Devon, Pennsylvania – May 23, 2026 – Saturday’s competition in the Wheeler Ring at the 2026 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair saw a talented field of young riders and their ponies vie for top honors in their respective divisions. All hoping to claim the Grand Pony Hunter Championship title, as well as the Wizard of Oz Perpetual Trophy, competitors put their best foot forward to accumulate the most points in their divisions. Lilly Ward and McLain Ward’s Celebration emerged victorious, walking away with the Grand Pony Hunter Championship.
CELEBRATION & LILLY WARD
Devon Grand Pony Hunter Champion
Ward and Celebration had a strong start in the Small Pony Hunter division on Friday, earning two first-place ribbons. On Saturday, the pair clinched the Small Pony Hunter division championship, and Ward also took home the Best Child Rider on a Pony award for her efforts.
This is Ward’s third year competing at Devon, and the 11-year-old shared that this win was “really special.”
“I came in strong today, and I was really excited,” Ward said.
CELEBRATION & LILLY WARD
Small Pony Hunter Champion
PAPARAZZI & KENZIE SMITH
Medium Pony Hunter Champion
SNEAK PREVIEW & KENZIE SMITH
Large Pony Hunter Champion
In the Medium Pony Hunter division, the championship was awarded to Kenzie Smith riding Rivers Edge’s Paparazzi. Smith also won the Large Pony Hunter division championship aboard Rivers Edge’s Sneak Preview.
To cap off the afternoon in the Wheeler Ring, Harper Clark was awarded the Pony Sportsmanship Award.
Best Child Rider on a Pony award winners, from left to right: first place Lilly Ward, second place Eliza Jane St. George, third place Charlotte Morassutti, and fourth place Jasper Bloomberg.
