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Devon, PA (August 2, 2012) On Sunday, September 30, after the excitement of Dressage at Devon’s Saturday night FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, where Olympic caliber equestrians ride their horses through highly choreographed movements to music, young equestrians can follow in their footsteps. Opportunities range from the Leadline Exhibition Class for the under seven crowd all the way up to the USEF National Young Adult “Brentina Cup” for highly skilled youngsters and their mounts. In between competition, spectators will be treated to an exhibition with world-renowned Guy McLean and his equine team, who show partnership between man and horse at a level most have never envisioned.

Children six years and under can test their dressage skills in the Leadline Exhibition Class, in which they are led by a parent or a trainer. Although leadline classes are common at hunter-jumper shows, they are fairly new to dressage. Dressage at Devon was the first international show in the northeast to offer the class. “It’sa wonderful opportunity for children to ride in one of the most prestigious dressage shows and in the famous Dixon Oval,” said Lori Kaminski, president and CEO of Dressage at Devon.

To challenge pony riders with more experience, the FEI Individual Test for Ponies tests their skills with trot half passes, counter canters, extension, collection and more.  And for youngsters who enjoy a little artistic expression, there’s the FEI Young Rider and Junior Freestyle. As the riders guide every step in time with the music, their horses appear as if they are dancing. 

The Young Adult Brentina Cup program is intended to assist U.S. riders, ages 16-25 in making the transition to the Grand Prix level. “Young riders are able to compete within their age group doing all the Grand Prix moves before getting thrown into the mix of an actual Grand Prix with more seasoned competitors,” said Kaminski.

Spectators will also be captivated by the Guy McLean and his four-horse team, who perform without bridles, saddle, whips or spurs.  He orchestrates a show where his horse family moves in unison, separates on command and sometime seven canter through fire.  As they sit, roll, bow, trot, canter and more, McLean shares with the audience their individual personalities, showing how each is cast in a role that enables their talents to shine.

This is a great day for families with children. Reserved seating to see budding equestrian talent, Guy McLean and other events at the Breed and Performance Show at Dressage at Devon is available at http://dressageatdevon.org/shop/and general admission tickets will be available at the show grounds only from 9/25/12 to 9/30/12.

About Dressage at Devon

Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.org) has been the premier North American Equestrian event since its founding by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association in 1975, and became a separate organization in 2006.  It combines world-class dressage competition and the world’s largest open breed show with the international Fall Festival show and special activities for the entire family.  The six-day event attracts hundreds of horses and tens of thousands of spectators each year.  Dressage at Devon, a 501(c) (3) PA non-profit organization, benefits educational programs in Dressage.