Programs

To view results of the Handicapped Riders Division of The Devon Horse Show, please click here.

To view photos from the HRD Awards Presentations, please click here.

To view gallery, click on photo.  To move through gallery, click on the upper right hand corner (forward) or upper left hand corner (backward).

• 2010 Handicapped Riders Division at The Devon Horse Show 2010 Handicapped Riders Division at The Devon Horse Show
• The Frances P. Hayes Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/2FrancesPHayes2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Frances P. Hayes Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/2FrancesPHayes2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The Francis DeRuschi Perpetual Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/3FrancisDeRuschiPerpetual2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Francis DeRuschi Perpetual Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/3FrancisDeRuschiPerpetual2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The EW Garbisch Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/4EWGarbisch2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The EW Garbisch Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/4EWGarbisch2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The Ann Dixon Artistic Award, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/5AnnDixonArtistic2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Ann Dixon Artistic Award, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/5AnnDixonArtistic2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The Brushwood Challenge Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/6BrushwoodChallenge2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Brushwood Challenge Trophy, 2010 - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/6BrushwoodChallenge2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Memory Trophy, 2010 - Reserve - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/7HopeMontgomeryScottReserve2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Memory Trophy, 2010 - Reserve - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/7HopeMontgomeryScottReserve2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
• The Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Memory Trophy, 2010 - Champion - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/8HopeMontgomeryScottChampion2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a> The Hope Montgomery Scott Perpetual Memory Trophy, 2010 - Champion - to download <a href="http://thorncroft.org/download/8HopeMontgomeryScottChampion2010.jpg" target="_blank">click here</a>
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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.

The discipline of weekly scheduled lessons is the most successful method for mastering the art of horseback riding. Since our founding over four decades ago, Thorncroft has taught the balanced seat approach. We teach basic through advanced riding, as well as jumping, dressage and cross-country.

Our approach has been to engage the student in the care of the horse, teaching grooming, tacking and care after the ride. With 17 instructors our skills cover the full range of equine sports. Our 70 acres of Pennsylvania countryside include an indoor arena, an outdoor arena and trails, which are employed by our instructors at their discretion. If, for whatever reason we cannot meet your needs, with our long tenure in the field we can help you find something suitable.

Thorncroft has long enjoyed the community resulting from our Working Student Program. Students on the lesson schedule have the opportunity to earn lessons in exchange for their working in the barn. Those students over 13 years old can earn an additional lesson with 6 hours of work, bringing the values of traditional farm life to children and teenagers already motivated by a love of horseback riding.

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Come Join the Thorncroft Lesson Program
Riders with and without disabilities

Private and Group Lessons Now Available - Schedule subject to change.
Please call for details 610-644-1963 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

First Lesson is an evaluation.

• Beginner Riders - Have never ridden before.
• Advanced Beginner Riders - Able to walk and trot independently around the arena.
• Intermediate Riders - Able to independently walk, trot, canter and jump a small fence (x-rails)
• Advanced Riders - Able to independently walk, trot, canter and jump a course of small fences.

The Thorncroft Mainstreamers are a ten member team consisting of riders with and without disabilities, ranging in age from ten to fifteen. They work and ride together, encouraging proficient performances and mutual understanding. As the skill of each rider improves, their lives are also enriched by the experience.

When these riders come together and perform their musical drill on horseback you feel a magic in the air, a magic created by The Thorncroft Mainstreamers, a group of ten riders of varying abilities. The team, founded in 1986, has performed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, sharing with their audiences an extraordinary ability which goes beyond their riding skills. The Team is an example of growing and sharing lives together, of accomplishing major goals others thought impossible.

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Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS)

The process of planning the future for your child is ongoing.  Soon your child or teen will be an adult and will need skills in the areas of work, recreation, friends, and family.  We must prepare them with the proper tools for dealing with the complex issues of adult living.    Thru this new Service, Thorncroft can now provide that stepping stone.  

Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided Therapeutic Horseback Riding to adults and children in a "mainstreamed" environment. People of all abilities and ages come from all walks of life to participate in what is called Therapeutic Horseback Riding. The Farm has been accepted into Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) program and is listed as a "Home and Community Services Provider."  Thorncroft is excited to announce that we are now recognized under the Department Of Public Welfare Office of Developmental Programs, are compliant with and licensed under  PFDS MR Waivers.  This vocational service helps provide a bridge to from adolescence to adulthood for individuals with MR.   This, in turn, offers an effective transition from the home and school into the working community.  We develop a solid plan in place at the Farm which will teach independence in living and working in the community.

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• Nan Demchur - Review and Renew Your Basics
• Centered Riding Instructor's Update Clinic
• Roddy Strang, Natural Horsemanship Starting the young horse... or helping those with problems
• Barbara Strawson, Balance In Motion
• Taryn Bath, Occupational Therapist Physical Recovery with the Horse
• Dr. Tyra Crowley, Veterinary Medicine Care of the older horse
• Brenda Finucane, Genetics How genetics apply to disabilities
• Carol Gillis Ph.D, Mental Health and Horsemanship
• Doreen Garland BHSAI, Mounted Sessions Classical Horsemanship
• Peggy Brown CR© IV, Centered Riding Certification
• Terrill K. Long M.P.T., Physical Therapy and the horse
• Renee Luther CR© III, Centered Riding, for the novice or advanced student
• Anne Rawle, Ground Work and an introduction to long lining

October 2010 - May 2011

The Thorncroft Instructors Course is the foundation for an innovative course in therapeutic horseback riding. Saunders Dixon will be joined by Thorncroft instructor Meghan Lyons in October to kick off another exciting year. Choose between the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach.

We are proud to present a comprehensive introductory study course for persons wishing to become Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors, and or those who wish to gain and expand their knowledge of the field. Thorncroft Founder and Director Saunders Dixon and Thorncroft Instructor/Centered Riding ® Instructor Meghan Lyons are the foundation for an innovative course in therapeutic horseback riding.

Over thirty years ago, Jennifer Bream came to the United States from England, searching for a program that was futuristic...  a riding program where she could share her years of knowledge and experience in Therapeutic Horseback Riding. At Thorncroft she found not only the facility, but the energy and open minds to put her plans into action. With the help of the University of Pennsylvania, a hand full of dedicated instructors and volunteers - one of the largest and oldest therapeutic riding programs was launched.

We encourage not only those who wish to teach therapeutic horseback riding to participate, but anyone who has a desire to learn more about the field. This is a limited opportunity for practicing riding instructors to take an exciting and innovative therapy back to their existing environments to share; for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and those interested in broadening their knowledge of the field to learn from those with years of hands on experience.

Choose between the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach.

Instructors Course Registration Form

Currently preparing for the 2010-2011 Season.

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Summer Camp introduces campers of all abilities to the challenges and responsibilities of taking care of horses.

With an emphasis on learning respect and cooperation for each other, the campers’ days will be filled with fun horse related activities that are geared toward developing riding and horsemanship skills.

With an emphasis on riding time and hands on training we strive to reach a balance between work and play.

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