August 2014 | 2014 Dressage at Devon: The Tradition Continues
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2014 Dressage at Devon: The Tradition Continues

August 2014 - Dressage at Devon

Ashley Holzer and Breaking DawnFour time Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer aboard Breaking Dawn won the Grand Prix Freestyle at last year’s Dressage at Devon. The Performance Division, September 25-28, is one of the highest rated FEI events outside of Europe, and is preceded by a three day Breed Division which draws the country’s best young horses.

The 2014 Dressage at Devon (DAD), will take place from September 23–28 at the historic Devon Horse Show Grounds in Devon, PA.

Breeds at Their Best:
Breed Division,
September 23-25

The three-day Breed Division attracts top breeders from coast to coast. The more than 60 classes feature 17 specific breed classes. Spectators might expect to see Trakehners, Oldenburgs and Hanoverians, but there are also those not seen as frequently in dressage such as Arabians, Friesians and Knabstruppers!

Each year, Dressage at Devon chooses one foal to follow on its path to Dressage at Devon. This year, we are following Damascus, a striking colt with a big blaze and lots of chrome, owned and bred by one of the world’s top riders, Catherine Haddad Staller. Catherine was first known in Germany for her success in breeding horses long before she was recognized as a competitive rider. But, while her fame and success as a rider grew, Catherine remained focused on breeding the best.  In 2010 a filly, Raureif (Elfentanz x Ramiros Bube) that Haddad Staller also bred, was born and shipped to the United States as a yearling. Now four years old, she is the new mother of a lovely Don Principe colt named Damascus. Watch Damascus grow on our website, www.dressageatdevon.org, and then meet him and the other wonderful foals in person at Dressage at Devon.

One of the most popular classes, unique to Dressage at Devon, is the Born in the USA Breeder’s Award, which recognizes the achievements of sport-horse breeders in the United States. This is in addition to the United States Dressage Federation Breeder’s Championship (USDFBC) sponsored by the Great American Insurance Group.  Exhibitors across the nation compete at qualifying events for the champion and reserve-champion foal, filly, colt/gelding, mare and stallion. In this final event, those winners are invited to select the best of the best.

Performance Division:
Not to be Missed
September 25-28

The Performance Division begins Thursday, September 25 and runs through Sunday, September 28.  One of the highest-rated FEI events outside Europe, Dressage at Devon attracts competitors from around the world to the famous Dixon Oval and Gold Ring.

Because of the increasing difficulty in the Big Tour, and thus a larger and larger gap between the Small Tour and the Big Tour, the FEI has created a Medium Tour to form a bridge. The Medium Tour will utilize the newly introduced Intermediate A and B Tests and may be offered at either CDI Events and/or USEF/USDF Dressage Competitions. The goal is to give the rider and horse time between the two levels to build the confidence needed to move to the next level. The Medium tour will be a part of the 2014 Dressage at Devon schedule.

Dressage with the Experts
Over the years, more and more spectators, riders and trainers have enjoyed Dressage with the Experts.

This year an over-ear style personal receiver allows anyone to follow all the commentary of some of the foremost experts in the world of dressage. Listen as they comment and give personal opinions and insight into the horse and rider during their performances. For only $35 (pre-ordered) or $40 on the day of the show, you get a behind the scenes perspective exclusive only to those with a radio. More information or pre-purchase can be found at Dressageatdevon.org.

This year, the expert line-up includes:
Johanna Gwinn
Catherine Haddad Staller
Michael Kierkegaard
Sidley Payne
Kathy Rowse
Monica Sinks

Classes with expert commentary include:
?  Grand Prix B Qualifier for Grand Prix Special (Friday)
?  Grand Prix Freestyle (Saturday evening)
?  Intermediare I (Saturday)
?  Young Rider Freestyle (Sunday)
?  Grand Prix Special (Sunday)

From Gourmet Brunch to Burgers and Beer
Volunteers have been working hard tweaking the menus to ensure that Dressage at Devon’s reputation for great food, for all tastes, continues. We are pleased to announce that the ever-popular Brandywine Catering is back this year, serving salads, sandwiches, soups, as well as full dinner selections each day. Come hungry!

Fall Festival Shops
The International Fall Festival Shops include boutique items for both equestrians as well as those who admire horses from the stands.  From jewelry, handbags and clothing to the best in tack and, of course, those items that just didn’t make it into the trailer!  Don’t forget to stop by the Dressage at Devon souvenir shop to take home Dressage at Devon memories – from t-shirts to boutique-quality vests and jackets to the ever-important rain gear. Home items such as glasses, plates, frames, and mugs will bring back Dressage at Devon memories all year round.