Rider Tina DiLandri of Scottsdale, AZ, made her Devon debut this year, winning her section of the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal class.  Aboard Heritage Farm, Inc’s Cadeau she also placed 3rd in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class and 4th in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search.

How did you prepare for Devon this year?
Preparing for Devon this year was a little more difficult. I actually commute from Scottsdale, AZ to New York to ride. Two weeks before Devon I was able to commute to Heritage Farm for some lessons.

What was on your mind while competing in the Dixon Oval? And immediately after leaving the ring?
This was my first year at Devon so competing in the Dixon Oval was exciting. When I was on course I was only thinking about riding the course, but as I was exiting, I realized how lucky I am to be here. Attending the Devon Horse Show has always been a dream of mine.

Did you watch your competition ride?
Yes, I always watch my competition ride. You can learn from everyone, whether it is a junior or professional.

How did you celebrate your success this past weekend?
This past weekend was only the beginning for me; I cannot get too excited!

What’s the biggest challenge of riding at large, prestigious show like Devon?
The biggest challenge of riding for me is keeping my focus on just riding the course. I always think to “keep it simple.” These big shows force you to over analyze certain things and sometimes you psyche yourself out. The biggest thing is just to ride.
DiLandri will be back as a spectator and rider next year.

Rider Christy DiStefano captained Rodin (Roy) through several successful rounds this past weekend, placing 2nd in their section of the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, 2nd in their section of the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search, and 1st in her WIHS Equitation Section.  Her hard work was rewarded with the Devon Horse Show’s Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship.  Here we uncover how DiStefano prepared for the competition and what makes Devon such a special experience in the Equestrian world.

How did you and Rodin prepare for Devon?
Throughout the entire year, my trainers challenge us with many different types of courses in fields and indoor and outdoor rings. Being exposed to all types of situations helps all of us at Beacon Hill to be prepared for the show ring. To prepare for Devon, Stacia Madden set a technical course with lots of bending lines on the Tuesday before the show. All the students were to have lessons after school, however, Rodin (Roy) did not feel 100% and we thought it would be best if he did not have to jump. Stacia was kind enough to lend me one of her horses to lesson on. Later in the day, our farrier Arnie Gervasio and Dr. Mitchell rushed to Beacon Hill to tend to Roy’s soreness as we waited anxiously until the next morning to get the okay for him to show. Luckily, they discovered it was just a small shoe issue and Roy was good to go!

Are you superstitious? Do you have any pre-show rituals for good luck?
I don’t consider myself superstitious but I do like to carry a USET pin in the right pocket of my riding coat. All the riders from Beacon Hill wore the pin on their jackets at the USET Talent Search finals in 2008 and since then, the pin has not come off my jacket!

Favorite Devon Tradition (a certain food you always eat, class you always watch)?
My friends and I love the tea sandwiches at Devon. We always make time to eat a few for lunch every day. This year, I was convinced to stay for the Junior Jumper Classic and Hunt Team class on Saturday evening and that will definitely become a new tradition for me at Devon.

What makes your victory at Devon special?
My victory at Devon was extremely special to me. I have always wanted to win a class there and to win the Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship is a true honor. This is my last junior year so it was extra special for me to be honored with this award and it was a great end to my last junior weekend at Devon.

What was your first memory of riding?
My first riding memory is of me being led around a ring on a pony named Mush-Mush and being too scared to be let go on my own!

Your first pony or horse?
My first pony was named Mickey Mouse. My parents bought him for me when I was seven years old. I rode him at the local barn from which we bought him. He helped me move up from leadline to the Children’s Hunter Ponies. My mom and I used to joke that he thought he was a stallion, he had a little bit of an attitude!

What is your daily riding routine (schedule)?
Aside from Mondays, I ride every day. My school has been very supportive of my riding and they let me take seven classes in a row and not have a lunch or a study hall so I can leave at 1:15 and be at Beacon Hill by 2:45. On the weekend, I usually start riding at 9 and get home around 3. I flat my two horses and usually up to three others with flat and jumping lessons once or twice a week.

Do you have any tips for riders aspiring to win at Devon?
At Devon, nerves can easily overcome a person. The Dixon Oval is intimidating and my first year there, I let the pressure and nerves get to me. However, I find that if I let my nerves overtake me for just a minute, and then I take several deep breaths before entering the ring, I make myself focus and mentally prepare for the course. Trainers and friends are also necessary to have as a support system. All the trainers at Beacon Hill, Stacia Madden, Max Amaya, Krista Freundlich, and Heather Senia, are wonderful in helping me to prepare for the show ring mentally and physically.

Christy DiStefano aboard Rodin

The Devon Blog intercepted adorable Lead Line rider Gowen Coates on his way to celebrate with water ice.  Mr. Coates competed on Jiminy Cricket, a tiny black and white paint clipped and braided for his performance in the Dixon Oval.

The Devon Blog: How long have you been riding?

Gowen Coates: Since I was two.

TDB: How did you prepare for The Devon Horse Show?

GC: Riding lessons at the barn.

TDB: What time did you wake up to come here?

GC: I can’t tell time.

TDB: Does Jiminy Cricket have any favorite snacks when he behaves?

GC: Carrots.

While Jiminy Cricket munches carrots as a reward, Mr. Coates was planning on a snack of water ice to finish his day at Devon.

Congratulations to all the spectacular Lead Line riders!

Gowen Coates grips the reins aboard Jiminy Cricket

Lead Line Competitors

Side Saddle competitor in Lead Line

The Devon Horse Show for results from this past weekend.

Friday and Saturday classes included the Pony Hunter Divisions for Small, Medium, and Large ponies.  We interviewed young rider Emma Mandarino who rode Amber Hill Farm’s Royal T in Mediums and Amber Hill Farm’s Hilton Hhonors in the Small Divison.  Hilton Hhonors placed third in the Small Pony Under Saddle and second in the Hunter Stake.  Ms. Mandarino and Royal T snatched first in the Medium Pony Hunter Stake winning the Macklin Memorial Perpetual Trophy.  We interviewed Ms. Mandarino after her win on Royal T, but before she and fellow riders Sofia Zaga-Masri and Vivian Yowan won the Small Pony Hunt Teams costumed as Vampires.

The Devon Blog: How long have you been riding?

Emma Mandarino: Six years.

TDB: How long have you been with Royal T?

EM: Three years.

TDB:  How much did you prepare for the Devon Horse Show?

EM:  I’ve been preparing for the past two weeks, doing courses.

TDB: And what do you think about when you go in the ring?

EM: I’m really nervous but when I’m in there it’s really fun.

TDB:  Are you going to do Pony Hunt Teams later today?

EM: Yeah, I’m going to do it with my Small [Hilton Hhonors].

TDB: Are you going to wear a costume?

EM: Nods.

TDB: What’s the theme of your hunt team?

EM: Vampires.

Emma Mandarino wins the Macklin Memorial Perpetual Trophy

The Vampires; Emma Mandarino, Sofia Zaga-Masri, Vivian Yowan

Thursday, May 21, The Devon Horse Show & Country fair began with the cutest Devon tradition: (well, besides Lead Line and Pony Hunt Teams – both tomorrow afternoon) Hunter Pony Foals.  Spectators and exhibitors (both human and equine) were fully turned out; even two month-old foals were fully braided and ShowSheened to perfection.

Class 301 : Hunter Pony Foals

When my eyes weren’t glued to the champions in the show ring, I took a stroll through the shops of Devon searching for souvenirs and the best of Devon food fare.  Volunteers Melissa Cichowicz and daughter Cori updated me on the new Devon products available.  The straw purse with horse bit sold out by Friday at noon, but adorable pink hair bows and embroidered pony-tail holders are still available.  For the adults, Devon’s new steel cocktail shaker and flask, emblem glasses, and cloth wine chilling bucket lend class to any Devon celebration.

Volunteers Cori Cichowicz, Melissa Cichowicz, and Chris Kozeracki

"Tissue" Tees are selling well in the hot weather

Devon Fudge fanatics buy five pounds at time to save in the freezer for a taste of Devon throughout the year.   Volunteers reported that last year the fudge sold out on by Grand Prix (May 28th this year), but sales are ahead of schedule.  Plan on buying your fudge before Wednesday to ensure you taste this Devon tradition.

Devon Fudge!

The Devon Wine & Cheese stand offers small bottles for $5, bottles for $20, and cheese plates for $5.  The Pinot Grigio and Mondavi Chardonnay are selling well and refreshing during the hot weather. The stand offers cups of ice with white wines.

Ringside decorations

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