Dressage at Devon 2025 Show

May - June 2025

Dressage at Devon is one of the favorite dressage shows and venues for serious dressage riders and fans. With a total festival atmosphere, Dressage at Devon is a total experience bringing excitement to riders, families, and the public.

History of Dressage at Devon

In 1965, the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association (DVCTA) was founded for providing instruction and equestrian training for the members of the club and to demonstrate horsemanship to the public. This was accomplished through its many clinics and large events such Dressage at Devon.

For several years in the early 70s, the club organized a dressage show at the Willcox's Tory Hill Farm in Glen Mills, PA. Later the show was moved to The Radnor Hunt Club in Malvern, PA and finally to the Devon Horse Show Grounds in 1975 where Dressage at Devon (DAD) was born.

Dressage at Devon Grows

Subsequently local riding instructor, Sidley Payne, had a son with leukemia. She and DVCTA's first president, Sally McCawley, approached long-time equestrian enthusiast Dr. Audrey E. Evans, Director of the Division of Oncology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), to explore the idea of presenting Dressage at Devon as a fundraiser for the Cancer Research Center. As a result, a fruitful 10-year relationship was begun. Over 250 hospital volunteers sold programs, served as ushers, operated and staffed the Souvenir Shoppe, the food booths, the Deli, the Wine and Cheese Café, the Beer Garden, the ticket gates and parking areas.

While originally most of the horse show volunteers came from the ranksh of the DVCTA membership, today at Dressage at Devon, the more than 700 dressage show volunteers come from all over with even a few coming from as far away as New Zealand!

As the show continued to grow, two days were added for the breeding show, and additional exhibitions were scheduled. In 2006, Dressage at Devon became a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation. DAD and DVCTA now operate as separate entities but continue a strong relationship.

Dressage at Devon Today

Today, Dressage at Devon has evolved into one of the most prestigious dressage competitions in the western hemisphere. An internationally rated show, Dressage at Devon draws exhibitors from around the world, as well as hosting the largest open breed show in the world.

From top draw food vendors to a unique Festival area, the Dressage at Devon experience makes for one of the most exciting events in the horse show world.