Devon, Pennsylvania – September 12, 2026 – The prestigious Devon Fall Classic, now in its 13th year, concluded its highly anticipated Junior/Amateur Jumper competition this past Saturday, showcasing the burgeoning talent and dedication of young equestrian athletes. The day culminated in the featured $7,500 SJHOF 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, a thrilling event sponsored by Meridian Bank, where Leah Harrison and her seasoned mare, Riviera BF, clinched the coveted blue ribbon with a masterful performance.
The historic Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show grounds provided a magnificent backdrop for the culmination of three days of intense competition. This year’s event saw a record number of entries in the Junior/Amateur divisions, reflecting the growing popularity and prestige of the Devon Fall Classic as a significant fixture on the national equestrian calendar. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators and competitors alike drawn to the displays of skill, precision, and the undeniable bond between horse and rider.
Harrison and Riviera BF Triumph in the Classic
Leah Harrison, a rising star in the junior jumper ranks, and her elegant Oldenburg mare, Riviera BF, demonstrated exceptional form throughout the $7,500 SJHOF 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. The pair navigated the challenging course flawlessly in the initial round, setting the stage for a dramatic jump-off. In a display of nerve and speed, Harrison and Riviera BF delivered a decisive clear round, stopping the clock at an impressive 40.374 seconds, a time that no other competitor could surpass. This victory marks a significant milestone for Harrison, representing the largest class win of her burgeoning career.
"It’s really cool. This is the biggest class I’ve won, so it was really exciting," Harrison shared, her voice alight with emotion. "She was awesome out there." The partnership between Harrison and Riviera BF, a mare she has been riding for five years, has clearly reached a new pinnacle. Their journey together began at the 1.20m level at Devon in 2023, and their steady progression through the ranks, culminating in this significant victory on the iconic Dixon Oval, is a testament to their dedication and mutual understanding.
Harrison further elaborated on her mare’s performance, stating, "She jumped so well in this ring. The crowd always gets her performing better. She’s awesome." The electric atmosphere of the Devon Horse Show is renowned for its ability to inspire both horses and riders, and it appears Riviera BF thrives under such conditions, feeding off the energy of the passionate crowd.
Grace Haley Secures Junior/Amateur Jumper Championship
While Harrison and Riviera BF captured the spotlight in the Classic, the overall 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper division championship was awarded to Grace Haley and her equally impressive Oldenburg mare, Concentalla PS. Haley’s consistent performances over the three days of competition proved instrumental in securing the championship title. The pair achieved second-place finishes in both Thursday’s and Friday’s $1,000 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper classes, and added a strong third-place finish in Saturday’s Classic, accumulating the highest point total in the division.
For 17-year-old Haley, who hails from West Chester, Pennsylvania, just a short 30-minute drive from the Devon grounds, this championship holds profound personal significance. Having visited the historic venue as a spectator since she was five years old, the opportunity to compete and win at Devon has been a lifelong dream. "Amazing," Haley exclaimed when asked about the championship. "I’ve been showing here for about five years. I started showing here when I was 12 or 13, but I’ve been coming here since I was about five years old."
The partnership between Haley and Concentalla PS is a relatively new one, forged earlier this summer. Despite the short duration of their collaboration, Haley expressed unwavering confidence in her mare. "She’s just been amazing and has taken so much care of me," Haley stated with evident affection. "She has not stepped a foot out of place since I’ve had her. She’s been perfect, so I trust her with my whole heart."
This championship win is particularly remarkable considering that the Devon Fall Classic represented only Haley and Concentalla PS’s second show competing at the 1.30m level. This rapid ascent speaks volumes about the mare’s talent and the strong foundation of trust and communication already established between horse and rider. Looking ahead, Haley expressed her ambition: "I’m just going to keep sticking with the 1.30m Juniors and see where it takes us. Hopefully, we’ll keep advancing and eventually be in the Grand Prix, but that’s a little bit away." This forward-looking perspective hints at a bright future for this promising young rider and her exceptional mare.
A Diverse Field of Champions
The Junior/Amateur Jumper division witnessed a healthy diversity of winners across the various classes, underscoring the depth of talent present at the Devon Fall Classic. Melissa Strawser and Darwin De Mars initiated the division with a victory in Thursday’s $1,000 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper class. Following them, Kristiane Pellegrino and Java Joe claimed the top honors in Friday’s competition. The division concluded with Harrison and Riviera BF’s triumphant performance in Saturday’s $7,500 SJHOF 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, a fitting finale to an exciting three days of equestrian sport.
Background and Context of the Devon Fall Classic
The Devon Fall Classic, now a well-established annual event, serves as a crucial platform for equestrian athletes across various disciplines. Held at the historic Devon Horse Show grounds, the event draws participants and spectators from across the nation, celebrating equestrian excellence in a picturesque setting. Established with the aim of providing high-level competition in a more intimate, fall setting, it has grown to become a significant fixture, often serving as a stepping stone for riders aiming for larger national and international events.
The Junior/Amateur divisions, in particular, play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of equestrian talent. These classes provide aspiring riders with invaluable experience competing in a prestigious venue, honing their skills under pressure, and gaining exposure to top-tier competition. The inclusion of classes like the $7,500 SJHOF 1.35m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, sponsored by esteemed institutions like Meridian Bank, underscores the event’s commitment to supporting and elevating junior and amateur athletes. Meridian Bank, a prominent financial institution with a strong commitment to community engagement and equestrian sports, has consistently demonstrated its support for events that foster growth and opportunity within the sport.
Equestrian Development and the Role of Junior/Amateur Competition
The success of riders like Leah Harrison and Grace Haley at events like the Devon Fall Classic highlights the importance of robust junior and amateur programs in equestrian sports. These programs not only identify and cultivate talent but also instill valuable life lessons in young athletes, including discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and teamwork. The dedication required to compete at this level, from the daily care of the horses to the strategic planning of training and competition schedules, prepares these riders for future challenges, both within and beyond the equestrian arena.
The progression from lower-level classes to more challenging divisions, as exemplified by Harrison and Haley, is a key indicator of a healthy sport. It allows riders to build confidence, gain experience, and develop their partnerships with their equine partners at a sustainable pace. The presence of experienced professionals and supportive sponsors further enhances this developmental pathway, providing mentorship and the necessary resources for aspiring riders to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Devon Fall Classic and its Athletes
As the 13th annual Devon Fall Classic drew to a close on Sunday, September 13th, with a final day of exciting jumper competition, the focus shifts to the future. The performances witnessed this past weekend offer a glimpse into the bright future of equestrian sport, with talented young athletes like Leah Harrison and Grace Haley poised to make their mark on the national and international stage. Their dedication, coupled with the continued support of organizers, sponsors, and the equestrian community, ensures that the Devon Fall Classic will remain a cornerstone event for years to come, fostering the development of champions and celebrating the enduring spirit of equestrianism. The ongoing success of these young riders at such a historic venue is a powerful testament to their commitment and the vibrant future of the sport.
