Devon, Pa. – May 31, 2019 – Following the $36,000 Devon Speed Challenge, attention in the Dixon Oval shifted to the Four-in-Hand Coaching championship comprised of four unique classes held throughout the week. Helen Rich and her Brewster Park Drag accumulated the most points to earn the Coaching championship title and The Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bright Perpetual Trophy donated by The Officers and members of the 1972 Devon Horse Show Committee, as well as the Championship Apron sponsored by Misdee Wrigley Miller.
Earlier in the evening, Rich placed first in the Timed Obstacle class sponsored by AJ Blosenski, Inc., and was awarded the Weaver Challenge Trophy as well. Rich defeated four other coaching combinations where teams had to maneuver around a timed obstacle course including a challenging serpentine down the middle of the ring, while displaying technique and carefulness. Rich broke the timers with the second fastest time of 127.212 but was the only fault-free entry allowing her to clinch the coveted championship.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Helen Rich – Winner of the Four-in-Hand Coaching championship
On her horses:
“I always wanted to have a Fresian coaching team. I’ve showed saddlebreds and everything under the sun, but my goal was always to have Fresians and Fell ponies. I went to Holland and picked out my first two and then you just have to wait for the right horse. You have to wait for them to come along. When you see them, you know them. They couldn’t of been better tonight!”
On her coach:
“This is a 1908 Brewster Park Drag. It was built by Paul Song for the show ring and he also did carriage racing, so he built it lighter for obvious reasons. What worked to my advantage in the obstacle course was having Thorston Zarembowicz driving!”
On competing at the Devon Horse Show:
“It’s indescribable to be champion at Devon! It’s like in the category of winning the Miss Universe contest or something like that. To be the Devon champion, I just can’t believe it’s me.”
RESULTS
Coaching – Timed Obstacle
Place / Cart / Whip / Owner / Total Faults / Time
1. Brewster Park Drag / Helen Rich / Helen Rich / 0 / 127.212
2. Brewster Park Drag / Paul Martin / Paul Martin / 4 / 108.724
3. Excelsior Road Coach / John White / John White / 4 / 137.244
4. Road Coach / Allen Tucci / Allen Tucci / 4 / 158.126
5. Road Coach / Harvey Waller / Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Waller / 8 / 133.885
Four-In-Hand Coaching Championship
Place / Cart / Whip / Owner
1. Brewster Park Drag / Helen Rich / Helen Rich
2. Excelsior Road Coach / John White / John White