I headed up to Devon, Pa. last Tuesday to cover a few days at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair after a last minute emergency with one of COTH’s staff members.

I’d been to Dressage at Devon about 10 years ago, but I haven’t been to a hunter/jumper show in quite a while, so I was a little apprehensive. I’m not a fan of the culture and stigma that goes along with that world, but I appreciate a good equine athlete.

Luckily I got to cover the fun stuff- the professional hunters and the grand prix. I used to go to Upperville every year to watch the grand prix, so I was comfortable with that. Wednesday started out with all of the professional hunter divisions. Kelley Farmer and Scott Stewart did most of the winning on several different horses and I think I got some decent photos. Hunter people are pretty picky about their photos apparently!

I had most of Wednesday afternoon free to work on my story and get some interviews done. I also got to watch some really neat traditional classes like five gaiters, driving and Hackneys. Devon is 117 years old this year and I love the history that goes with the Dixon Oval.

Thursday night was the Grand Prix of Devon and McLain Ward won it for a record eighth time. I wasn’t too pleased with my photos, but I think I got the hang of it by the end of the night. It’s tough shooting under the lights, but I’m sort of used to low light conditions from shooting so many concerts.

I feel like I wasn’t totally prepared to ask good questions at the press conference because I’m not as familiar with the who’s who of hunters and jumpers, so I had to make some phone calls on Monday, but the story came together nicely for the magazine I think.

All of my Devon coverage can be found at our Devon hubpage.

I’m off to a family thing this weekend in upstate New York. The weather looks to be nice, so I’m excited to not sweat!