Amanda Prescott Steege and Olsten’s Lafitte De Muze Capture $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Victory at Devon

Devon, Hunters
May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026 – Devon, PA – Amanda Prescott Steege and Cheryl Olsten’s Lafitte De Muze rose to the top of an elite field to win the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by The Wheeler Family, during the 2026 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Steege and the 2011 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Darco x Everlychin de la Pomme) delivered two polished performances over the historic Dixon Oval course. The pair earned a first-round score of 194, sitting in first place heading into the handy round.

In the second round, Steege and Lafitte delivered another standout effort, earning a handy score of 198.5 to secure the prestigious derby title with a combined total of 392.5.

“There are a few bucket list classes left that I want him to win, and this was one of them,” said Steege. “This derby has never completely gone our way. I’ve gotten ribbons in it before, but never been at the top. So that was extra exciting.”

Steege credited careful planning and years of partnership with the horse for the win.

“We came here with a goal and a plan and tried to make the right decisions for him during the week in order to get the best result that I could today,” she said. “It’s always nice when a plan comes together.”

The victory carried extra significance for Steege, whose family has deep ties to the Devon Horse Show.

“Devon is obviously a special show for all of us, but my mom’s family grew up in Fort Washington and Blue Bell, so I have a picture of my great-grandfather showing here in 1913,” said Steege. “It is an extra special place for me and always on our schedule and a show that I don’t want to miss.”

Steege has partnered with Lafitte De Muze for 9 years, developing a relationship she describes as one-of-a-kind.

“I can’t imagine ever having as special of a bond with another horse as I have with Lafitte,” she said. “I’m his only rider. I’m the only person who’s ever shown him in a hunter class in the United States. For sure, for me, he’s the most perfect horse and most perfect partner that I ever could have imagined.”