The History of The Handicapped Riders Division of The Devon Horse Show
~ First Horse Show held in 1980 ~

In 1980, the front lawn at Thorncroft was the site of a powerful meeting of minds. A small group of dedicated volunteers from Bryn Mawr Rehab and Thorncroft assembled to discuss a moment in history for therapeutic riding, a day in May which would coincide with the world famous Devon Horse Show, ..."The Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show". Eleven riders competed in that first show, setting a standard of excellence, and creating the foundation for a show that has grown to recently include over 175 riders from the northeast. The original ring, located quietly and safely in the indoor arena, has exploded to include two dressage arenas, two trail classes, equitation, jumping and combined driving. The walk only class has been joined by canter work, jumping, and musical kurs. Since 1979 devoted volunteers, sponsors and riders have nurtured and developed the show to where it is today, a nationally respected competition.

Members of each year’s committee wish to extend to each and every one of the riders, friends, volunteers and sponsors of the "Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show" their heart felt appreciation for this exciting evolution. We would also like to thank the members of the Devon Horse Show Committee for incorporating the Special Riders Division into the Devon Horse Show. For this association, the only one of it's size, kind and reputation in the country today we are eternally proud and grateful.
One hundred and sixty five riders from seven Mid Atlantic states competed in a challenging series of Dressage, equitation, jumping and trail classes at Thorncroft. Riders of all levels were motivated to succeed in different classes from walk only with side aides, to classes involving cantering and jumping. The show is sponsored by Brushwood Stable and has been hosted at the Thorncroft Equestrian Center . Special thanks go to the over two hundred volunteers from the Delaware Valley who again contributed to the success of the show. Also to our announcers Betty Moran of Paoli and George Rubin of Malvern, who managed to keep the classes running on time all day!

The winners of the major trophies are honored by receiving their awards at Devon, and have the opportunity to compete for the Grand Champion Trophy, first presented by Hope Montgomery Scott in 1993. This trophy, won by Mrs. Scott in 1930, will have the new champion’s name engraved on it, along with the previous Grand Champions.

The event is always full of surprises! It is a glorious day shared by hundreds of friends and families that is hosted annually at Thorncroft. We have all had the pleasure of having Jennifer Bryant, herself a rider, competitor and Editor for the magazine “USDF Connection”, come for her first time to watch a friend compete.

The article below, “A Different Kind of Horse Show” was published in “USDF Connection”... we are excited to share the piece with you, an article which we believe sums up what the day means to so many. Special thanks to Jennifer for including the show in her magazine.

A Different Kind of Horse Show,
By: Jennifer O. Bryant

Memorial Day weekend, I had the pleasure to attend my first horse show at Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc., in Malvern PA. I'd recently become friendly with Beth Kressly-Ichter of West Chester, Pa, who rides there, and she had invited me to come watch.

The day was a washout: unseasonable cool, with almost nonstop rain. But nobody seemed put off by the damp conditions or the mud, and even wheelchair-bound riders appeared to get around with little difficulty.

It was my first visit to a therapeutic-riding facility, and I wasn't sure what to expect - perhaps an atmosphere more like a hospital that a horse barn. But what I found was nearly a regular horse show: nervous competitors; camera toting parents and friends; frazzled officials; a booming business at the refreshment stands; and plenty of people busily tacking, braiding and grooming. The only difference was that some riders mounted from wheelchairs instead of from the ground, and most had assistants to lead the horses and to walk by their sides.

I watched Beth compete in a large equitation class. She has multiple sclerosis (MS) and cannot stand or walk; aides assist her with every-day living tasks that most of us take for granted, such as getting into bed. So it was somehow startling - but wonderful - to see her astride a big black Percheron-cross mare, who bore slowly and steadily around the indoor arena.

The arena was filled with equines of all shapes and sizes - from the big black mare down to a slender legged pony who looked as if he belonged in a hunter ring. There were Appaloosas with colorfully braided manes and tails; one sturdy character who was obviously part Belgian looked like an overstuffed teddy bear. all were impervious to wheelchairs, umbrellas, and the other sorts of things that drive most horses batty. And all had huge, kind, soft eyes that bespoke an odd sort of wisdom - as if they knew that they had an important mission in life.

What made this competition different from regular horse shows was the specialness of it all; the sense that everyone connected with the event - from horses and riders to spectators and judges - found joy in the interactions between horses and humans. Noticeably absent from the rail birds were critical remarks about the quality of the competitors and of the judging. I heard no complaints from riders who didn't place well in their classes. Always there were smiles and hugs.

I went to the Thorncroft show prepared to feel sorry for the handicapped riders - heartwarmed, to be sure, but secretly glad that I'm not one of them. I left feeling as if they'd taught me a few lessons. To be glad just to have the opportunity to spend my life with horses. To not always think of myself as the trainer, but to allow horses to teach me. To appreciate the efforts of friends and family members who come to cheer me on when I compete. I guess you could say that the show was therapeutic - in more ways than one.

Reprinted from USDF Connection, July 2001. Copyright by Jennifer O. Bryant. Used by permission.

THE 28^th ANNUAL HANDICAPPED RIDERS DIVISION OF THE DEVON HORSE SHOW
PROUDLY SALUTES ITS 2007 CHAMPIONS

The Francis P. Hayes
Championship Cooler

For Champion Therapeutic Horse

Won in 2007 by Blue of Ivy Hill Equestrian Center of Franconia PA

Everyone is well aware of the efforts made and challenges met by our special riders, the horses are also truly special. In the Therapeutic Horse Division the horses are judged throughout the day on gaits, temperment and suitability as a therapeutic horseback riding mount. These are horses that must be skilled, keen, and alert; yet patient and tolerant. These special horses often feel tugs on their reins from spastic arms, the nudge of wheelchairs and crutches, and the weight of paralyzed muscles on their backs. A Champion Therapeutic horse is one who offers all good things under these conditions, while giving service and love, unconditionally, to his rider.

Presented by Ron Blair of Philadelphia.

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