50 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
London Olympian
Adrienne Lyle competes
at the 2011 Dressage at
Devon in the rain
Photo by SusanJStickle.com
DVCTA’s Quadrille will
perform “Think Pink” with
all new choreography,
costumes and music at
2012 Dressage at Devon.
Shown here, the 2011
Quadrille who paid tribute
to the “Heroes of 9/11”
Photo Courtesy of DVCTA
By Lauren R. Giannini
This “high school” competition known as Dressage at Devon
(DAD) owes its inception to a group of enthusiasts who, in 1965,
formed the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association
(DVCTA). In 1975, those early club members organized an annual
dressage show that moved to the historic Devon show grounds
where DAD has grown into a prestigious and unique show with
its three-day spotlight on breeding with classes for more than 30
breeds and four days of performance under saddle from Thursday
to Sunday.
Olympic medalist Robert Dover calls Dressage at Devon, “The
standard by which all American horse shows should be judged.”
This year the forecast calls for more than 700 horses and 35,000
spectators.
It’s boggling how much there is to enjoy at Dressage at Devon.
The Festival Shops offer everything from antiques, art, jewelry
and fne apparel to tack and riding kit. Plus, DAD has a reputation
for some of the best food to be savored anywhere in the show
world. In the rings the action is world class as future champions
are chosen for their conformation and movement from babies
up to mature equines. Riders and horses perform tests on every
level and the ever popular freestyles illustrate dressage’s dancing
on horseback, which fres up the passions of participants and
spectators.
Dressage With The Experts is a great feature: for a reasonable
fee you can rent a headset and listen to commentary by some of
the world’s foremost experts during the tests. Matching comments
to movements is like auditing a clinic, but much better because of
the competitive angle.
Special events include Guy McLean, the popular Australian
horse trainer now based in Texas, who demons t ra t es
on performance days.
However, on Sunday
after the conclusion of
competition classes in
the Dixon Oval, this
trainer and his horses
cut loose and strut their
stuff in the big arena. Anne Moss, president of DVCTA
and DAD volunteer, encourages everyone to stop by Sunday
afternoon and enjoy this wildly entertaining show.
On Wednesday, September 26, 7-9 pm, Jo Anne Kricker,
Maryland Park Services Ranger and member of the Fair Hill
Mounted Patrol in Elkton, will present “You Are Responsible For
Your Horse’s Safety.” Jo Anne, who is certifed in Technical Large
Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER), emphasizes that “Most
accidents involving large animal rescue can be prevented by
educating owners of the hazards and how to prevent them.” Her
informative forum includes the checklist for stocking an emergency
kit that should be kept up to date in every trailer.
Back by popular demand: DVCTA’s Quadrille team will
perform their new musical ride from Friday through Sunday.
Choreographed by Anne Miller, riders must be able to ride all
Third Level movements. Tryouts are held and you don’t need to
own a horse to participate (in case you’re in that area and want to
get involved). Last year, several riders used horses provided by
various DVCTA members when the Quadrille paid tribute to the
Heroes of 9/11.
“This is my passion, I freelance, creating custom freestyles
for dressage riders,” stated Anne Miller, a mother of three and
enthusiastic member of DVCTA who has shown to Fourth Level.
“Last year Anne Moss approached me about doing it and we
had all adult women who had more fun than the kids! We’re very
excited about performing again this year at Dressage at Devon.
The theme is “Think Pink” – to raise breast cancer awareness –
and the music, choreography and costumes are all new and all
exciting!”
Remember: that sign over the gate to the Dixon Oval says it
all, “Where Champions Meet”! For more information visit www.
dressageatdevon.org.
e
Dressage at Devon
Where Champions Meet
A horse from
Hilltop Farm
shows off
their style at
Dressage at
Devon
Photo by
SusanJStickle.
com