Dressage at Devon

Forgive the detour from my usual travel stories. When I launched this blog, many early readers were friends and fellow equestrians from my years competing. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dressage at Devon; the United States’ most prestigious breed show and home to an elite performance division featuring international Grand Prix classes that also serve as a World Cup qualifier.

I was honored to be invited as a Legend of Devon; an event that has always held a special place in my heart. Dressage at Devon and I share a long history. I was Reserve Champion in the Junior division in 2001 with Anton, returned in 2007 to ride HRH Fantasma in the CDIW Grand Prix, and in 2023 tied for Reserve honors in the Fourth Level division with Lynn Seeburger's Ronja. Yet my most unforgettable moment came in 2008, when Starlight captured the Grand Championship.

That year I arrived with only one entry, Starlight, while a couple breeders brought thirty or even forty horses. Starlight had already earned Horse of the Year honors with what was then a record-breaking score, and I wanted so much for him to show his world-class quality at Devon, whose motto says it all: “Where the best meet to compete.”

I selected Starlight years earlier at a winter auction in Germany, and watching his development was a source of tremendous pride. At just twenty-three, I stood ringside with Kristi Livingston and Elizabeth Niemi, holding our breath and clutching hands as the final results were announced. There was no question who the champion was. Starlight presented by Jens Ritcher, so deservingly, won.

That honor still makes my heart soar. I was blessed to own and ride such truly world-class horses as a young adult. I look back on those years with deep, deep gratitude. Later, Starlight returned to Germany, where he continued his winning ways with his new owner/rider, and now international fashion model, Irina Haller. Today at 25 years old he enjoys a beautiful retirement in the green fields of Germany (which I am so grateful for). Irina recently sent me a photo of Starlight with a new friend, a young companion he has seemingly taken under his wing. Even as a young stallion he was always as beautiful inside as he was on the out. Truly one of a kind.

Good luck to all riders and owners competing at Devon this year. My hope is that you too will create memories there that will last a lifetime!