The competitive sport of coaching, a time-honored Devon Horse Show tradition, allows spectators a unique glimpse into 19th century life. As one of the few venues where competitive coaching can be seen, Devon Horse Show's coaching division is open to entries driven to authentic Road Coach or Park Drag. Held in honor of Robert A. Weaver and John M. Seabrook, this division reminds us to reflect on the beauty and versatility of our equine athletes.
On Sunday, May 28th, spectators can enjoy the grand Carriage Pleasure Drive down the street, a parade of vintage vehicles on their way from St. David's Church to the famed Dixon Oval. John Peacock of Essex, England will judge the horse division accompanied by Marsha Himler of Stillwater, NY judging the pony division.
"It's great fun for the folks that live along the route, they bring their families together and picnic on the lawn and watch all of the varieties of vehicles go right by their front door," said Wayne W. Grafton, the chairman of the Board of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Carriages will make their way down the stretch of rural country road in two sections: the horse division first followed by the pony, light commercial, and farmers' divisions.
Once everyone has returned to the Dixon Oval the pinning for the best turnout and presentation of awards will take place. Each exhibitor in the Carriage Pleasure Drive will receive a bronze plaque and six ribbons will be awarded in each section.
The Coaching Championship will take place on Friday, June 2nd in the Dixon Oval and the trophy and champion ribbon will go to the coach having won the greatest number of points in qualifying classes for the division.
John Peacock will also judge the coaching division and competitors will be judged on a variety of factors including performance, manners, presentation and appointments. In coaching, the road coach is traditionally a more durable carriage used for public transportation on a scheduled route. This is different than park drag, which is the lighter and more elegant version of the former with seats on top instead of enclosed.
Competitors in park drag will be individually scored on driver's skill and turnout, the combination of the coach, horses, attendants and harness. The skills portion is objective, judged on time and the driver's ability to navigate the course of cones with the fewest knockdowns. Turnout is subjective and variables include quality of turnout and horses, matching of the harness to the horses, groom's livery, carriage lights, boots, safety equipment and more.
"The Devon Coaching truly is elegant and one of many favorites by exhibitors and spectators," said Devon President Richard O' Donnell.
Show Co-Manager Peter Doubleday, the voice of the Coaching Division for decades agrees with O'Donnell's assessment, noting, "Second in popularity only to the Open Jumpers, the Coaching Section is highlighted each of the five nights and is truly a 'Devon Tradition' like no other."
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
For more information, please visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.
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| The coaching division is always one of the most popular events at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Photo by Kenneth Kraus. |
"It's great fun for the folks that live along the route, they bring their families together and picnic on the lawn and watch all of the varieties of vehicles go right by their front door," said Wayne W. Grafton, the chairman of the Board of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Carriages will make their way down the stretch of rural country road in two sections: the horse division first followed by the pony, light commercial, and farmers' divisions.
Once everyone has returned to the Dixon Oval the pinning for the best turnout and presentation of awards will take place. Each exhibitor in the Carriage Pleasure Drive will receive a bronze plaque and six ribbons will be awarded in each section.
The Coaching Championship will take place on Friday, June 2nd in the Dixon Oval and the trophy and champion ribbon will go to the coach having won the greatest number of points in qualifying classes for the division.
John Peacock will also judge the coaching division and competitors will be judged on a variety of factors including performance, manners, presentation and appointments. In coaching, the road coach is traditionally a more durable carriage used for public transportation on a scheduled route. This is different than park drag, which is the lighter and more elegant version of the former with seats on top instead of enclosed.
 |
| Competitors in the coaching class are inspected for appointments, cleanliness, proper fit of the harness and the overall harmony of the presentation. Photo By: Brenda Carpenter. |
"The Devon Coaching truly is elegant and one of many favorites by exhibitors and spectators," said Devon President Richard O' Donnell.
Show Co-Manager Peter Doubleday, the voice of the Coaching Division for decades agrees with O'Donnell's assessment, noting, "Second in popularity only to the Open Jumpers, the Coaching Section is highlighted each of the five nights and is truly a 'Devon Tradition' like no other."
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
For more information, please visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.
2017 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Fast Facts
What:
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
When:
May 25th through June 4th, 2017
Where:
Devon Horse Show Grounds 23 Dorset Road
Devon, PA
Prize List and Exhibitor Information:
Stabling:
Approximately 900 permanent stalls Many barns renovated within the last 5 yearsRestroom facilities with showers
Parking:
Limited parking is available for spectators at the Main Lot on Dorset Road across from the Main Entrance.
Directions:
From Philadelphia International AirportFollow signs to I-95 South and follow I-95 South approximately 5 miles. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the Northeast
Follow I-95 South. Look for I-476 approximately 5 miles South of the Philadelphia
International Airport. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting.
Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the South
Follow I-95 North toward Philadelphia. Once you've crossed into Delaware, keep right and take I-495 North via exit 5D toward Port of Wilmington / Philadelphia. Follow for I-495 North and merge onto I-95 North (Crossing into Pennsylvania). Follow I-95 North to I-476 North. Take I-476 N via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the East
Follow the Schuylkill Expressway / I-76 West to I-476 South. Merge onto I-476 South via exit 331A on the left toward Chester. Follow I-476 South for approximately 2 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.
From the West
Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-76 E toward Philadelphia. Take exit 326 toward Valley Forge. Stay in right lane after the tolls. Merge onto US-202 South via exit 328A toward West Chester. Follow US-202 South for approximately 2 miles. Take the PA-252 North exit toward Devon. Make a left onto Valley Forge Road / PA-252. Continue to follow Valley Forge Road for approximately .5 miles and make a slight right turn onto Devon State Road. Follow Devon State road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a dead end. Make a left onto Old Lancaster Road and then an immediate right onto Waterloo Road. Turn left onto Lancaster Avenue / US-30 East and the Devon Horse Show will be on your right within .2 miles.
Mail:
Devon Horse Show Office PO Box 865, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Horse Show Office
(GPS and UPS & FedEx Deliveries, not for US Postal Service)
23 Dorset Road, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Horse Show Entries
PO Box 158, Devon, PA 19333
Devon Country Fair Office
PO Box 882, Devon PA 19333
Box Seating & Ticket Office
PO Box 742, Devon, PA 19333
Information:
Advertising - (610) 964-0550 x 222Box Holders - (610) 688-2554
Devon Country Fair -(610) 964-0550 x225
Devon Fall Classic - (610) 964-0550
Entries - (610) 964-2723
Fax - (610) 964-1608
Feed Orders - (610) 964-8407
Facility Rental - (610) 964-0550
Horse Show BusinessOffice - (610) 964-0550
Information Booth:
Lost & Found - (610) 688-1312 (during show only)Sponsorship - (610) 964-0550 x 211
Stable Office - (610) 688-2665
Tickets and Tables - (610) 688-2554
Vendors:
Horse Show - (610) 964-0550 x 222Country Fair - (610) 525-2533
Website:
Charity Partner:
To date, volunteers have raised over $14,000,000 for Bryn Mawr Hospital
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