Fall in Love with the Coming Equestrian Season

What’s not to love about autumn in the Brandywine Valley? Fall foliage, cooler temps and, of course, a variety of equestrian events to put on your calendar. For generations, equine enthusiasts and casual fans alike have gathered to watch horses run, jump and strut their stuff — all with the scenic local countryside as a backdrop.

Round up the fam for a fun-filled weekend at Ludwig’s Corner, celebrate the Devon way at the Fall Classic, tailgate atop the hill at Plantation Field, see world-class competition at the Maryland 5 Star, then wrap up the season at the 90th Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. For even more equestrian excitement, there’s Dressage at Devon at the end of September — but that’s another article in this issue.

We’ve got all the deets for this year’s fall equestrian season, so saddle up for this equine extravaganza!

Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show & Country Fair

Photos: Alyssa Murphree Media

Kick off the fall equestrian season this Labor Day weekend at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show, August 31 to September 2. For 81 years, the preserved 33-acre show grounds have hosted local riders from across the Brandywine and Delaware Valleys in three active rings of competitive hunter, jumper and equitation classes. It’s become one of Chester County’s most highly anticipated equestrian and family events, launching the season in style.

Saturday and Sunday’s show schedule consists of hunter and equitation classes, which are judged on the horse and rider’s movement, performance and jumping style over natural fences resembling obstacles found in the hunt field. Highlights include classes for off-track (retired) thoroughbreds, fox hunter and side saddle divisions, plus lead line classes for the littlest equestrians, the Carriage Exhibition and Pleasure Drive, and Sunday’s Hunter Derby and Pony Hunter Derby for cash prizes.

Monday’s equestrian action features more hunter classes along with fast-paced show jumping, where horses and riders compete to beat the clock while clearing a complex and colorful course of fences. The show culminates in the afternoon with the signature $10,000 Ludwig’s Corner Mini-Prix, a fan favorite.

Outside the ring, the Country Fair offers fun for all ages. Kiddos will love the midway rides — inflatables, a rock wall, mechanical bull, bungee jump and more. Over in the Vendor Village, browse local artisans’ wares and boutique shops, then fuel up at the Epicurean Garage food trucks, including their Old Time Ice Cream Truck and Cocktail Trailer. Sip Locust Lane craft brews at the Beer Garden overlooking the main competition ring — a great spot to watch the action!

Additional attractions include equine demonstrations in the Rosato Oval, the Costumed Pet Parade and SALT Performing Arts Princess Party (both on Saturday), Silkie’s Farm alpacas, adoptable dogs from Phoenix Animal Rescue and the Labor Day Antique Car Show.

IF YOU GO: Aug. 31–Sept. 2, $10/carload. 1325 Pottstown Pk., Glenmoore. LudwigsHorseShow.com.

Devon Fall Classic

Photos: Brenda Carpenter

Next up is the 11th annual Devon Fall Classic, September 12 to 15. This four-day, all-jumper event brings show-jumping athletes of all ages and skill levels to the Dixon Oval. Come to watch riders and horses soar over obstacles while competing for the fastest time, and stay for the live music, boutique shopping, dining, amusement rides and more. The event benefits the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, which owns and maintains the historic equestrian venue.

Show highlights include the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake on Thursday evening and the $10,000 Open Speed Stake on Friday evening. Saturday night features the $7,500 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and concludes with the highly anticipated $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix.

In addition to thrilling competitions in the ring, the Devon Fall Classic has entertainment for the whole family. Shop ’til you drop at over 50 vendor booths, offering apparel, home decor, gourmet food, jewelry and more options. Bring the kiddos to the midway for classic amusement rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel, plus exciting games and cuddly plush prizes. Fuel up with a myriad of food choices — A Taste of Philly cheesesteaks, Gryphon Café coffee, Bassetts ice cream, Devon Tea Cart favorites and more.

At night, stop by Clydesdale Corner for drinks and crowd-favorite live music performances: DJ Brian Bohn on Thursday, Ricks Office Band on Friday and Just Add Water on Saturday.

And in true Devon fashion, the show wraps up with the Sunday afternoon plant sale — the perfect souvenir from a memorable weekend!

IF YOU GO: Sept. 12–15, $8–20. 23 Dorset Rd., Devon. DevonHorseShow.net.

Plantation Field International Horse Trials

Photos: AK Dragoo Photography

If you watched the Olympics this summer, you may have seen the equestrian sport of eventing — described as an equestrian triathlon of dressage, cross country and show jumping, where men and women compete alongside each other. From September 19 to 22, you can experience it for yourself at the Plantation Field International Horse Trials in southern Chester County.

The stakes have never been higher, as Plantation Field Equestrian Events recently announced an additional $25,000 of prize money. The $40,000 Brooke USA 4* Division will have the highest purses at that level in the country. Many of these riders will be taking their horses on a final run before the Maryland 5 Star in October (more on that later), giving them a challenging cross-country test on Plantation Field’s renowned hillside course — definitely a must-see!

Take a break from the action at the family-friendly Country Fair. Highlights include the popular Beer & Wine Garden, live music and kid favorites like the Pony Kissing Booth, rock-climbing wall, mechanical bull, straw maze and face painting booth. The Plantation Field Pop-Up Bar returns with signature cocktails, and the Trade Fair has a variety of vendors under the Big Top, along with beverage and food trucks to suit every palate.

View the competition from the top of the hill, where you can see almost the entire cross-country course, as well as spectacular views of the bucolic countryside. Think your tailgate is the greatest of them all? Enter Sunday’s competition — naturally, the theme is “The 2024 Paris Olympics.”

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the Chester County Food Bank, helping ensure that no one goes hungry in our community. A great way to have fun while giving back!

IF YOU GO: Sept. 19–22, $25/carload ($30 at the gate). 347 Green Valley Rd., Coatesville. PlantationField.com.

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

Photos: Shannon Brinkman Photography (1, 3), Incanto Sports Group (2)

Take a drive south across the state line for the fourth annual Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, October 17 to 20. The prestigious 5 Star designation is the pinnacle of equestrian eventing, and the Maryland 5 Star is one of just two Five Star equestrian events in the U.S. and of seven in the world.

Experience four days of world-class competition at the highest level, with dressage on Thursday and Friday, cross country on Saturday and the show jumping finale on Sunday. This globally recognized venue features a cross-country course designed by Olympic silver medalist Ian Stark and state-of-the-art dressage and show-jumping arenas within the historic turf track’s infield.

In addition to high-stakes equestrian competition, there’s lots of fun to be had. Enjoy tailgating, shopping and music on the main stage all weekend long, plus a Kids Corner with a petting zoo, games, arts and crafts, a straw maze and more. On Saturday, little ones delight in lead line and Shetland pony racing while grown-ups sample libations — including limited-edition selections from Elk River Brewing Company — at the Local Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase.

Come early on Sunday for the Fresh Food Fest to sample and purchase seasonal fruits and veggies, dairy products, jams, sauces, meats and more from local vendors. Then stick around for the third annual Maryland Corgi Cup — over 100 adorable pups racing on the turf track — along with a rescue dog parade!

IF YOU GO: Oct. 17–20, $15–$35 ($25–$35 at the gate); kids 10 and under, free. 4600 Telegraph Rd., Elkton, MD. Maryland5Star.us.

Pennsylvania Hunt Cup

Photo: Robert Keller

Finally, mark your calendar for the 90th annual Pennsylvania Hunt Cup on November 3. In its nine-decade history, the PA Hunt Cup has raised nearly $2 million for charitable organizations, including $65,000 last year for the Chester County Food Bank.

This fall, competitors will once again be “Racing for Food” in pony, timber and flat racing events. In between races, shop the Hunt Club Boutique, watch the Carriage Parade and see Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds. It’s all for a great cause!

IF YOU GO: Nov. 3. Ticket sales start Sept. 1. 1759 Newark Rd., Kennett Square. PAHuntCup.org.