The “uncertainty of the time” led to today’s announcement that Dressage at Devon is cancelled. The September show, a highlight of the year, was called off “to ensure the safety of our competitors, vendors, sponsors, spectators and our wonderful volunteers,” according to the show’s president, Lori Kaminski.
The fixture is the third at the historic suburban Philadelphia showgrounds to be called off in the last few months. The first was the May hunter/jumper show, which should have been getting under way tomorrow. The summer Brandywine hunter/jumper show was next to go.
As the dressage show’s statement explained, “Operating an international competition at a venue such as Devon is a large undertaking. Our team has worked diligently to review the equestrian governing bodies’ requirements to hold a competition, as well as federal, state and local regulations. It became clear that holding the competition this September, while ensuring everyone’s safety, is not realistic.”
As the statement noted, the situation has made it difficult for suppliers, vendors, competitors, volunteers and sponsors to plan and commit resources and support, all crucial to the success of the show.
At the same time, a group of new board members was announced. They are Christina Morin Graham, Maureen “Mo” Swanson, Jessica “JJ” Tate and Karen Ramsing- Bixler.