Devon, Pennsylvania – May 24, 2024 – Equitation competition came to a head as the country’s best junior riders squared off in hopes of claiming the coveted R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship title. The day started bright and early with the ASPCA Maclay and concluded with junior jumper action under the lights of the Dixon.
Tune into exclusive interviews with riders, trainers, and more from inside the Devon Press Room! Friday’s Devon Press Pod features R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Champion, Reese Merna, her trainer Stacia Madden of Beacon Hill Show Stables, and a special guest…Click below to tune into the latest from the Devon Press Pod.
Big Win in the Big Eq
Reese Merna’s journey to the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship
“And what I liked so much about Reese winning this award is she won the first class here last year on her horse and he is sustained a small injury. He’s in rehab now and she just immediately said, ‘I need to do what’s best for my horse. I want to give him the appropriate time so that we can have him back for finals if possible. And what do I do in the meantime to keep going and stay sharp?’ And came here and right out of the box was able to win the first class last year. She had time faults in the second class or she probably would’ve won the second class and she might’ve been winning this award last year as well. But that just shows you how it’s important to have these experiences and learn from them and not get discouraged by them. Because if you’re a rider that gets discouraged by them, you don’t take the opportunity to learn and come here and be sitting where she is now.” Trainer, Stacia Klein Madden Beacon Hill Show Stables
“My horse’s name is Castlefield Spartacus. We call him Spart in the barn. He is a really seasoned horse. He’s super sweet on the ground, and incredible to ride in the ring. Super fun. He’s an amazing horse. I’m very lucky.” Reese Merna R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Champion
About the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair: Started in 1896, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America and draws in top competitors from around the world. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s historic Main Line as its backdrop, the show continues to reflect the local traditions and lifestyles of the community. The event is run by more than 2,000 volunteers and offers a variety of boutique shops in miniature cottages, amusement rides and games for kids, multiple dining options, and live entertainment. Proceeds support The Bryn Mawr Hospital. The Devon Horse Show Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit. The organization is operated to perform the charitable and educational purposes of The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Inc. It also supports the maintenance and improvement of the historic Devon Horse Show grounds to ensure its position as one of the premier equestrian event facilities in the world.
“My horse’s name is Castlefield Spartacus. We call him Spart in the barn. He is a really seasoned horse. He’s super sweet on the ground, and incredible to ride in the ring. Super fun. He’s an amazing horse. I’m very lucky.” 
