Christy DiStefano of Ramsey, N.J., was one of the most successful junior riders yesterday on the opening day of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, which runs until May 31.
Three equitation classes, competitions in which the position and riding ability of the juniors are judged, were held on the first day of junior weekend, which continues today and tomorrow.
DiStefano, riding a chestnut gelding named Rodin, won her section of the Washington International Horse Show equitation class' jumper phase, and was second in her section of the United States Equestrian Federation's show-jumping talent search.
"This is my biggest win ever at Devon," said DiStefano, who has competed at the horse show twice before. "It has always been a goal of mine to win at Devon. I really wanted to win the talent search. It's my favorite class because it's more jumper-based and it's also a talent search."
A senior at Ramsey High School, the 18-year-old will attend the University of Oregon next year.
"Devon is different from other horse shows," said DiStefano, who trains with Stacia Madden of Beacon Hill in Colts Neck, N.J. "It has almost the feel of a final. All the top barns are here. There's a great sense of competition. Everyone wants to win."
Juniors will compete in jumper, pony hunter, and hunter classes today and tomorrow. A week of adult competition begins Sunday with the Carriage Please Drive.
NEVER TAKES A DAY OFF
