For Immediate Release
Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Devon, PA – April 29, 2014 – Junior rider competition at the prestigious Devon Horse Show & Country Fair will take place from Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25, in Devon, Pennsylvania. The country’s top junior hunter and jumper riders will descend on the Dixon Oval for Junior Weekend, four days of fierce competition at one of the oldest and most renowned horse shows in the country.
Thursday, May 22, will be the first day of competition for Devon, which continues through Sunday, June 1. The Devon Horse Show hosts 11 days of top-tier competition across multiple breeds and disciplines, showcasing the best riders and horses in the country. With the exception of equitation classes, all competitors must qualify for a coveted entry to Devon, which is awarded based on points accumulated at other top horse shows in the country.
Victoria Colvin in one of her junior hunter champion presentations last year. Photo © The Book LLC.
Spectators will be treated to world-class show jumping, equitation, show hunter, driving, and gaited pleasure divisions, with the featured $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon taking place on Thursday, May 29. New for 2014, the USEF Network will live-stream every round from every class. Video will also be made available on-demand following its broadcast.
Junior Weekend at Devon is one of the most competitive weekends in the country for junior riders, and 2014 will be no different. Top junior Victoria Colvin and accomplished pony rider Mimi Gochman will both return to Devon, which is an annual goal for both talented young riders.
Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, swept the 15 & Under Junior Hunter divisions in 2013, earning the Overall Small Junior Hunter title with Canadian Blue in addition to division championship titles. She also picked up the Junior Jumper championship with Don Juan, and is poised for an equally successful year at Devon in 2014 after qualifying with Don Juan and Dr. Betsee Parker’s champion hunters Way Cool and Canadian Blue.
Colvin is a regular visitor to the winner’s circle at top-rated shows up and down the East Coast, and even with dozens of championship titles to her name, the ones she earned at Devon will always stand out.
“Devon is probably one of the most important shows I go to. Every year it’s just as hard to qualify; it doesn’t get any easier if you’ve been there already. It’s a great show where everyone who is an amazing rider comes together and goes against each other at once,” Colvin explained.
“The crowds [are what make Devon special],” Colvin continued. “And as you walk into the ring, there’s the sign that says ‘Where Champions Meet.’ It’s a prestigious show, but it’s also such a fun show every year.”
Victoria Colvin and Don Juan were winners in the Dixon Oval last year. Photo © The Book LLC.
At just nine years old, Gochman, of New York City, is already a Devon veteran and looks forward to contesting the Large Pony Hunter division with her 2013 champion Rafael, owned by David Gochman.
“I love going to Devon and it’s very hard to qualify for the show, so I’m really excited,” Gochman said. “Devon is a really important show to go to. There are a lot of top riders that go there.”
Gochman especially enjoys the incredible atmosphere of the Devon Horse Show, which is often surrounded by rows of spectators that have come to watch the show. While plenty of friends and family are on hand to support riders, the majority of the crowd are simply loyal fans of Devon that have made a special trip to catch world-class equestrian competition.
Mimi Gochman and Rafael in their championship presentation at last year’s Devon Horse Show. Photo © The Book LLC.
“A lot of people are watching,” Gochman acknowledged. “I like that feeling because it makes me concentrate better, knowing that it’s an important show. My ponies really enjoy it. There’s a lot of excitement.”
You can join in the atmosphere at the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair by purchasing tickets or watching online. See who will take home the championships during this year’s Junior Weekend!
About The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
May 22 – June 1, 2014
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The Devon Horse Show on Twitter: @devon1896
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The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, founded in 1896, is the nation’s oldest and largest multi-breed outdoor horse show. It is one of 16 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competitions. The 11-day event attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is one of the largest volunteer based fundraising events in the country. Proceeds from the event benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital. While attracting top competitors from around the world for events such as the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon (Thurs., May 29), the event remains one of Philadelphia’s premiere traditions, offering great food, boutique shopping, and rides, games, and events for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now, click HERE to purchase!