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Parker Peacock was Devon's Equitation Champion (2)

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May 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Parker Peacock of Winston Salem, N.C., won the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship on Friday, May 22 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Parker Peacock on Montverdi (Photo by Kind Media)JJ Torano won his second Junior Jumper class riding Lyon 50 in the evening session.

In the final three equitation classes, Elle Boyd of Camden, S.C. won Section A of the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, Violet Tatum of Los Angeles, Calif., won Section B and Peacock won Section C.

Peacock won the Championship after consistent top performances over two days of competition in Devon’s equitation divisions.

On the first day of Devon’s equitation competitions, she won both the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase and the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, while also placing second in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section B on Montverdi.

“I was nervous, but excited," said Peacock before the Maclay. "My horse was incredible yesterday, and I wanted to end with a bang the way it went yesterday. I am so glad it did!”

PEACOCK has ridden Montverdi for about a year and a half.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 (Photo by Kind Media)“I would say we’re really close," she said. "I love this horse more than anything in the world. He’s really special to me, and I want to live up to him every single day.”

“I have been coming since I was a little kid, around 7 years old, riding ponies," said Peacock. "This is my first championship title, and I am so honored to be a champion here, and to add my name to the list of incredible riders that have been able to accomplish this.”

Now 18 years old, Peacock will continue her riding career at Auburn University as a member of the school’s equestrian team this fall.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 won the $3,750, 1.40m Junior Jumper Friday evening in a six horse jump-off.

Second to last to go in the jump-off, Torano finished clean in 35.222, over two seconds faster than second placed Amy Krebs on Jabantos, clean in 37.615.

Torano had won Thursday's class on Lyon 50, and last year he had also won both the first two junior jumper classes, one on Lyon 50 and the other on Vitus K.

“It’s a great feeling to go two years in a row and win these first two opening classes,” said Torano.

Scarlett Samuels on Confidence was third, clean in 37.991, and Capri Truesdale on Hello Besi was fourth, clean in 41.431.

Eleanor Peiters on Ares ter Wilgen Z was fifth with four faults in 38.059, and Alexa Curry was sixth with four faults in 39.551.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On won Aachen's 2nd Qualifier for the Grand Prix (2)

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May 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

AACHEN, GERMANY--Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the 75,000 Euro, CSI5* 2nd Qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Saturday, May 23 in Aachen.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On in an earlier ohoto showing at Devon (Photo by Olivia Airhart)Keenan won in an 11 horse jump-off, finishing clean in 38.21 to beat Abdel Said of Belgium on Wathnan Bonne Amie, who was clean in 39.59.

Jose Maria LaRocca of Argentina on Chris was fourth, clean in 40.10, and Jerome Guery of Belgium on Quito de Mariposa was fourth in 40.63.

McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valckenborg was 10th, giving both Keenan and Ward good placings going into Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix, which has drawn one of the strongest fields ever seen in show jumping, with 28 of the top 30 in world rankings competing in the class of 40.

Four of the six Americans in Aachen qualified for Sunday's two round Grand Prix, with Kent Farrington on Greya going fourth, Laura Kraut on Bisquetta going 10th, Keenan on Fasther going 34th and Ward on High Star Hero going 35th of 40.

The top 18 from the first round go in round two, and ties are broken in a jump-off.

Aaron Vale and Karl Cook didn't qualify for the Grand Prix.

"Kick On is an incredible little horse," said Keenan. "He gave me leave outs in every line in the jump-off."

"I'VE HAD Kick On for two years," she said. "The beginning was a little rough. He had a problem with bolting. But I never gave up on him. He definitely knows he's a stallion. He's very playful. He knows when he wins,, and he's very proud of it."

"I'm riding Fasther tomorrow in the Grand Prix," she said. "He was double clear here last year, so hopefully we can pull that off again."

:McLain has been my mentor for seven years," said Keenan. "When I went to him I didn't think I'd ever be any good. He's changed me so much. He's changed my life. I think he's the best rider in the world. Just before I went in the class, he told me I needed to ride the best version of myself."

"I'm very proud of Lestro," said  Ward. "He's inexperienced. He'd just been jumping in the States in a 4* show when I had a problem with one of my  other horses. So we just put Lestro on the plane instead. I couldn't be happier with him."

:He's a big, powerful horse," said Ward. "He's intelligent. He has a lot of energy that he had to learn to control."

So Ward was standing with his phone in one hand, watching his daughter Lilly Ward ride while simultaneously watching Lillie Keenan go in Aachen.

And they both won.

Richie Vogel on United Touch S won the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen (2)

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May 24, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

AACHEN, Germany--Richie Vogel of Germany on United Touch S won the 1.5 million Euro Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in a three horse jump-off on Sunday, May 24.

Richie Vogel on United Touch S winning the Rolex Grand PrixThis was Vogel's second consecutive leg on the Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping after winning at the Dutch Masters, and you have to win three Rolex Grand Prix in a row to win the Grand Slam.

Only one person, Scott Brash of England, has ever achieved this amazing feat.

The next leg is at Spruce Meadows. 

In the two round Grand Prix, the top 18 made the second round, and of the 18, four were German, three were American and three Irish.

Of those that made up the 18 for round two, six made it with four faults, one with a time fault and 11 were clean.

And, of those clean in round one, three were German and three American.

With the World Championships to be competed in Aachen in August, those results may well be an indication of the teams to watch in that Championship.

ONLY THREE were clean in both rounds, Vogel, Sophie Hinners of Germany on Iron Dames Singclair, and long shot Jose Maria LaRocco of Argentina, who is World Ranked 225, on Finn Lente.

Vogel, leaving strides out throughout the jump-off course on his huge striding stallion, finished clean in 45.57, LaRocca was second in 47.36, and Hinners, first to go in the jump-off, went conservatively and finished third in 51.67. 

"This was a childhood dream come true," said Vogel. “You wake up in the morning knowing that today you could write history – or perhaps not. I was very happy with how amazing United Touch performed."

"When I went into the ring in the jump-off, I was a little confused in my plan because the Rolex oxer was still there. I thought it wasn't in the jump-off, but I hadn't seen Sophie go, so I wasn't sure."

Vogel pointed to the fence and asked a judge, and was assured that, no, the Roles fence was not in the jump-off.

"Then, I just tried to get in the zone," said Vogel. "United Touch's owner/breeder was here, so it's very special. "I'm still a little out of breath and out of words."

Kent Farrington on Greya, Laura Kraut on Bisquetta and Lillie Keenan on Fasther each had four faults in round two to finish respectively eighth in 71.45, 10th in 72.23 and 11th in 72.54.

Of the others with four faults. Ben Maher of Great Britain on Enjeu de Grisien was fourth in 68.14, Steve Guerdat of Switzerland on Venard de Cerisy was fifth in 68.96, Andre Thieme of Germany on DSP Chakaria was sixth in 70.76 and Shane Sweetnam of of Ireland on James Kann Cruz was seventh in 70.73.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero just touched the tape after the water for four faults to miss making it to round two, finishing 21st in 86.10, just one second too slow to make the final 18. 

JJ Torano and Lilly Ward win championships at Devon (2)

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May 24, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--JJ Torano collected all the Junior Jumper honors while Lilly Ward did the same in the Pony division at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on Saturday, May 23.

JJ Torano on Vitus K (Photo by Phelps Media)Torano won the $20,000, 1.45m Junior Jumper Classic on Vitus K, was Junior Jumper Champion on Lyon 50, Reserve Champion on Vitus K, was Leading Junior Jumper Rider and won the Style of Riding Award.

Lilly Ward on Celebration won two Small Pony classes, the Small Pony Championship, was Pony Grand Champion and was Best Child Rider on a Pony. 

Torano, going last on Vitus K in the Classic, finished clean in 39.264 to narrowly beat Violet Taturm on Flotylla, clean in 39.538, with Alice Goodwin on Rockefeller G third in 42.564.

Torano had won the first two junior jumper classes on Lyon 50 but had two down on him in the Classic to finish eighth.

What Torano didn't know when he went on Vitus was that he had to go clean to be champion,, as, if Flotylla had won, with the bous points in the class, he would have been champion. 

"I didn't think about that," said Torano. "I just wanted to win the Classic. I've been trying to win it for three years. Two years ago I had a time fault, and last year I was leading on time but had the last fence down. This year, the goal was to win it."

"Vitus had an injury early in the year, so this was only his third show this year," said Torano. "He probably isn't completely fit, but he knows his job."

"I came home last night, but I'll go back to Devon tomorrow," said Torano from the family farm in Mohrsville, Pa. "I'm going to give it a try in the Open division. I'm old enough now to jump in FEI classes except the grand prix. I'm riding Dura du Valon and I am Inge."

"I HAVE never jumped a four-star. I’ve never jumped that height before, but the only way to do it is to jump and get that experience,” Torano said. “It’s not going to be easy, jumping against international riders, but it’s going to be a great experience for me. I need to get out there and learn at a new level.”"

Lilly Ward and Celebraion (Photo by Phelps Media)It was a busy weekend for the Ward family, with McLain competing in Aachen and Lilly at Devon, and McLain will also compete at Devon in open jumpers in the upcoming week.

"Lilly being Best Child rider is a tremendous accomplishment," said her mother Lauren, who trains Lilly. "It's something we've been working towards. The list of riders that have won this award is so impressive."

"Celebration was Lilly's Christmas present in 2023," said Lauren. "She had no idea it was coming. She was so surprised. We bought Celebration with no trial and no vetting. He had been champion at Devon before with a young rider from California."

"Lilly was beyond excited to win at Devon," said Lauren. "She had been champion at Capital Challenge and reserve at Harrisburg. So she set a new goal of being grand champion. This is really special."

"Lilly goes to traditional school, so she rides every day after school, but she usually only has time to ride one pony," said Lauren. "When we're in Florida, she goes to Upper Echelon Academy from nine to two." 

“I came in strong today, and I was really excited,” Lilly said.

Monica Spencer won Arena Eventing at Devon (2)

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May 25, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Monica Spencer on Valkyrie won the $50,000 Arena Eventing on a rainy Sunday evening, May 24 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Monica Spencer on Valkyrie (Photo by Phelps Sport)Originally from New Zealand, Spencer now lives in Cochranville, Pa., and this was her first time in Arena Eventing, although  she had previously competed at Devon in 1.30m jumpers.

In April, she finished seventh in the Kentucky 5* on the thoroughbred Artist after leading in both dressage and cross country.

At Devon, Spencer finished in 78.522 to win over Ariell Aharoni on Notorious, clean in 79.043.

Boyd Martin on Miss Lulu, who had won for the two previous years, was third, clean in 83.021.

The 12 with the best scores from the first round of 18 went in the second, jump-off round, and eight were clean again.

The first round course, designed by Mark Phillips, wound through both the Dixon Oval and the Wheeler ring, incorporating both cross country and jumper fences, and the second course was just in the Dixon Oval.

"THIS WAS Valkyrie's first time in an atmosphere like this," said Spencer. "The horses have to get comfortable in an atmosphere like this, and the only way to get comfortable is to get into the atmosphere. You find out how they'll react when they get here."

"I've had Valkyrie since she was 3, and she's coming 9 now," said Spencer of the New Zealand warmbred mare. "She came over from New Zealand with us. She's doing 3* now and shows a a lot of promise. I think she's going to e a great 4* horse."

"We live in Cochranville," she said. "We watched arena eventing on TV last year and thought we'd like to do that next year..

"Devon is such a special venue. The locals and spectators really support the show. I've been here to show jump before. I've come to just canter around a 1.30m class just to prepare for an event.

"Given the small space he had to work with, Mark built an awesome course. It was great and rode well. My plan was just to be smooth and fast."

Spencer said she had no idea, after she had gone, whether her time would hold up.

"When I head I'd won, I said,"Oh wow, that's pretty cool,'", she said. "We'll go home and celebrate and just let this sink in."

Colton Parker won the inaugural Carriage Eventing at Devon (2)

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May 26, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Colton Parker and his Welsh Pony cross pair, Jack and Jill won the $10,000 Carriage Eventing on Monday evening, May 25 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Colton Parker in Carriage Eventing (Photo by Phelps Sports)Parker finished the two round competition in 176.993 to win over Sara Bates with  her pony George, who finished in 178.570, and Jacob Arnold with his two horse team of Kenzo and Geandro, who finished in 179.15 for third.

The course included two marathon obstacles, through which drivers had to manoever in a proscribed pattern, and cones that they had to pass between without knocking the ball off a cone. 

The competition featured two rounds, with the top six drivers returning for a final showdown.

“We found these two ponies on Craigslist, of all things,” he said. “Jack is 19 this year, and Jill is 18, so I got them when they were around three and four. We didn’t do too much driving when we first got them—we literally got the horse before the cart. I didn’t have any carriages or harnesses at the time. I was around 14 or 15 when we got these ponies. It was a lot of groundwork, a lot of ground driving, and just getting acquainted with these two ponies.”

JACK AND JILL are still going strong in their late teens, and Parker is happy to keep driving them as long as they’re still fit and happy in their work.

“We keep up with all types of vet work,” he said. “They get really good nutrition. We have the bodywork, laser, joint injections—everything that we can do to make the ponies comfortable at their age and at the level we’re competing at. We always want to make sure that their vet care is really outstanding so they’re able to do what we ask them to do and not be uncomfortable.”

Katie Brandt on Clinto VH Dingenshof Z won the $10,000 1.15m Amateur Jumper Classic, finishing clean in 35.858, to beat second placed Charlotte Powers on Escot 6, clean in 36.521, with Pamela Niederer on Elliot third in 37,996.

Brandt's win gave her the 1.15m Amateur Jumper Championship in her first time competing at Devon.

“It was phenomenal, said Brandt. "I’m ecstatic. I don’t know, I’m so excited. I can’t stop smiling. He’s an incredible horse. It’s a dream that it happened with him. And being here, it’s very magical.”

McKayla Langmeier won the $32,000 Speed at Devon (2)

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May 30, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek won the $32,000 Jet Run Welcome Stake speed class on Tuesday evening, May 26 the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek (Photo by Phelps Sport)Over a course set by Ireland’s Colm Quinn, 36 competed, and, with some going for speed and some schooling, 13 finished clean.

Langmeier was clean in 57.340 o win over Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma W, clean in 58,439, with Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean third in 58.480.

Tanner Korotkin on Etonemoi del Cabalero was fourth in 58.580, Raleigh Hiler on Lennox VD Bisschop was fifth in 60.060, and Chloe Reid on Chelsea 179 was sixth in 60.720.

JJ Torano, 15-years-old, in his first FEI competition, on I Am Inge, was clean in 61.080 to place eighth, and McLain Ward on First Lady used the class to get the mare familiar with the ring and finished clean with five time faults

 “This is my first time competing during senior week," said Langmeier. "I used to come every year when I was a junior, and I haven’t been back since I aged out,”

LANGMEIER is 26 now, so it's been eight years since she competed at Devon.

“I thought it was an excellent first course," she said. "The plan with Pepita today was really to go out there and try to go for the win, and thankfully, it happened.”

"I thought she handled the track well," she said. "She really tries over this type of course. She has a big stride so she's able to leave out a stride in a few places. I got her a a 7-year-old, so I've brought her up into bigger levels. She''s 11 now."

“It feels amazing, said Langmeier. "It was really cool to have the blue cooler on my horse and to bring it back to the stable.”

Scott Stewart of Flemington, N.J., who was Devon Leading Hunter Rider for many years but lost the title to Nick Haness for the last three years, had a good beginning on regaining the trophy with a championship and a reserve after hunters' two opening days.

Stewart rode Stephanie Danhakl’s Cadet to win two of the four over fences classes, finishing with 30 points to win the Green Hunter, 3'6" division. 

Douglas Wheeler's First Edition, ridden by Hunt Tosh, was reserve.

In Green Conformation Hunter, with a clean sweep over fences and a total of 49 points over the two days of competition, Lynn Olson’s In The End, ridden by Victoria Colvin, was the Green Hunter Conformation Champion .

Stewart on Dr. Betsy Parker's Rosewood was reserve.

Rindy Dominguez’s Lyrical, ridden by Jennifer Hannan was Green Hunter 3'9" champion with 28 points, 18 over fences and 10 under saddle.

Big Picture LLC's Simba de Vinck, ridden by Halie Robinson, was reserve.

Steeplechasing enjoyed a successful return to Fair Hill (2)

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May 27, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

FAIR HILL, Md.--Steeplechasing finally returned to Fair Hill, and the day was a huge success, with the new turf course holding up beautifully despite days of rain and large fields of runners on Memorial Day, May 25..

Predominate, ridden by Graham Watters, leads Neotopic and Take Your Seats in the Valentine (Photo by Tod Marks)Charlie Fenwick, President of the Fair Hill Foundation, had twice the reasons to celebrate, as not only was it a great day of racing, but, as co-owner of Bruton Street-US, he had a winner and two seconds.

"It's been seven years since we've had racing at Fair Hill," said Fenwick. "The whole turf track was redone. The Fair Hill Foundation paid for a lot of that. We were delighted with the day."

"There was lots of anxiety before the races, but it went off beautifully," said Fenwick. "The sport was terrific. There were 83 runners. That's the biggest field Fair Hill has ever had and maybe the biggest field this year."

"The turf was superb," said Fenwick. "It had absorbed three inches of day from two days before the races. It was unfortunate that there had not been flat racing on Sunday, but hopefully we can get flat horses back on the course soon."

A full day of flat racing had been scheduled for Sunday, May 24, but racing was cancelled due to the downpour the day before.

BRUTON STREET-US' Gettleman, trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Jamie Bargary, won the co-featured $50,000, 2 mile Allowance Hurdle by 1 1/4 lengths over Scorpius, also trained by Fisher, and Awesome Man, trained by Todd Wyatt.

"Jack and his team do a good job for us," said Fenwick.

Todd McKenna saddled Gail Jackson Clark's Predominate to win the featured $50,000, 2 1/4 mile Valentine Memorial Restricted Hurdle Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths over Bruton Street's Neotropic, trained by Fisher, and Take Your Seats (Ire), trained by Tom Garner.

"We  found him running on the dirt at Delaware Park," said McKenna. "His dam had produced many turf horses. We were lucky to find him for a cheap claiming purse."

He had been running competitively, so we wheeled him back quickly," said McKenna, "This race looked a little less competitive than the novice at Saratoga."

Bruton Street had its first second place finish in the $25,000 Flat race for Jumpers, won by Molly and Paul Willis' Fleetfoot, (Ire), ridden by Danny Mullins.

Fleetfoot won the 2 mile race by 3 lengths over The Jackal, trained by Fisher, and Investment Mandate, trained by Leslie Young.

Leipers Fork Steeplechase's Verbal, trained by Young and ridden by Freddie Procter, won the $40,000 Maiden Hurdle by 3 lengths over Bourbonator, trained by Barry Foley, and Flash Frozen, trained by Garner.

Lilith Boucher saddled F. Hill Parker's Red Tone, ridden by Virginia Korrell, to win the $35,00 Filly and Mare Hurdle by 2 3/4 lengths over Belle Wish (Ire), trained by Young, and Camanoe, trained by Fisher.

Neil Moris saddled Leipers Fork Steeplechase's Aspenite, ridden by Graham Watters, to win the $40,000 Maiden Hurdle by 7 3/4 lengths over Onrush, trained by Fisher,  and Roundtop, trained by Keri Brion.

Fisher saddled another winner in Riverdee Stable's Tuddenham Green (GB), ridden by Bargary, who won the $30,000 Ratings Handicap by 4 3/4 lengths over Hard Par, trained by Kate Dalton, and Fouroneohsmokeshow, trained by Brion.

Mark Beecher saddled Port Lairge Stables' Whiskyinthejaro, ridden by Dan Nevin, to win the $25,000 Maiden Claiming Hurdle by 4 1/4 lengths over Boffo Kid, trained by Danielle Hodsdon, and Path to Victory, trained by Boucher.

Morris saddled Maranto Manor's Auction Kingdom, ridden by Evan Dwan, to win the $20,000, 3 mile Maiden Timber by a nose over Noah and the Ark (Ire), trained by McKenna, and Moonshine Time (Ire), trained by Brion.

McKayla Langmeier won second jumper class at Devon (2)

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May 28, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek posted her second consecutive win, this time in the the $32,000 Main Line Challenge two phase on Wednesday evening, May 27 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek (Photo by Phelps Sports)She had previously won the Jet Run Welcome Stake Tuesday evening.

Over a course set by Colm Quinn of Ireland, 30 competed with 14 going clean.

Langmeier was clean in 31.960 seconds to win over Tanner Korotkin on Etonemoi del Cabalero, who finished in 32.200.

Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean was third in 32.540,with Samantha Schaefer on James Bond HX fourth in 34.210, Brian Moggre on Johann FS Z fifth in 34.410,and Ilan Bluman on Echo LVF sixth in 36.080. 

“The first phase always makes me the most nervous,” Langmeier said. “It’s always disappointing if you have a rail in the first phase. I trusted the plan I walked and trusted my horse.”.

“This horse show has been running for so long, and it has such a great atmosphere,” said Langmeier. “Winning here brings me back to my whole family being here when I was a junior, from the ponies to the equitation. It’s really special to win here.”

“You have the crowd right there, so there’s a ton of atmosphere,” Langmeier said. “Everyone dresses up, and it’s just a fun show to walk into the ring for.”

“Pepita’s done everything with me,” Langmeier said. “Derbies, Grand Prix classes. She’s my third-ranking horse and a vital part of my team.”

“I’m just very proud of my horse and my team behind me for making this happen,” she said.

THE PROFESSIONAL Hunter classes were completed Wednesday morning, with Victoria Colvin riding the two horses that tied for the Devon Grand Hunter Championship and winning as the Leading Hunter Rider.

Odette ridden by Victoria Colvin (Photo by Phelps Sports)Colvin has great longevity as a top rider, for example, many years ago she was Best Child Rider on a Horse at Devon.

Colvin rode John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC’s Odette to win the High Performance Conformation Hunter Championship after sweeping all four over fences classes and earning 48 points across two days of competition..

Colvin had also ridden Lynn Olson’s In The End to be Green Conformation Champion the day before.

In a rare tie, the two horses, Odette and In The End, shared this year’s Devon Grand Hunter Champion honors after each accumulated 46 points,  and both were ridden by Colvin.

Cheryl Olsten’s Lafitte De Muze won his second consecutive Devon Championship title in the High Performance Working Hunter Division with longtime rider Amanda Steege.

Colvin, who has ridden Odette for the past year, praised Odette’s competitive nature.

“She’s the coolest mare,” said Colvin. “She wants to win. She goes in and tries to win every time.”

The championship marked a particularly impressive achievement for In The End, whom Colvin had only shown for the second time this week at Devon.

“He’s young, but he didn’t seem to care about anything. He really was perfect and didn’t do anything wrong this week.”

“Devon, of course, is a very special horse show,” she said. “Everybody comes here, and it’s one of the main horse shows and a big focus of the year.”

Grant to Thorncroft funds purchase of two lesson horses (2)

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May 28, 2026

By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Thorncroft Equestrian Center has announced a first-time grant awarded from Foxwynd Foundation partners designed to fund the purchase and first-year care of two specially trained adaptive lesson horses, Bentley and Flash, helping expand access to its renowned Adaptive/Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.

BentleyThrough a partnership with Thorncroft, the Foxwynd Foundation will directly support the acquisition, veterinary care, training, feeding, and first-year maintenance of Bentley and Flash, two carefully selected horses chosen for their temperament, health, training, and suitability for riders with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Bentley is a versatile, beginner-friendly horse whose calm temperament and strong foundational training make him an ideal partner for riders beginning their horsemanship journey.

Flash’s smooth gait, balanced build, and specialized training make him uniquely suited for riders living with neurological and mobility challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, traumatic and non-acquired brain injuries, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Both horses will also serve individuals with developmental disorders, neurodivergent learners, and riders with a wide range of support needs.

Bentley and Flash possess the steady disposition and advanced training required to safely support adaptive riders alongside instructional teams.

“The growing demand for adaptive riding services continues to outpace available lesson horses,” said Tiffany Meyer, President of Thorncroft Equestrian Center. “The addition of Bentley and Flash will allow us to reduce waitlists and provide more riders with access to the life-changing benefits of adaptive horsemanship.”

At Thorncroft, lesson horses are considered essential therapeutic partners and highly trained equine instructors that help riders build resilience, confidence, dignity, and connection.

FlashThe addition of Bentley and Flash will also support Thorncroft’s long-term sustainability goals by helping balance herd responsibilities, reducing strain on existing lesson horses, and maintaining the organization’s high standards of equine welfare and program excellence.

Each Thorncroft lesson horse impacts hundreds of lives over the course of its career, helping riders gain confidence, independence, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging through meaningful interactions with horses and instructors.

The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation to Thorncroft Equestrian Center.

“We support Thorncroft Equestrian Center because equine-assisted therapeutic programs have consistently demonstrated meaningful benefits for individuals facing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. This investment reflects our commitment toinitiatives that foster resilience, dignity, and long-term well-being.” said Jenn Hebert, Trustee, Foxwynd Foundation.

The Foxwynd Foundation was established to act as a lifeline for communities in need by enhancing access to key pillars of human dignity and potential, including healthcare, housing, and sustainable environmental initiatives.

Founded by members of the Bentley family, the organization supports nonprofit partnerships and matching grant opportunities designed to create meaningful and lasting community impact.

This gift will provide access, hope, and possibility for adaptive riders throughout the community.

Charlotte Jacobs won the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon (2)

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May 29, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Charlotte Jacobs on Korbach van de Renger won the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon in an eight horse jump-off from a Charlotte Jacobs on Korbach van de Renger (Photo by Phelps Sports)starting field of 23 on Thursday evening, May 28.

Earlierin the day, Amanda Steege on Lafitte De Muze won the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

In the Grand Prix, Jacobs was clean in 32.77 to beat Kayla Langmeier on Riesling van de Gassthoeve, clean in 33.48.

McLain Ward on First Lady was fourth in 33.53, Roberto Teran Tafur of Colombia on DSP Callas was fourth in 34.90, Ilan Bluman of Colombia on Acajou was fifth in 34.95 and Hunter Holloway on Hanry Jota Ariel, fastest of the four faulters, was sixth in 31.89.

"I just tried to stay on my plan and do the least number of strides between fences," said Jacobs."I watched McKayla go because her horse has the same stride as mine. I just gave it my best shot."

“The atmosphere at Devon is like nothing else," she said. "It’s incredible. I showed here a lot as a junior, and last year was my first year back since 2013. I came this week with horses that I thought would suit this ring, and I’m thrilled with the result.” 

"I bought Korbach at the end of his 9-year-old year." she said. "He had done some U-25 classes. I tried him and just fell in love with him. He has a lot of ability. He’s super athletic and very, very careful.”

"He was fourth in the Old Salem Grand Prix and is getting consistent now," said Jacobs. "So I'm happy with how far he's come in a year."

“I WAS VERY proud of my horse,” said Langmeier, who went before Jacobs . “He was there every stride with me today. I thought for sure I was beatable.Two of the turns I did an extra stride."

Amanda Steege on Lafitte De Muze (Photo by Phelps Sports)Langmeier trains with Ward now.

"When I was going to ask him if I could ride with him, I was so nervous," she said. "I went over it in my head for a week before I asked."

"First Lady has been a long time partner of mine," said Ward. "She's been going up and down from 4* to competing in the second classes at big grsnd prix."

"She doesn't have the stride the two girls' horses have, and I knew that," said Ward. I felt like in mid-course it was getting away from me. I couldn't have gotten seven strides to the last fence. i was very impressed with Charlotte."

"I have three training with me now," said Ward of Langmeier, Lillie Keenan and Stella Wasserman. "It's not training, per se, but just having had the experience and sharing how you deal lt with that.."

I love the idea of mentoring the next generation," said Ward. "Kent Farrington is mentoring Charlotte, and he's excited about being in Charlotte's corner."

Ward's daughter Lilly rode Celebration to the Devon Grand Pony Championship and was Best Child Rider on a Pony earlier at Devon. 

"I never got a ribbon on a pony at Devon, so she's already ahead of me," said Ward. "But in defense, her pony is better than mine was."

"She's persuiing her goals and her dreams," said Ward. "It's great to watch her grow. "My little one is ramping up too, so hopefully we'll come to Devon for many years to come."

“I always love to come to Devon,” said Ward. “The atmosphere here is as good as anywhere in the world. It always makes me feel very special to compete here.”

AMANDA PRESCOTT STEEGE on Lafitte De Muze won the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Thursday morning.

Steege had a first-round score of 194, sitting in first place heading into the handy round.

In the second round, Steege and Lafitte had another top round, earning a handy score of 198.5 to secure the prestigious derby title with a combined total of 392.5.

“There are a few bucket list classes left that I want him to win, and this was one of them,” said Steege. “This derby has never completely gone our way. I’ve gotten ribbons in it before, but never been at the top. So that was extra exciting.”

“We came here with a goal and a plan and tried to make the right decisions for him during the week in order to get the best result that I could today,” she said. “It’s always nice when a plan comes together.”

“Devon is obviously a special show for all of us, but my mom’s family grew up in Fort Washington and Blue Bell, so I have a picture of my great-grandfather showing here in 1913,” said Steege. “It is an extra special place for me and always on our schedule and a show that I don’t want to miss.”

Steege has ridden Lafitte De Muze for nine years.

“I can’t imagine ever having as special of a bond with another horse as I have with Lafitte,” she said. “I’m his only rider. I’m the only person who’s ever shown him in a hunter class in the United States. For sure, for me, he’s the most perfect horse and most perfect partner that I ever could have imagined.”