If you wanted to win the coveted R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch equitation championship at this year’s Devon Horse Show, you had to be better than just great. Anywhere else, winning two big equitation classes would give you the edge over the competition, but not when 171 of the country’s best junior riders come to Devon, Pa.

Christy DiStefano, Rumsey, N.J., had to place high in three classes to lay claim to the title today, May 22. She won a section of the Washington International Equitation Classic yesterday, as well as taking second in her divisions of the USEF Talent Search Medal and the ASPCA Maclay. Both Taylor Harris, Grant Pass, Ore., and Sara Green, Sherborn, Mass., won an impressive two classes apiece to finish right on DiStefano’s heels. DiStefano paired with Shelby Wakeman’s former equitation partner, Rodin, for the win. 

“I wanted to place in all the classes, but I had no idea I would do as well as I did,” said DiStefano, 18.  “I came last year and I was 4th in the USET. I just wanted to come back and be consistent. I think that Rodin has given me a lot more confidence to come back and ride better.”

DiStefano’s trainers Stacia Madden, Max Amaya and Krista Freundlich of Beacon Hill spent plenty of time getting their riders ready for the notoriously forward courses at the Dixon Oval.

“At our lessons we were practicing open lines and lines where you really have to watch your track,” said DiStefano. “But actually the lines weren’t as forward that I thought, so I was happy about that. There were plenty of technical parts. I really liked today’s Maclay course: not too difficult but you could still screw up.”

In the junior jumpers, Reed Kessler and Ice D’Ancouer took home blue in the afternoon, while Alexandra Thorton and Naomi topped tonight’s Gambler’s Choice class.

Hunting For A Junior Title
Andrienne Sternlicht and Mimosa dominated the large junior hunter, 15 and under, division, winning over fences and taking second under saddle to take an early lead in the hunt for this year’s grand junior title.

Last year’s grand junior hunter champions—Jessica Springsteen and Tiziano—got back in the groove in the large junior hunter, 16-17. division, taking blue over fences and fourth under saddle. 

Laura King and Heartfelt topped today’s small junior, 16-17, over fences class with an 89. Sara Green and Courtney McGehee’s Bold Venture got off to a strong start as well, finishing third over fences and winning the under saddle to take the lead in the division.

Katie Dinan and Angelo won her over fences with the high score of the day—a 90—and took second under saddle to take the lead in the small junior hunter, 15 and under division. Taylor Ann Adams guided International Equine Imports Inc. to an 89, good enough for second over fences.

Pony Action
Over in the gold ring Dr. Betsee Parker’s Vanity Fair jumped to the top of the large division with Taylor Brown aboard, winning both the over fences and conformation classes, and taking second in the model behind Scott Stewart’s For The Laughter after the first day of competition. 

Rico Suavé and Aleece Jarman took the lead in the small pony ring, winning over fences, picking up second in the confirmation class and taking fourth in the model. Rolling Stone and Sophie Michaels topped the confirmation class. Model winner Blue Crush jogged third in the over fences class, but sadly was dismissed for unsoundness.

Stone Ridge’s Heart’s Desire and Allison Toffolon made their presence known in the medium division, taking blue in the confirmation class and second over fences.  Blue Venture Rainbeau and Victoria Press took blue over fences, while Reid Patton and the lovely Bikini Beach topped the model.

The junior hunter and pony hunters start up tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.
You can find full results here.

Check out last year’s coverage from the Devon Horse Show here.