/Phelps Media)
Highlighting top junior equestrian talent at the 130th Devon Horse Show, JJ Torano secured a back-to-back victory in the Junior Jumper Speed Class while Charlotte Morassutti captured the Grand Junior Hunter 3'3" Championship.
Article by Alex Zimmerman, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - The 130th anniversary of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair showcased fierce competition and back-to-back victories as the first champions of 2026 were crowned on Thursday, May 21. The prestigious event featured top junior riders demonstrating their skills in both the hunter and jumper rings, highlighting standout performances from returning champions and rising stars alike.
In the Dixon Oval, the first evening session thrilled spectators with the 1.40m Junior Jumper Speed Class, where JJ Torano secured his second consecutive opening-class victory at Devon. Riding North Run's Hanoverian stallion, Lyon 50, Torano navigated the course to a fault-free finish in an impressive 53.163 seconds.
Reflecting on the significance of competing and winning back-to-back years, Torano shared, "It's very historic, and to be here at Devon, even to show, is really an honor." He credited his success to a strong, year-long bond with the horse, explaining, "I've been partnered with Lyon for over a year now. We know each other very well. We've had countless wins. We took the U25 final win together. So, I think it comes down to the partnership. He's a super fast horse, super competitive. He gives 100% every time." Violet Tatum claimed second place aboard Tatum Equestrian LLC's Flotylla, while Amy Krebs rounded out the top three riding her own Jabantos.
Earlier in the day, the hunter divisions concluded with Charlotte Morassutti and All Inklusive earning the highly coveted title of Devon Grand Junior Hunter 3’3″ Champion. Riding Ava Berman’s 2016 Holsteiner gelding, Morassutti commanded the Large Junior Hunter 3’3” Division. The pair started strong during Wednesday's competition, securing first and third-place honors in the over fences and handy rounds. They officially solidified their championship title on Thursday morning by topping the stake class with a remarkable high score of 88.
Adding to the morning's celebrations, the Small Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship was awarded to Celebration, ridden by Sabrina Miller. The 2020 Oldenburg gelding, owned by Knees 2 Nose LLC, demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the two days of division competition, placing in the top four across all four of their classes to take home the championship honors.
You can stream all live and past coverage of the 130th Devon Horse Show on USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.