Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show

In May 1896, just a few miles from Thorncroft, the world famous "Devon Horse Show and Country Fair" was under way. A small but dedicated start, competitors gathered locally to compete. Over the years, the show grew to its present stature as the largest and oldest Country Fair in the country. The Show has earned an international reputation, and attracts the best horses and riders from around the world to compete in ten full days of exciting classes.

In 1980, the front lawn at Thorncroft was again the site of a powerful meeting of minds. A small group of dedicated volunteers from Bryn Mawr Rehab and Thorncroft assembled to discuss a moment in history for therapeutic riding, a day in May which would coincide with the world famous Devon Horse Show, ..."The Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show". Eleven riders competed in that first show, setting a standard of excellence, and creating the foundation for a show that has grown to recently include over 175 riders from the northeast. The original ring located quietly and safely in the indoor arena, has exploded to include two dressage arenas, two trail classes, equitation, jumping and musical kurs. Over the many years devoted volunteers and riders have nurtured and developed the show to where it is today, a nationally respected competition.

Sunday winners of the different divisions from Saturday are invited to compete for the Hope Montgomery Scott Grand Champion at the Devon Horse Show Grounds.

Prize list and entries packets are available on line after March 1st of each year. Closing for entries is the 3rd Monday in April.

• To download the 2010 Prize List/Entry Packet, please click here.

Fall Horse Show for Riders with Special needs

October (date TBD) is the month for our annual Fall Horse Show. Special needs competitors from near and a far are welcome to compete in equitation, dressage and trail classes. This has always been a great place for riders to try their first horse show, or for horses needing to “get off the farm” and compete in their first show. Bring your friends and families for a picnic and cheer on your favorite riders. Entry packets will be available on line the first week in August. Closing is historically the 2nd Monday in September.

Watch our calendar, we continue to host shows for competitors with and without disabilities in the disciplines of hunters, dressage and combined.