There’s a special kind of magic at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair—a blend of tradition, community, and world-class equestrian sport. What began in 1896 as a small gathering of neighbors and horse lovers on Pennsylvania’s Main Line has grown into the country’s oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show.
From its very first day, Devon was about more than competition. Even during World War I, the show continued in a scaled-down form to raise funds for the war effort. That spirit of giving became part of Devon’s identity, and in 1919, the Country Fair was added to benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital—a partnership that still thrives today.
Today, Devon is where tradition meets excitement—from the iconic Ferris wheel to the carefully crafted tea sandwiches, from the thrill of the ring to the joy of giving back. It’s powered by more than 2,000 volunteers and continues to support Bryn Mawr Hospital with the same heart that first brought neighbors together more than a century ago.
Devon isn’t just a horse show. It’s a community, a cause, and a cherished memory in the making—year after year.
A Quick Trot Through History
- The first Devon Horse Show was just a one-day event with around 30 classes. Today, it spans twelve days and features more than 300 classes across various disciplines, including hunters, jumpers, equitation, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and carriage driving.
- Some of the Country Fair’s signature treats—like tea sandwiches and old-fashioned lemon sticks—have been fan favorites for over 100 years. Still, the famous Devon Fudge dates back to 1947 when chair Mary Barclay Johnson contributed her family’s cherished recipe.
- James K. Robinson, Jr., chairman of the Devon Horse Show, introduced the Carriage Marathon in the early 1950s. This 4.5-mile scenic route winds through the resident-lined neighborhoods of Devon before arriving at the showgrounds.
