Leadership
Leonard A. King, Jr., Chairman
Throughout his career, Leonard King was a leader in moving the sport of show jumping forward, helping to popularize it in America with several ground breaking efforts.
King was among the founding members of the American Grandprix Association and he served as the association’s first President, holding the position from its inception in 1978 through 1999. In this role he helped to unify disparate Grand Prix events into a cohesive series, making it more attractive to sponsors and media. He used his position to lead the sport forward, personally negotiating major agreements with corporate sponsors new to the sport such as Mercedes-Benz, and he helped give the sport new positioning.
As the sport of show jumping grew in the U.S., national television networks began to take an interest. King served as co-producer and manager of the first show jumping competition ever to be nationally televised when he partnered with CBS to air coverage of the Grand Prix at Upperville, VA. He then helped convince CBS to take a chance on televising the AGA Championships and other events.
King was co-producer and manager of the American Gold Cup, both at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia and the Devon Show Grounds, and he produced and managed the Philadelphia Horse Show, the Baltimore Jumper Classic and the Valley Forge Grand Prix. He served as the President of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair and later became its Chairman.
King was the first North American (U.S. and Canada) representative to the International Equestrian Federation’s World Cup Committee. He was also co-producer and manager of the first FEI World Cup Final in the United States when it was held in Baltimore, MD, in 1980.
King was a member of the United States Equestrian Team’s Board of Directors, and served as Chairman of its Development Committee. He was also a member of the American Horse Shows Association’s Jumper Committee. He was one of the founders of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and served on its Board of Trustees and was its Treasurer for more than 10 years. He was a nationally and internationally recognized judge, judging many of this country’s most prestigious horse shows in addition to the FEI World Cup Finals.
Wade McDevitt, President
Wade L. McDevitt, President of The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has practically grown up on the show grounds. Wade’s Father, Richard E. McDevitt was a long time President and Chairman of the show and his Grandfather, Harry S. McDevitt was an officer of the show as well as being one of the signers of the show’s original articles of incorporation. Wade grew up on a horse farm in Chester Springs and showed as a child Rider. His two sisters, Todd and Bayne went on to be highly competitive riders on the circuit. Wade resides in Chester County and in addition to his equestrian activities at Devon, also has an interest in thoroughbred racing and breeding. Wade is President and CEO of the McDevitt Company, an International site selection firm.
David Distler
David began working at the Devon Horse Show in 1973 as a starter and part time announcer. He was asked to serve as Assistant Manager in 1985 and became Co-Manager in 1988. He began riding at the age of six and showed hunters and jumpers throughout his junior years. In 1986 he became the Technical Coordinator for the Winter Equestrian Festival and Lake Placid Horse Shows, and served as Manager of the National Horse Show from 1989 to 1996. He held the position of Coordinator at the 1989 World Cup Finals and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. David has also served as Manager for the Selection Trials for the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games from 1988 to present. Most recently he was appointed Assistant Director of Competition and Co-Manager of Show Jumping for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. As an International Judge, David has served as President of the Ground Jury at two World Cup Finals, and will serve on the Ground Jury at the Beijing Olympics. In 2005 David was named as “Honorary Steward General for Show Jumping” by the FEI. David grew up in the New York metropolitan area, is married to Sharon, an RN, and lives in Norwalk, CT.
Peter Doubleday
A native of Syracuse, NY, Peter grew up on the horse show circuit accompanying his father, Deacon Doubleday, who announced horse shows throughout the NE. A rider, teacher, braider, van driver, and stall mucker, Peter, after graduating from the University of Miami, followed in his father's footsteps in 1972 and began announcing horse shows full time. He has announced every major show, including Devon, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, Canada's Royal Winter Fair, The National, Hampton Classic, World's Championship Saddlebred Show and many more. He was the show jumping voice for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the 1999 Pan Am Games, and five World Cup Finals. Peter joined the Devon management team in 1986. His current management duties also include the Pennsylvania National and the Royal Horse Show in Toronto. Additionally, Peter has provided television commentary on ESPN and Outdoor Life Network. Peter is married to a high school chemistry teacher, Chrissie, and lives in Southern Pines, NC. Members of Chrissie's family are attached to the horse show world and racing industry, with a Breeder's Cup Turf Champion in 2005.
Bob Ellis, Course Designer
Bob has participated at all levels in many aspects of Equestrian competition. Initially as a rider, competing both Nationally and Internationally until 1993, later as a judge and course designer.
He trained the Royal Stables of Oman show jumping team to International success during a four-year contract, and worked for the BSJA on their training for Triumph Scheme for two years.
He has served on the BSJA Executive Board Rules and Pony Committee’s and is currently serving on the Course Builders committee.
Bob began designing courses in 1973 and was appointed to the BSJA Course Builders Panel in 1975, attained International status in 1989 as course designer and Candidate International Judge in 1999.
In 2004 he was made official International course Designer by the FEI. His course designing has taken him to 200 countries all over the world. Major events include World Cups in 8 countries, Nations Cups, Senior European Championships, Young Rider European Championships, Junior European Championships, Pony European Championships and assisting at Senior world Championships.
He is a current course designer at Hickstead, Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and British Open in the UK.
