Dressage at Devon
Devon PA
2012

A shadbelly is a type of formal riding coat traditionally worn in equestrian disciplines such as dressage, hunter-jumper events, and certain fox hunting events. Shadbellies are characterized by their unique design, which includes long, fitted tails that extend below the rider’s waistline. These tails are intended to lay across the back of the horse while the rider is mounted. The front of the coat is typically shorter, ending around the waist or slightly below it.

The term “shadbelly” doesn’t have a definitive origin, though there are a few theories circulating in the equestrian world.

For some, the term “shadbelly” is believed to have originated from the similarity of the coat’s long, flared tails to the shape of a shad fish. The shad fish is a type of herring-like fish that has a distinctively long and tapering body with a distinct tail. The resemblance between the coat’s tails and the fish’s shape likely inspired the name “shadbelly.”

Other theories suggest that the name referred to the individuals who wore shadbellies, particularly American Quakers who adopted the coat style from the English. Particularly heavy-set Quakers were thought to resemble the shad fish when wearing this riding coat and were themselves referred to as “shadbellies” on occasion.

In dressage competitions, riders are often required to wear formal attire, and the shadbelly coat is the traditional and customary choice for higher-level events. The elegant and formal appearance of the shadbelly adds to the overall presentation and aesthetics of dressage and marks more distinguished riders.

Dressage top hats have been worn for hundreds of years. Some people believe that the hats originated from what foxhunters wore on their heads. Another theory is that royalty, who used to be the only people that did dressage, wore their fancy hats while they rode.


Dressage has been called poetry in motion and ballet on horseback. Its beauty dates back hundreds of years and yet, today, continues to gain popularity across the county. Dressage is a French word meaning “training” and describes the sequential development of the horse’s suppleness, obedience and strength. The result is a breathtaking blend of power and artistry. Competition involves a series of movements based on a horse’s action, not unlike gymnastics or figure skating competitions.

For more than 40 years, Dressage at Devon (DAD) has brought top competitors, horses, trainers and judges from across the continent and around the globe together for one of the highest-rated international dressage competition.

https://dressageatdevon.org/about/

A TRADITION SINCE 1975

History
In 1965, a group of riding enthusiasts got together and formed a club, in response to the question “How come the kids get to have all the fun?” The idea of an adult pony club caught on and the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association or “DVCTA” was born.

The mission of the club is to provide instruction and training for members and to inform and demonstrate dressage to the public. So, in the early 70s, the club put on a successful dressage show at the Willcox’s Tory Hill Farm in Glen Mills, PA. Gaining in popularity, the show moved to The Radnor Hunt Club in Malvern, PA while continuing to search for a permanent home. We credit the late Pat Franco with the idea of moving the show to the Devon Horse Show Grounds and in 1975 Dressage at Devon or “DAD” was born.

The increasingly popular Fall Festival actually started as an Art’s & Craft’s Festival, a reflection of the “back to nature” culture of the 70s. At that time there were more horses than spectators, but the high level of enthusiasm among the competitors convinced the volunteer DAD committee that this was a show with great potential. Early on, most of the volunteers came from the ranks of the DVCTA membership. Today, volunteers come from all over the country.

The show continued to grow, added two days for the breeding show, adding exhibitions and larger classes. Today these efforts at improvements continue, with revamped scheduling, new classes in performance, new vendors, additional educational opportunities, and the increasingly popular Dressage Explorers.

Dressage at Devon has evolved into one of the most prestigious dressage competition in the hemisphere. It is an internationally rated dressage show as well as the largest open breed show in the world. The food vendors are rated as the best on the horse show circuit and the Festival area and overall venue is unique in the horse show world.

But what makes Dressage at Devon truly special is the dedication and efforts of our competitors, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. We couldn’t do it without you.