Dressage at Devon continued on day three with a full roster of breed show classes. Hanoverians, Oldenburgs and KWPN horses were among the more than 20 breeds represented. Spectators were also treated to the Gypsy Vanner and Nokota, along with other flamboyant horses.

Earning the blue ribbon in the Nokota class was the six-year-old gelding Red Cloud, owned and shown by Terri Fuellgraf of Saxonburg, PA. “He has a lot of potential for dressage,” Fuellgraf said. The red roan pinto gelding also enjoys riding out and he competes in judged trail rides. This versatility and athletic ability are common to this rare breed. Descended from ranch and Indian horses, no more than 1,200 of these sturdy horses remain. Fuellgraf continued, “They are extremely people-oriented and bond with their owners.”

Claiming the Gypsy Vanner class was Majestic Legend, a two-year-old stallion bred by Powerpaint Gypsy Farm. Carol Camiola purchased the young stallion a year ago and plans to use him for trail riding. “They are bombproof,” says his breeder MaryAnn Riess. “Anyone can handle Gypsies, even beginners.”

Yesterday Courtney Walsh charmed the crowd with her American Minature Lovett Farms Full House in the Junior Handler class. The five-month-old colt with his flashy black and white coat is a fun project for his young owner. Watch the video on Dressage at Devon’s Facebook page.

Although their stablemate Rabiola won the big prize yesterday, the stallions at Iron Spring Farm also earned accolades on Wednesday. UB40 won the blue ribbon in the Get of Sire class, with Florianus II placing second. Both young stallions have been recognized as successful show horses and now they are making names for themselves as sires. “UB40 is doing well in the show ring and it’s the mark of a good stallion to be a good show horse and have nice offspring,” said Mary Alice Malone, owner of Iron Spring Farm. “I’m also very excited for Florianus. He’s a fantastic show horse and this is first crop of foals.”

Maryanna Haymon, owner of Marydell Farms in Columbus, NC, continued her winning streak yesterday when she claimed the Breeders Group class. She explained that she uses shows like Dressage at Devon not only for showcasing her stock, but also for the educational value. She explains, “As a breeder, I need the outside criticism to improve. Maybe it will give you an outside view of your horses.”

The CDI performance division begins tomorrow. Visit www.dressageatdevon.org and Facebook for all of the excitement.

About Dressage at Devon Dressage at Devon is a 501 (c) (3) PA non-profit organization. Founded by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association in 1975, Dressage at Devon became a separate organization in 2006. The six-day event attracts more than 700 horses and 35,000 spectators each year. Dressage at Devon benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., the oldest and largest therapeutic riding program in the nation.

Courtney Walsh and her mini Lovette Farms Full House in the Junior Handler class.

Photo credit: Hoof Print Images