News

Qualifying Lists for The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair are now available

Details: April 17, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, PA.--USEF Qualifying Lists for The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair are now available and can be see on the Devon website.

Scott Stewart on For Always Sportfot Scott Stewart on For Always (Photo by Sportfot)Although jumper entries are not available yet, McLain Ward, many times the winner of the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix, has always said that Devon is one of his favorite shows, and he almost never misses it.

His daughter Lilly is entered in the Small Pony section on Celebration and Kingsley and in the Medium Pony section on Woodlands Corduroy.

The Devon Grand Prix, always a sell-out, standing room only favorite, is celebrating its 42nd year this year on Thursday evening, May 29.

Another perennial Devon spectator favorite, who was been Leading Jumper Rider many times, is Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J.

Her sister Wendy Chapot Nunn has two entered in the 1.15m Amateur Jumpers, Cashe' and Zealous.

Scott Stewart, almost a perennial Leading Hunter Rider, has five horses entered this year,

Stewart of Flemington, N.J., has Fidelio in Green Conformation, California Love and For Always in High Performance Conformation Hunters, Balou's Beau in 3'9" Green Hunters and Daydream in High Performance Hunters.

Santa Anita Park to be the equestrian venue for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028

Details: April 17, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

Santa Anita Park, located near the Los Angeles city area, has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

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Team silver medalist Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque at the Paris Olympics (Photo by Benjamin Clark)“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games," said DeVos. "The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

“I would like to thank the FEI on behalf of the IOC for the active engagement in all the discussions regarding the venue,” IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said. “We have created a strong partnership with the Organising Committee and the city of Los Angeles, which enjoys the full support of the local equestrian community.”

"We have the utmost confidence in the LA28 Organizing Committee, and we anticipate exceptional equestrian sport will take place at this special legacy venue from the 1984 Olympic Games. We are also extremely pleased that the IOC has confirmed the athlete quotas across the disciplines for 2028 and they remain unchanged from 2024,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian.

All three equestrian disciplines to be a part of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

Details: April 14, 2025; By Staff Writers

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--Super news for the equestrian community.

Christian Kukuk on Checker 47, Paris individual gold medalist (Photo by Benjamin Clark)Jumping, Dressage and Eventing – the Olympic equestrian disciplines since 1912 - will be part of the competition at the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic Games.

The equestrian program will consist of six medal events: a Team and an Individual medal event in each of the three disciplines.

Equestrian retains the 200 quota places it had in Paris in 2024 and the breakdown by discipline remains unchanged, i.e. 75 for Jumping, 60 for Dressage, and 65 for Eventing.

The decision was taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which met April 9.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s IOC decision,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a historic success for equestrian sport, which proved very popular with the live crowds and TV and online viewers worldwide. It’s a great news that our numbers remain unchanged and we are looking forward to delivering exciting sport at the same level of excellence.”

JJ Torano is Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider for the second time

Details: April 3, 2025; By Staff Writers

Lexington, KY – April 3, 2025 – JJ Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., and Wellington, Fla., has won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider of the Month Award for March.

JJ Toranoon Kochio Z JJ Torano on Kochio ZThis is the second consecutive month he has received this award.

A talented junior rider, Torano competes in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series’ East Conference.

During another busy month at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Torano had top 12 finishes in the $10,000 SJHOF 1.45m Junior Jumper classics each week.

He started the month with an eighth-place finish on Lyon 50 at WEF 8.

At WEF 9, he was third and eighth on Good Mood Semilly and Concentalla PS, respectively, followed by a fourth-place finish with Lyon 50 at WEF 10.

At WEF 11, he won on Good Mood Semilly, as well as placing second on Lyon 50, 10th on HH Jamil Field, and 11th on Vitus K.

To close out the month, he had two more podium finishes with Kochio Z and Chewbacca HCC at WEF 12, second and third, respectively, as well as ninth on Lyon 50.

These strong, consistent placings helped Torano earn the Hall of Fame’s Rider of the Month Award for March.

Sonny Via, steeplechase owner, died March 25

Details: April 3, 2025; By Staff Writers

FREE UNION, Va.--Virginia horseman Harold “Sonny” Via Jr., owner of duel Eclipse Award winning jumper and Hall of Famer Good Night Shirt, died March 25 at age 94, according to Jack Fisher, who trained the champion as well as other Via runners.

Sonny Via Harold "Sonny" Via, Jr. and Ann ViaVia, who lived at Hob Knob Farm in Free Union, Va., campaigned Good Night Shirt with his wife, Ann May Via, from 2005 to 2009.

Ann passed in 2014.

An electrifying and dominant jumper who stands among the pantheon of American steeplechasing’s giants, Good Night Shirt succeeded another legend, McDynamo, capturing the Eclipse Award in 2007 and 2008.

In fact, Good Night Shirt’s 2008 campaign was one for the ages in which the then 7-year-old went a perfect five-for-five – all Grade 1s – establishing a single-season earnings record of $485,520, with Fisher and jockey Willie Dowling at the controls.

The Maryland-bred chestnut son of Concern entered 2009 riding a six-race winning streak dating back to the Grade 1 Colonial Cup in November 2007, and extended the skein to seven with a victory over hard-hitting Preemptive Strike in the G2 Carolina Cup at Springdale Race Course in Camden.

But his next start two months later would prove to be his last when Good Night Shirt suffered a career-ending fracture while finishing second in the G1 Iroquois in Nashville.

Entries Close Soon as Meridian Bank Returns as a Leading Sponsor of the 129th Anniversary of The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

Details: March 26, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair announced a renewed three year sponsorship with Meridian Bank.

Devon Meridian Bank The show is quickly approaching, and that means so are the entry deadlines!

All Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation entries close on March 31 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Founded in 2004, Malvern-based Meridian is the only bank to have its headquarters on the Main Line and has been a long-time supporter of this event.

“The support from Meridian Bank highlights the importance of community partnerships in making The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair a success. It’s a joy to see our area’s leading businesses come together to celebrate our equestrian heritage,” said Wayne W. Grafton, CEO and Chairman of The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair.

As part of this ongoing partnership, Meridian Bank will also sponsor The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair’s annual Boxholder Party on Friday, May 9, at The Devon Club. The party will thank boxholders for their continued support and celebrate the Show's 129th anniversary.

First Night at Devon features the Art Gallery at Devon

Details: March 20, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--As the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair prepares to open its gates for another season, the Art Gallery at Devon welcomes guests to an elegant evening of art, community, and philanthropy.

Devon Art Gallery 2 Devon Art Gallery
First Night at Devon, held on the eve of opening day, is a cherished tradition that brings together equestrian enthusiasts, art collectors, and supporters of a great cause for a night of celebration.

This exclusive event offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy gourmet bites and crafted cocktails while mingling with exhibiting artists and fellow art lovers.

It is also the first chance to view and purchase new artwork, setting the stage for an exciting season of creativity and camaraderie.

Each year, First Night at Devon transforms the Art Gallery into a vibrant showcase of artistic expression, where exquisite works are beautifully displayed and admired.

More than just an evening of art appreciation, First Night at Devon is a philanthropic endeavor, with all proceeds benefiting the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Additionally, sales from the Art Gallery at Devon throughout the show provide essential support to Bryn Mawr Hospital, reinforcing the event’s commitment to community well-being.

Watch for ticket info at devonhorseshow.net. Ticket availability is limited.

The Budweiser Clydesdales return to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

Details: March 15, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is excited to welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales back to our 2025 event!

Devon Clydesdales ad This year, the Budweiser Clydesdales will make appearances in the Dixon Oval on Thursday, May 29, Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31.

the Clydesdales were formally introduced to August A. Busch Sr. and Anheuser-Busch on April 7, 1933, to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.

August A. Busch Jr. wanted to commemorate the special day, and to his father’s delight, the hitch thundered down Pestalozzi Street carrying the first case of post-Prohibition beer from the St. Louis brewery.

August Anheuser Busch Jr. was a master showman and irrepressible salesman who turned a small family operation into the world’s largest brewing company.

There are five traveling hitches and one stationary.

To qualify for one of the six hitches a Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least 4 years of age.

He must stand 72 inches, or 6 feet, at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, be bay in color, have four white stocking feet, a blaze of white on the face, and a black mane and tail.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame Inducted Laura Kraut and Sandsablaze

Details: March 6, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Four-time U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut and Sandsablaze, Buddy Brown’s 1976 Montreal Olympic mount, were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame during the Hall’s Induction Gala in Wellington on March 2.

Laura Kraut accepts award LondMedia Laura Kraut accepts award (Photo by KindMedia)The Hall of Fame also presented its International Award to four-time Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers, the youngest rider ever to win the FEI World Cup Final, a title he won at age 18 in 1984.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame welcomed Francisco “Pancho” Lopez, Katie Prudent’s longtime barn manager, who was inducted last year but was unable to attend, to receive his “Hall of Fame blazer” and give his acceptance speech.

The Induction Gala, held at the Wellington National Golf Club, also recognized 16 others in attendance who have previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Olympic veterans Mary Chapot, Norman Dello Joio, Margie Engle, Leslie Howard, Anne Kursinski, Beezie Madden, Michael Matz, Melanie Smith Taylor and Katie Prudent (1980 Alternate Olympics), as well as Linda Allen, Jane Forbes Clark, Anthony D’Ambrosio, David Distler, Peter Doubleday, Danny Marks and former Olympic rider and current U.S. chef d’equipe Robert Ridland.

Others in attendance included Olympic veterans Buddy Brown, who accepted the induction on behalf of his mount Sandsablaze, McLain Ward, Lauren Hough, Will Simpson, Nick Skelton, and Mac Cone and Grand Prix riders Carly Anthony, Molly Ashe Cawley, Heather Caristo-Williams, Lucy Deslauriers, Cathleen Driscoll, Elle Ehman, Lillie Keenan, Marilyn Little, Carlee McCutcheon, Brittni Raflowitz, Schuyler Riley, Callie Schott, Jimmy Torano and JJ Torano.

Induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed annually upon select individuals whose accomplishments and contributions to the sport have set them apart and whose influence has had a significant impact on the sport of show jumping and the equestrian community.

Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward to represent the U.S. in the League of Nations in Ocala

Details: March 6, 2025; By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla--The U.S. Jumping Team of Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y., Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla., and McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., will compete at the League of Nations in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center from March 19-23.

Team for Ocala NC The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The competition will begin on Wednesday, March 19, and conclude on Saturday, March 23.

The $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* will take place on Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m., while the highlight event, the League of Nations CSIO5* team competition, will take place on Saturday, March 22, with round one beginning at 4:30 p.m., and concluding with round two at 7:30 p.m.

The League of Nations competition brings together the top 10 teams from around the globe with teams of four riders, and the best three scores will count from the first round.

For the second round, the best eight teams return with three riders, selected by each team’s Chef d’Equipe, starting in reverse order of standing after the first round.

The final placings are determined by the combined penalties of each team’s three best rider's scores in the first round and all of the team’s three rider's scores in the second round.

The League of Nations will be live streamed on FEI.TV.

US Equestrian competing members, subscribers, and fans receive a 10% discount on a ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Subscription.

The chefs d’equipe of the other nine teams have also named their riders.

The competitors include nine of the top 20 athletes on the current World Rankings, among them Olympic, World and European Champions.

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair accepting program advertising

Details: March 4, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.-- Spaces for advertisements in the 2025 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair souvenir program are now available and are due Monday, March 10.

Devon photo The 129th edition of The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be held May 21 - June 1.

Brands and businesses wishing to promote their business to a diverse audience at the Devon Horse Show are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible due to limited space.

Year after year, the official program is a steadfast advertising opportunity that provides high-quality and long-range visibility to thousands of online and in-person exhibitors and spectators.

For more information regarding ad specifications and file requirements for the program, call the Devon office at 610-964-0550 and ask for adverising,

One complimentary program will be available to advertisers upon request as proof of publication.

Please be advised that submission of ad materials and full payment is due no later than Monday, March 10.

Kevin Plank of Under Armour lists Sagamore Farm in Baltimore County for $22M

Details: February 28, 2025; By Staff Writers

By Lorraine Mirabella

Kevin Plank is selling the historic 400-acre Sagamore Farm equestrian estate in Reisterstown for $22 million, saying, “It’s time for the next steward to carry the torch.”

Sagamore FarmThe Under Armour founder and CEO launched a thoroughbred racing operation at the Baltimore County landmark with hopes of breeding and training runners for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and with plans to boost racing in Maryland. He paid $4.99 million for the farm at 3366 Belmont Ave. in 2007, Maryland property records show.

Plank discontinued training and breeding in 2020 and planned instead to grow corn and rye for his Sagamore Spirit whiskey brand and to house several retired horses. The refurbished farm, with horse racing history stretching back a century, was home to Native Dancer, Bed O’Roses, Discovery and other champions.

On Wednesday, Compass Baltimore, a residential real estate brokerage, announced the property was on the market.

Laura Kraut to lead the U.S. Nations Cup team in Wellington

Details: February 24, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian has announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Wellington CSIO4* hosted at Wellington International in Wellington, Fla., from Feb. 25 - March 2, 2025.

Wellington N C eam The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The following riders will represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Carly Anthony of Wellington, Fla.

Natalie Dean of Wellington, Fla.

Charlotte Jacobs of Wellington, Fla.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Competition Information:

The FEI Jumping Nations Cup Wellington CSIO4* competition week will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 26, with the first major class starting at 8:00 a.m., on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The highlight two-round Nations Cup competition will begin with the first round at 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 1, with the second round beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m.

For more information on the competition, please visit wellingtoninternational.com.

US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can watch the live stream of the 2024 FEI Jumping Nations Cup Wellington CSIO4* on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.

Not a member? Join now.

Prize list for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair now available

Details: February 23, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--In a welcome sign that spring is near after this freezing, icy winter, the 2025 Prize List for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, to be held May 21 to June 1, is now available online!

Devon jumper right side The 12 day show begins with junior weekend, which runs Wednesday, May 21 through Sunday, May 25 with pony breeding, pony hunters, junior hunters and jumpers and equitation, along with special classes Hunt Teams, Parent and Child and Family on Saturday evening.

Sunday, May 25 also opens eight days of adult competition with the Carriage Pleasure Drive arriving at the Dixon Oval at 12 noon for the final judging of various divisions followed by the Championship Drive Off.

Sunday features the exciting Devon Arena Eventing, which utilizes both the Dixon Oval and the Wheeler Ring.

Get your tickets early for Arena Eventing, as it has been a sell-out evening since its inception.

Hunters are featured Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Jumpers beginning on Tuesday evening with the Welcome Stake at 7 p.m.

Roddy MacKenzie, former steeplechase jockey, died Feb. 12

Details: February 17, 2025; By Staff Writers

Former National Steeplechase Association jockey Roderick "Roddy" MacKenzie, who competed on the circuit for nine years from 2006 to 2014, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Delaware at the young age of 45.

Roddy MackenzieWhile arrangements are pending, the funeral home that made the announcement said that the family has requested privacy at this time.

Dreaming of someday becoming a jockey, Roddy got his start in Ireland’s pony racing circuit, which gave him a great experience to continue his racing career in England and Ireland.

After honing his skills in the yards of trainers Francis Flood in Ireland and Ian Williams in England, Roddy moved his tack to America where he made his NSA debut at Tryon aboard UK Limey for trainer Paul Rowland and registered his first victory in September 2008 with owner-trainer Randy Rouse's One Sea.

He guided a host of winners for a variety of conditioners including Bruce Miller, Kathy Neilson, Julie Gomena, Mairead Carr, Earnie Oare, Richard Valentine, Janet Elliot, Cyril Murphy, Todd Wyatt, Bill Wofford, Regina Welsh, and Michael Leaf.

His two biggest scores came with Wally Pinkard's Won Wild Bird, trained by Regina Welsh, in the 2012 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, and the 2013 G3 David L. "Zeke" Ferguson stakes at Colonial Downs with Meritage Racing's Inti, conditioned by Cyril Murphy.

The latter came at 24-1 over such standout competitors as Mr. Hot Stuff and Cat Feathers, among others.

Kent Farrington moves up to third in World Ranking

Details: February 14, 2025; By Staff Writers

There are no changes at the top of the Jumping Rider Rankings, as Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, who is competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, leads the rankings for yet another month with a total of 3,381 points, followed by Swiss rider Steve Guerdat (3,134 points).

Kent Farrington on Tpulayna High Desert Sport Photo Kent Farrington on Toulayna winning the World Cup qualifier at Therma; (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Kent Farrington has moved up to third with 3,038 points, after passing Britain’s Ben Maher, competing at WEF with 2,992 points, and Martin Fuchs of Switzerland stayed fifth on 2,888 points.

Christian Kukuk of Germany with 2,862 points, is competing at WEF and moved up to sixth over McLain Ward, who stayed on 2,803 points as he missed the last few weeks of competition after being injuredi n a fall on the Derby Field at WEF. He is expected to be back competing soon.

Richard Vogel of Germany, another competing at WEF. with 2,764 points has passed Max Kühner of Austria, 2,682 points, and they hold eighth and ninth spots respectively.

France’s Julien Epaillard moved up one spot and is now 10th with 2,645 points.

In the League of Nations Ranking, the USA now leads.

After a long run chasing the top, USA has passed Ireland as leaders of the League of Nations Ranking with 3,787 points, while Ireland is now second with 13,564 points.

Germany on 12,941 points has climbed to third after passing France, 12,799 points and now fourth, followed by Belgium on 12,421 points.

Great Britain, 11,934 points, dropped to sixth while Netherlands moved up to seventh on 10,872 points, followed by Switzerland, 10,186 points, Sweden, 10,543 points, and Italy, 10,325 points.