Saturday, May 30, 2009

Scenes from Devon



One of my wonderful friends invited me to go with her to the Devon Horse Show last night. Let me start off by telling you why I love Devon so much...

The life blood of Devon for years and years was Hope Montgomery Scott. My dad worked for her on her dairy farm of prized Ayrshire cows and rented an apartment in her mansion, Ardrossan. In return she helped him through med school and when the Devon Horse Show came around, she would give us tickets. I used to think I wanted my ashes scattered there. It was my Disneyland, the happiest place on earth!
I would spend a month or more before the show doing anything I could to earn money to spend there on horsey trinkets and Ferris wheel rides.
Of course it was always a dream to ride there. Maybe someday, I'm not dead yet! :)

So last night the weather was less than perfect. By less I mean the scenery on the drive there looked like a tornado had blown through. When we got there it was still raining. The main ring was flooded. The coaching classes were cancelled. Only 5 out of 17 riders were electing to compete in the gambler's choice jumping event which usually attracts many Olympic riders. Saddlebred riders were dropping out right and left because they were afraid of loosing shoes. Fine carriage drivers swapped blue jeans and rain coats for their elegant hats and dresses.

That being said, a bad night at Devon to me is like saying you had a bad pizza, there is no such thing. I still managed to take over 100 photos! This is the first post on my Devon experience - some behind the scenes/non show ring shots. Please check back in a day or two for the jumpers and saddlebreds!



A walk through the barns when we arrived since no one was in the warm up arena.


Nice little midway for the kids.


I'm always surprised they let you walk through the barns. This saddlebred seemed pretty sweet.


"Let me out!"


The stables at night always look so neat to me.


A celebrity siting?? Sorry Carson. I was actually photographing the Friesians when I turned and spotted you.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Jennifer..

The pictures were so beautiful. The stables do look really pretty at night. I Love Carson...LOL

Smiles,
Sonia ;)

Meghann said...

Wow! I am SO jealous right now!! I have read and read and read about Devon since I was a kid and have dreamed and dreamed and dreamed of going - to watch or ride, I'm so happy I get to see your photos! Can't wait for the next few days :)

photogchic said...

Lovely place...don't you just hate when a celebrity ruins a good horse picture! haha...Carson is cool...he always made me laugh on Queer Eye.

Jennifer Rose said...

"I was actually photographing the Friesians when I turned and spotted you."
lol! :D

I am always surprised when people can walk through the barns too. I guess they figure with so many people around if anyone tries something they will be seen. I had to ask if I could go through the barns at the fair in Ontario I was so worried that I was going to get some mad horse owner chasing me out. But nope, they actually were pretty happy someone was taking an interest in their horse and were more then happy to hold them for me to get some nice shots :)

Kathleen Coy said...

OMG, I love Carson! He is hilarious! Did you say anything to him?

vintagepaletteart said...

LOL Sorry Carson but I have no clue who you are but I Love your gorgeous pics Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!