Devon Horse Show’s “Gold Ring” Renamed in Honor of Sallie and Kenny Wheeler

Photo courtesy of Brenda Carpenter Photography

DEVON, Pa.— June 22, 2017 – The former “Gold Ring” at the Devon Horse Show has been officially renamed as the “Wheeler Ring” in honor of Kenny Wheeler, Senior and his late wife Sallie Wheeler.

The Wheeler family of Virginia has been part of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for many years. Generations of Wheelers have shown in a variety of divisions including Open Hunter, Hunter Breeding and American Saddlebred. Kenny is best known for his numerous victories in the breeding classes at Devon, as well as a long career as a hunter trainer. Horses he trained have been named the “Best Young Horse at Devon” for 34 years in a row. In addition to being an avid competitor herself, Sallie was a great philanthropist and supporter of the horse show. Both were very much involved in Devon over the decades.

It is only fitting that the “Gold Ring” be renamed in honor of the Wheelers. As Devon Horse Show Chairman Wayne W. Grafton notes, “Sallie and Kenny Wheeler demonstrated not only the epitome of horsemanship, but they contributed to the horse show through years of participation, service, and donations. We proudly rename the “Gold Ring” to the “Wheeler Ring” in honor of their generosity and shared loved of showing horses.”

Photo courtesy of Brenda Carpenter Photography

The official ceremony took place during the last Friday of the 2017 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Kenny and members of the Wheeler family took part in the naming ceremony in Devon’s Dixon Oval. Proceeding the dedication, over fifty of his family and friends gathered to celebrate Kenny’s 90th birthday with a Devon-themed cake. A new plaque now informs all spectators and competitors that they are watching champions meet in the “Wheeler Ring.”

About Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Started in 1896, the Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States 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 Devon Country Fair, run by more than 2,000 volunteers, offers a variety of boutique shops in miniature cottages, amusement rides and games for kids, multiple dining options, and special entertainment events. Proceeds support Bryn Mawr Hospital.

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