For the Love of Leadline

“My horse won the race!” That’s how the top leadline rider Audrey Barthelmeh described earning 1st place last year in what many fans consider the most adorable event of the 12-day Devon Horse Show, a star of the spring season.

“Audrey’s a seasoned leadline rider,” said her proud grandmother, Helen “Buttons” Corkhill, who championed the experience. “She won 7th place her first year in leadline, then 3rd place before being awarded the silver plate in 2024. But she’s sitting out 2025,” said Corkhill. That gives other fledgling riders a change for a trophy, top eight prize ribbon or Devon blue ribbon and lollipop for every munchkin who’s led around the Dixon Oval before an audience of appreciative “awwwwws.”

Although neither of Corkhill’s two daughters participated in leadline as children, one daughter, Emily, got to lead her niece twice in the event while mom Katherine watched the action in the ring.

“The Devon experience has been part of my family since my grandfather showed and sold hunters back in the 1920s. I also remember an aunt who drove a cart,” she added. The Corkhill family continued to support the Devon Horse Show. Buttons has been an active volunteer for many years — enlisting Katherine to carry on that tradition — and her late husband Eric was the long-term Trophy Chair.

So, what does it take to have your child (or grandchild) shine in the Dixon Oval, “Where Champions Meet,” as the sign above the gateway reads?

The first requirement is age: the two leadline classes (groups) are for kids who have not reached their 4th or 6th birthday by December 1, 2024 — there are some very tiny tots in baskets atop ponies in the younger group. And don’t forget the online entry form, plus $220 in fees. Amazingly, entries are accepted up until 10 a.m. on the Saturday morning of the event!

Then there’s the cool official outfit of a miniature rider’s show jacket, shirt, breeches, boots, gloves and helmet — required for safety. The total leadline look runs from $500 to $1,200 new, and parents pray everything fits for more than one year. “Luckily there’s a good market in gently used leadline clothes at pony clubs and elsewhere,” advised Corkhill. “Don’t forget the colorful ribbons in the girls’ pigtails.” Riders will look well turned out from the back, as well.

Plus a horse. Of course. Owning a horse makes this step easy. “You can rent or borrow a horse for the event. Just make sure you also plan for practice time with that horse,” said Corkhill. Since one purpose of leadline is to foster love of horses, the child needs to be comfortable. A few sessions should be enough for most new riders. The horses should also have spit-shined tack to look sharp in the ring, along with a braided mane for that trophy-worthy appearance.

And if it’s called leadline, there must be a leader (or handler) to take the reins and walk the horse and tiny rider around the ring, then reverse direction, and finally line up in the center of the ring. Handlers’ outfits are not regulated — military uniforms, suits, dresses with colorful hats, or classic rider apparel are seen and add to the overall look. Anything but stilettos that sink into the sandy ring.

What about judging? The informal advice: “Don’t be a banana. Sit straight and don’t be curved over like a banana,” advised Corkhill. Others say, heels down, chin up. The official website states: “To be judged on manners and suitability of pony to rider.” In short, overall presentation of horse and rider.

Finally, things to remember: “Meltdowns can happen. But it’s worth it,” shared Corkhill. And another leadline winner we talked with still fondly remembers her singular leadline appearance 60-some years ago and the ribbon she got on that special day with her dad.

IF YOU GO: Leadline classes, Saturday, May 24, not before 1 p.m. at the Devon Horse Show Grounds