Dressage at Devon has much to look forward to in 2024.
As this is an Olympic and World Cup year, there are an impressive number of CDI horses and riders competing around the world creating Grand-Prix-fever for riders and spectators alike. There has never been a better time to be involved in the sport, as unbelievably athletic horses shine, and super-star riders develop them.
At Dressage at Devon, we are lucky to see many of these horses start here as Young Horse Breed and National Performance Division champions before going on to CDI careers. Where else can that happen?
Every year, Dressage at Devon hosts horses and riders from an array of national teams — United States, Canada, and several South American countries — giving spectators a thrilling brush with Olympic and World Cup fame.
Everyone has a favorite reason why they love the show. For me it’s enabling the world of international dressage to inspire a wide-reach of dressage-enthusiasts. This includes competitors in the Mid-Atlantic region, spectators, volunteers, local professionals, amateur riders, dressage want-to-be riders, and junior and young riders.
The Dressage at Devon team has not been hibernating this winter. Instead, we have been hard at work planning the 2024 show, continuing to build the storied competition towards the 50th anniversary in 2025. As we look to this important milestone, our team continues to create a gathering place that appeals to dressage enthusiasts and the local community; offer energizing and in-depth dressage educational and entertainment opportunities for riders and spectators; and provide a show environment that appeals to high-quality dressage riders, trainers, owners and breeders.
The 2024 schedule features an exciting line-up of events for spectators and competitors. The team is thrilled to announce Australian Brett Parbery as the Masterclass presenter. For the past few years, the Dressage at Devon Masterclass has brought renowned dressage trainers to educate riders and spectators, and Parbery is sure to thrill the audience with his teachings. If you missed 2023’s Masterclass, be sure to stream it here.
Alongside the Masterclass, other thrilling events are on the schedule this year. Look forward to the Friday night Dance Off; the USDF Youth and Young Adult Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Seminar; the Sip, Shop and Stroll Vendor preview; the first-ever vendor fashion show; Dressage Explorer’s kids’ day; educational lectures throughout the week; and an Olympic reception to toast Olympic riders, horses, owners and grooms from all horse sports and countries. There’s something for everyone!
As the 50th anniversary approaches, show Historians Margaret Freeman and Dr. Mary-Anne Ost — who have both been involved with the show since its inception in 1975 —are working to document the prestigious competition over the years. They are looking for stories, photographs and information from competitors, owners, breeders, volunteers, and spectators through the years and we encourage you to reach out and tell your Dressage at Devon story!
It’s not too late to be involved in the show’s history; we are welcoming sponsors and vendors to support Dressage at Devon this year and next with the option of a two-year contract. For more information on Dressage at Devon’s vendor and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.
Donations are also a great way to be involved with our historic show! As a nonprofit, we rely on donors to put on the show and create the invaluable educational opportunities we offer every year. It’s a great time to show Dressage at Devon 501c3 some Valentine’s Day love with a tax-deductible donation to help secure the bottom line of the show and make 2024 the best show yet!
Early-bird discounted tickets will be on sale soon! Box seats include Masterclass tickets and a box holders party on Saturday night and are the most economical way to see the show.
The Dressage at Devon team looks forward to another year of beautiful dressage and educational experiences. It’s never too early to start planning your fall show schedule — add Dressage at Devon to your calendar today! The show will run from September 24th through September 29th this year and is not-to-be-missed. I’ll see you this fall!
Sincerely,
Anne Moss, Dressage at Devon President
