Devon, Pennsylvania – May 23, 2025 – Equitation competition at the 2024 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair came to a close on Friday, May 23, as junior riders vied for the last of three blue ribbons in the sections of the ASPCA Maclay. It was a close race between several riders as to who would claim the coveted R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship.
Baylee Rowan of Little Compton, Rhode Island claimed the first blue ribbon of the day in Section A of the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, sponsored by The Philadelphia Trust Company. Rowan, who trains with North Run, rode North Run’s KWPN gelding, Watermelon.
Emily Jurnovy of Woodstock Valley, Connecticut won Section B. Jurnovy trains with Berry J. Porter and rode Caroline Moore’s Danish Warmblood gelding, Favorit Julius.
In the final section of the ASPCA Maclay, Emi Richards of Middlefield, Connecticut emerged victorious aboard Heritage Farm INC’s Holsteiner gelding, Kingsroad.
Baylee Rowan was awarded the Hannah Micayla Serfass ‘Best Overall Performance Award’ in honor of the late Hannah Serfass.
Taylor Cawley won the William Cooney Jr. Style & Sportsmanship Award for the second year in a row.
Two champions shared the spotlight for the final equitation award of the 2025 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship. Emi Richard and Clayton Farrell earned the same amount of points to tie, staying consistent across the equitation classes offered at Devon.
Heading into the final day of equitation, both Emi and Clayton had top placings putting them in the running for the overall championship. When asked what they did to prepare, Clayton responded, “Since it was the third section, you know, I watched a little bit in the morning, and then I tried to kind of stay at the barn, and I polished my boots probably more times than is necessary. But I think that pays off, because I didn’t overthink it, and it went well.”
“Obviously, it’s the last section,” stated Emi. “So we had a long day, kind of like waiting around, but it worked out great. I rode him [Kingsroad] earlier today, and he felt great. Obviously, Heritage is the best at preparing them. I’m always prepared. I never feel like I’m going to the ring unprepared.”
