Radnor Fox Hounds
Saturday Evening, May 26, 2018
Foxhunting is the traditional sport of mounted riders chasing wild quarry with a pack of hounds. Founded in 1883, Radnor Hunt is the oldest continuously active foxhunt in the United States. During this exhibition, members of the hunt will demonstrate some of the skills they use out in the hunt field. Navigating a horse through a pack of hounds, dealing with trappy terrain, and riding as a group are all skills you’ll see ably demonstrated.
Tentative Schedule: Saturday, May 26 at 8:50 pm
WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase
Sunday Afternoon, May 27 and Memorial Day Afternoon, May 28, 2018
On Memorial Day Afternoon, cheer on your favorites as the Shetland Pony Steeplechase, presented by Charles Owen, comes to Devon! A popular tradition in Europe, young jockeys wearing bright silks will gallop their Shetland ponies over jumps. Don’t miss it!
Tentative Schedule: Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28, 2018
Dressage Musical Kur
Evening performances, Thursday, May 31st, Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd, 2018
Spectators at this year’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be treated to a very special exhibition — a Musical Kur performed by Michael Bragdell, the head trainer of Hilltop Farm.
“Freestyle to Music”
Also known as “Musical Kur” or simply “kur” (an Anglicized version of the German word for “freestyle”) is a form of dressage competition where the horse’s paces are choreographed to music to create a competitive “dance.” This requires serious skill and planning. First the rider designs a routine to show off various movements. At the highest level, riders will demonstrate upper level dressage movements like piaffe and passage. Then the rider selects music to match each portion of the routine. Finally the rider practices until the dance appears flawless. The best routines result in a seamless blend of athleticism and artistry while highlighting the indelible bond between horse and riders.
Michael Bragdell, who will performing the demonstration Musical Kur at Devon on May 31st, June 1st, and June 2nd is no stranger to success in the dressage ring. In 2008, Bragdell captured his first US Dressage National Championship aboard Selten-HW in the FEI Four-Year Old division and captured this championship again in 2012, this time aboard Hemmingway. He has won four US Dressage Finals National Championships as well and is a US Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist.
Come watch Bragdell demonstrate the very best of what dressage has to offer. His Musical Kur is sure to enchant and inspire.