EASTTOWN – The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair draws thousands of spectators throughout its 11-day run, but the event that brings the most people through the gates year after year is the Grand Prix of Devon. The event, with a purse of $100,000, took place Thursday night.
The best jumpers from across America turn out for Devon’s prestigious competition tackling courses of jumps that approach 5 feet high. The professional riders travel to all kinds of venues throughout the year, but Devon is special in that the very knowledgeable spectators pack the stands and every inch of space around the Dixon Oval, watching breathlessly and cheering the horses and riders for clear rounds.
Some spectators come just for the Grand Prix, but others get an early start and watch a variety of events. Veteran watchers know to bring tall director chairs to set up behind the benches at ringside so they can see over the heads of the lower rows, and get a good vantage point for the night. With a cooler full of food and drinks, some spectators hardly have to leave their spot to enjoy the entire spectacle.
The jumpers perform in the Grand Prix under the lights Thursday night in a tension-packed atmosphere that seems to ripple through the entire showgrounds. ‘We love the jumping, we love the atmosphere of the whole thing,’ said Brenda Wagner, who was enjoying the show beside her friend Tina Weinhold. ‘We like them all. It’s very exciting.’
A good view of the show ring is ensured for those who have box seats in the stands. Lisa Gemmill of Wynmoore, along with friends from New York and Florida, make it a tradition to meet at Devon each year, this time sharing a box for the Grand Prix evening.
‘We try to do it every year. It’s so wonderful,’ said Gemmill. She did not care who wins the Grand Prix but she did admit to having a favorite rider. ‘I’m very partial to Mclain Ward, but it’s all wonderful. He’s such a gentle, quiet rider. I love watching him ride.’
Rene Myers from New Jersey comes to Devon for the Grand Prix each year, and is rooting for fellow New Jersey rider Laura Chapot. ‘I’m a horse enthusiast at heart so I love to watch the show jumping,’ she said.
Show jumping fans can watch the Devon Grand Prix online through streaming video, but that has not cut down on the numbers who come to see the horses live and up close.
‘I think they want to see the real thing. It’s exciting, like any sport,’ said information booth volunteer Patty Murphy. From her spot, Murphy will only see a portion of the Grand Prix between the crush of people, but other Devon volunteers have schedules that allow them to see more of the horse show.
Joy and Paul Hogan of Havertown volunteer at Devon every morning and then stay for the rest of the day as spectators. ‘We stay most evenings. It’s our summer vacation,’ said Joy Hogan, who supports the Bryn Mawr Hospital as a volunteer doing program and Devon Derby Raffle sales.
She will be watching the Grand Prix, but she enjoys all of the events at the show. ‘I really prefer the saddlebreds. I like to watch the carriages and tonight will be the obstacle course, so that’s exciting.’
A few of the afternoon spectators planned on leaving before the bulk of the Grand Prix crowd arrived. Melissa Morris of Villanova comes to several days of Devon each year, but was there Thursday afternoon with her small children specifically to see a special exhibition. ‘We’re here to see the Wells Fargo Stage Coach,’ she said. ‘We like seeing it all. We come back during the week, too. We love the Ferris wheel, the rides, and the fudge.’
Online: www.devonhorseshow.net/
