Dressage at Devon 2012

Last Friday I went to a horse show, Dressage At Devon. It is a nearly week-long extravaganza of international level dressage, breed competitions, and equestrian-related shopping. On the Friday that I went, I watched the Prix St. Georges and Grand Prix competitions, which are some of the highest levels of dressage. Most of the Canadian Olympic team was competiting, and they cleaned up. It was really great to see that level of riding in person.

The weather was supposed to be rainy, but it turned out to be fine most of the day. I was able to buy two new dressage whips, including one with a blue/purple striped handle (so I'll know if someone jacks it from me at the barn), and a handpainted mug with a horsehead on it. There was a lot of other stuff I wanted to take home, but that would've meant spending a few hundred dollars. The riding breeches and vest that caught my fancy would've been over a hundred on their own. So I was good and resisted.

The cool thing about the Devon showgrounds is that there have been horse shows at Devon since 1896. It's great that such a piece of history is still going strong today.

A Friesian in the Prix St. Georges


Same Friesian practicing shoulder-in--look at that bend!




Check out this moment of suspension during a canter pass


Extended trot


Sign with a picture of the showgrounds in 1914


They had this funny "ladies hat competition" as well. I think it was basically an excuse for some people to put stuff on their heads. Which I'm totally okay with.


David Marcus, the winner of the Grand Prix


Exhibition by Guy McLean, who does crazy acrobatic tricks with four horses at once


The rest of my photos are here.