The Devon Fall Classic starts Thursday at the Devon Horse Show grounds in Chester County
DEVON, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Devon Fall Classic got underway on Thursday morning at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair grounds.
The Thursday through Sunday event draws professional, amateur, junior, and young riders to the historic Dixon Oval.
"I grew up 20 minutes down the road, so Devon has always been so special to me since I was little," said Sophie Davish, of Chester Springs.
With slightly more than 300 horses, the Fall Classic is a smaller event than the two week Devon Horse Show in the spring and is exclusively jumping.
"We just have one ring showing. It's just jumpers, and we are under a meter to 1m50," said show manager Phil DeVita.
"You want to go as fast as you can over a set course without knocking anything down, so it's very spectator-friendly. It's fun to watch," added Davish.
Riders love coming to Dixon Oval- and not just to try to qualify for the spring show. The grounds have welcomed equestrians since 1896, which means 130 years of history and tradition.
"I love what it does for community. It brings everybody together and also brings competitors from all over the country," said Davish.
"The weather is fantastic. The fair just rolled in. We got all the rides. We got all the food, vendors. Bring the kids- it is going to be a great weekend," said show manager Pat Boyle.
The Fall Classic comes as a five-year, $5 million effort will launch to preserve, restore, and modernize the historic facility.
