Your Ultimate Guide to the Devon Horse Show
The Main Line equestrian tradition returns. Here’s what to expect.
The Devon Horse Show returns this week. / Photography by Laura Swartz
This week, the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in the country returns to Devon. Started in 1896, this Main Line institution combines equestrians, family fun, fashion, and tradition over 12 days. Whether you’re there for the horses, the hats, or the cheese fries, here’s everything you need to know.
The Basics
It all starts on May 21st and runs through June 1st. Located at the Devon Horse Show grounds in Chester County, the show is almost as old as the Main Line itself, and it definitely feels that way. While the Pennsylvania Railroad’s “Main Line” route through Philadelphia’s western suburbs came to define the region, Devon Horse Show’s website explains:
“Although families arrived to the Main Line by train, once settled they used horses as their primary form of transportation. Horse-drawn vehicles were used to go to church, to town, and to the market. On May 22, 1896 a meeting was called by the gentlemen of the Main Line area inviting their friends and neighbors to “effect an organization for the purpose of holding a Horse Show at Devon.”
Sounds like a very exciting time for the gentlemen of the Main Line. Anyway, the Country Fair part of the event was added in 1919, and the rest is history. Every spring around Memorial Day, competitors from all over the country attend this nationally-recognized equestrian event — and locals come to watch, play, shop, eat, see and be seen.
You can come for one day for $20 ($10 for kids under 5 and seniors), or for the whole 12-day extravaganza ($100 for a general-admission pass). Some special events — like the Grand Prix on May 29th and the Ladies Day hat contest and luncheon on May 28th — require an extra ticket, as does reserved seating. Tickets are available online, or you can purchase them at the box office the day of. Proceeds from the show benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.
What to See
The Devon Horse Show brings together top equestrians from a variety of disciplines including jumpers, equitation, hunters, eventing, Saddlebred, hackney, coaching, and more. In addition to the general equestrian competition, there are some special exhibitions including Radnor Hunt Fox Hounds on May 24th (riders navigate a horse through a pack of hounds!), and the Shetland Pony Steeplechase on May 25th and 26th.
The Sapphire Grand Prix takes place the evening of May 29th, with the best jumpers competing for the Devon Blue Ribbon (and also $250,000). Tickets for that are sold separately.
Too many horses? You’re in the wrong place, but okay, go see some dogs! The evening of May 22nd features the Dog Show, complete with a costume contest and prizes for curliest tail, slowest, fastest, waggiest, and more. There’s also a dog selfie station, because after dressing up your dog, you know you want all the photos. If you’re interested in doing more than just watching, sign up online prior to the event; the show starts promptly at 7 p.m. All entries are $5.
Want even more old-timey vibes? On Sunday, May 25th, watch carriage drivers travel through the streets of Devon for the annual Pleasure Drive. The picnic starts at 11 a.m. at St. David’s Church. Carriage judging starts at noon, and then the carriages make their way back to the Devon Horse Show grounds. You don’t even need a show ticket for this one, just follow along on the map to find them.
What to Eat
Two words: Devon Fries.
Two more words: Lemon Sticks.
The food at the Devon Horse Show is just as much a tradition as the activities. There’s a candy stand with fudge and those aforementioned lemon sticks (a candy stick stuck in a sugary lemon half); across from that, you’ll find Food Alley with fair favorites like funnel cake, fries, and ice cream. There’s also a Garden Cafe with healthy stuff like salads, but probably just stick to the cheese fries.
Another Devon tradition, the Devon Tea Cart has been part of the show for over 100 years now. Go for a giant, icy sweet tea — don’t forget to add mint — along with some tea sandwiches for good measure.
The Country Fair
The Midway at Devon Horse Show’s Country Fair
In addition to the horse show, Devon hosts a Midway at the Country Fair with rides (carousel, Ferris wheel, spinning teacups, you get the picture) and carnival games with prizes. You can buy ride tickets as you go, or buy an unlimited day-pass wristband.
The Country Fair also has plenty of vendor stands to shop, from equestrian gear to antique home goods to colorful clothing and fancy hats; plus an official Devon Horse Show souvenir shop with clothes, tote bags, stable blankets and more.
Special Events
The fanciest dog on the Main Line, probably. Ladies Day at Devon Horse Show
Traditionally held the same day as the ladies’ sidesaddle competition (May 28th this year), Ladies Day is a chance to break out your finest Main Line cosplay outfit and don a hat with its own property tax. The day includes a highly anticipated hat contest — buy a ticket to enter the contest, get a number, and parade past the judges. This year’s theme is “Hooray for Devonwood” and prize categories include “Best Hollywood Theme” and “Most Fascinating.” A fancy luncheon follows the hat competition — for an added ticket cost, of course. There’s free admission before 1 p.m. “for those wearing elegant hats.”
This year’s show also has two Family Days on May 22nd and May 27th, which feature kids’ activities and discounts on food and rides. On the evening of May 22nd, you can get free admission and parking after 5 p.m. And the May 27th date includes free back-barn tours from 3-6 p.m., where you can see the stables and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the participants get ready for the show. In addition to the family days, there is also a children’s tea on May 25th, and Children’s Day on June 1st. The latter features an Itty Bitty Hat Parade at 12:15 p.m., plus crafts and other activities.
The stables at Devon
Getting There
The Devon Horse Show grounds are located at 23 Dorset Road in Devon. Limited parking is available for spectators at the lot on Dorset Road, across from the main entrance. A parking pass for all 11 days of the show guarantees you space in the lot, but will run you $325. Single-day parking passes range from $15-$40 depending on the day, but they are limited. You can also try parking at nearby lots, including St. John’s Presbyterian Church a few blocks away from the show, which offers discounted parking. If you are taking public transportation, take the Paoli/Thorndale line to Devon station, which is directly across the street from the horse show grounds.
