Golden Moments at Dressage at Devon’s 50th

Join a beloved East Coast tradition as Dressage at Devon celebrates a golden milestone. This internationally acclaimed horse show on the Main Line returns for its 50th anniversary, September 23–28. And it’s poised to be the most magical year yet.

Presented by Kingsview Partners, this event combines equestrian sport with boutique shopping, gourmet food, educational experiences and family fun in a setting brimming with historic charm. Whether you’re a lifelong horse lover or just seeking a unique autumn experience, Dressage at Devon awaits. And it’s dressed to impress.

Legends and Legacy

For 50 years, Dressage at Devon has enchanted spectators and competitors alike with its blend of European sophistication and East Coast style. What began in 1975 as a grassroots effort to showcase the art of dressage has blossomed into one of the most prestigious events on the North American equestrian calendar. From Olympic-level athletes to young horses taking their first steps in the show ring, this is where legacies and legends are born.

Its longevity is no accident. It’s the result of besotted horse lovers, devoted volunteers and generous sponsors crafting an unforgettable annual destination experience. And you’re cordially invited to attend.

Festival of Fashion

The heart of the Dressage at Devon experience beats in the Dixon Oval, where top competitors vie for blue ribbons in this Olympic sport as breeders jockey for bragging rights. But its soul shines through in the Fall Festival. No tacky souvenir stands and generic merchandise — this is an upscale, curated shopping experience.

Browse artisan jewelry, boutique fashion, European tack, bespoke home goods, gift-worthy pottery and refined antiques. Whether you’re outfitting your horse, getting a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, or updating your home or your fall wardrobe, the selection here is eclectic and tempting.

Circle Wednesday, September 24 on your calendar for the Shop, Sip & Stroll event, when the Festival Village comes alive with live music, seasonal refreshments and the glow of golden-hour shopping. Who can resist the scents of a warm funnel cake, buffed leather and fine chocolate? There’s something for every kind of shopper. A final highlight is the annual plant sale after the show ends on Sunday afternoon, offering natural decorations and hand-painted pumpkins.

Savor Every Bite

Let’s not forget the food! Voted “Best Food on the Show Circuit” by riders who know their way around a piaffe and a pulled pork sandwich, Devon’s culinary offerings raise the bar.

Craving comfort? Head to the Picnic Grove for gourmet burgers, fresh-cut fries and decadent mac & cheese. Feeling fancy? Sample imported cheeses and pastries that tempt even a picky palate. For an ideal viewing- and-dining combo, cozy up in The Pub, where closed-circuit coverage lets you watch every pirouette while enjoying local microbrews and Devon’s famous crab cakes.

Don’t miss the fan-favorite artisanal treats: Chocolate Moonshine and Bridge Street Chocolates that somehow taste even better while watching riders and horses dance in time to the music.

Excellence and Education

Take a break from shopping and noshing and check out Dressage at Devon’s educational offerings, a testament to its mission to promote dressage through access, excellence and education.

This year, Olympian Ingrid Klimke will headline a masterclass, sharing elite-level insights in an exclusive session on Thursday, September 25, along with a pop-up book and shirt signing. A perfect opportunity to snag a personalized keepsake.

More seminars are offered throughout the week. From Dr. Hilary Clayton’s deep dive into the biomechanics of “Harmony Between Horse and Rider” to a hands-on demo on linear scoring, these sessions are where you’ll find top-notch educational opportunities accessible to any horse enthusiast.

Horses, of Course

Remember the stars of the show: horses, starting with the breed division, September 23–25. Known as the largest open breed show in the world, this highlight offers a rare chance to see foals still figuring out their legs, mares with regal presence and stallions with swagger to spare.

Tuesday’s Parade of Breeds showcases equine diversity, while the Born in the USA Breeders Awards acknowledge achievements of American sport horse breeders. Thursday’s USDF Breeders Final brings together the finest sport horse prospects in a must-watch spectacle of future champions.

Dressage has been called poetry in motion and ballet on horseback, its beauty

dating back hundreds of years. The sport gained increased mainstream notoriety more recently when Snoop Dogg called it “horse crip walking” at the 2020 Olympics and returned for more coverage at the 2024 Olympics, accompanied by Martha Stewart.

A little background: dressage is a French word meaning “training” and describes the sequential development of a horse’s suppleness, obedience and strength, resulting in a blend of power and artistry. Competition involves a series of movements based on a horse’s action, similar to gymnastics or figure skating competitions.

Dancing Under the Stars

As the sun sets, the magic doesn’t dim — it ignites. The popular Dressage at Devon Dance-Off returns on Friday, September 26, as horse and rider duos perform musical freestyles to live music while celebrity judges share commentary and pick the winner. Think “So You Think You Can Dance,” but with piaffes instead of pirouettes (oh, there are actually pirouettes!).

Saturday’s Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights is theatrical elegance, complete with the return of the local DVCTA Quad Squad — a costumed quadrille team with choreography as clever as their horse-themed attire. If you’ve never seen horses canter in perfectly synchronized formation to pop music, now’s your chance.

Sunday Funday

Even the final day is packed with action, especially for families. Sunday, September 28 is Dressage Explorers Day, featuring hands-on, kid-friendly fun. Little ones can try their hand at stick-horse competitions, equine trivia, scavenger hunts and get up close and personal with real horses (supervised, of course). It’s an unforgettable intro to the equine world — no breeches or boots required.

Sunday’s Musical Freestyles and Mimosas on the Midway has a playlist that includes … brunch and mimosas! Watch the freestyle rides with a side of bubbles for a Sunday morning with sparkle.

Meanwhile, national and international dressage competition classes continue, including the new Jackpot Grand Prix for rising stars. It’s a fitting end to a weeklong celebration as inclusive as it is eclectic.

A Golden Year

If you’re still wondering whether Dressage at Devon belongs on your fall calendar, consider this: Where else can you witness Olympic-caliber performances, snag a hand-dyed scarf, sip a glass of chardonnay and learn the physics of half-passes all in the same day?

Dressage at Devon isn’t just for horse people. It’s for families, foodies, history buffs, fashionistas and anyone with an appreciation for excellence and elegance in a charming, historic setting.

Saddle up. Shop on. Sip slowly. The golden anniversary of Dressage at Devon awaits.

IF YOU GO: September 23–28, 2025, Devon Horse Show Grounds. Tickets, schedules and updates at DressageAtDevon.org.