Devon Horse Show History
- Begun in 1896, by the Devon Horse Show Association, Devon is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the United States.
- The show was established to encourage the breeding of more and better horses since local transportation still depended upon the horse and carriage.
- First show had 30 classes, the largest class had 30 entries.
- In 1896 and 1897 the show was held for one day at the Devon Race Track and Polo Grounds.
- In 1898, the show was extended to two days and moved to the lawn of the Devon Inn, where it would remain until 1900.
- Spectators originally brought their own ringside seats using parasols or umbrellas for protection against the sun or rain.
- In 1910 the Show was moved back to the Devon Polo Grounds and ran for 3 days. Wooden stands with 46 boxes and a boardwalk were constructed.
- By 1914 The Devon Horse Show was the largest outdoor horse show in the country with 1000 entries and additional stands were constructed.
- In 1917 Devon was a founding member of the American Horse Show Association.
- In 1919, the Devon Horse Show Association officially incorporated into the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Donated food and goods were sold at the Show to benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital.
- By selling shares, the corporation was able to purchase the horse show grounds which ensured a permanent home for the annual event.
- First stables were built in the 1920’s and the Main Grandstand was constructed in 1923.
- The Show was not held at various times throughout its history including 1901-1909 and years during World War I and II.
- By 1928 the show had over 2000 entries.
- In 1939 the ring was designated as the Wanamaker Oval in honor of William H. Wanamaker, a founder of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Inc., and was designated as the largest show ring in the world.
- Evening classes were added in 1941.
- As the Show continued its growth during the 1960’s, an additional grandstand was built and a new show ring, called the Gold Ring, was added.
- Thursday night’s Grand Prix event was added in the 1960’s, which brought in ever-increasing crowds.
- In 1971 the Wanamaker Oval was significantly enlarged and improved, largely through the support of F. Eugene Dixon, Jr. and in 1990 the ring was renamed the Dixon Oval.
- More new grandstands went up in the 1980’s and the Main Grandstand was replaced with a steel structure which retained the Edwardian era appeal of the original wooden structure.
