Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show
In 1980, the front lawn at Thorncroft was again the site of a powerful meeting of minds. A small group of dedicated volunteers from Bryn Mawr Rehab and Thorncroft assembled to discuss a moment in history for therapeutic riding, a day in May that would coincide with the world-famous Devon Horse Show, “The Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show.” Eleven riders competed in that first show, setting a standard of excellence, and creating the foundation for a show that has grown to recently include over 125 riders from the northeast. Over the many years, devoted volunteers and riders have nurtured and developed the show to where it is today, a nationally respected competition.
The 45th Annual Therapeutic Riders Division (T.R.D.) will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Thorncroft Equestrian Center. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. The public is welcome. There is no admission fee. Parking is self-park and available off of Thorncroft’s Boot Road entrance. Food and commemorative t-shirts available for purchase. Cash or credit cards may be used. Please follow Thorncroft Equestrian Center on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Dogs and other animals are prohibited. Service dogs welcome.
The 2024 Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2023 at Thorncroft Equestrian Center. The presentation of the trophies and championship class will occur on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the grounds of the Devon Horse Show. Admission and parking fees at Devon apply. The prize list for 2024 will become available in February 2024.
Results from the 2023 competition will be posted online by July 31, 2023. Photographs from Saturday at T.R.D. available for viewing and purchasing here. Ribbons not picked up at the show will be mailed to programs by July 15, 2023. For all questions, please email trdatdevon@gmail.com
Fast Facts & F.A.Q.
T.R.D. Fast Facts-Please read for important information for this weekend’s competition.
Saturday, May 27, 2023-At Thorncroft Equestrian Center
Saturday’s competition will welcome over 100 riders from 10 local programs to compete in equitation, dressage, and trail classes.
Time: Classes begin at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Saturday’s competition is hosted at Thorncroft Equestrian Center, located at 190 Line Road Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Admission: The public is welcome at no charge to attend Saturday’s events.
Parking: All public parking is self-park and free and will be located at Thorncroft on a hilled area. Overflow parking will be located in our Border Field. No parking is permitted in our driveway. Trailer parking for horses will be in our Near Field. Please follow signage.
Special Events: Thorncroft’s all ability equestrian drill team, The Mainstreamers will perform at approximately 12:30 p.m. in Thorncroft’s outdoor arena.
What to expect: Saturday’s competition is an wonderful, joy-filled day for all to attend. With its relaxed atmosphere, visitors will enjoy watching riders compete in equitation, trail, and dressage classes throughout the day. Food is available for purchase, as are commemorative t-shirts and show programs. (All items for purchase are cash only.)
Sunday, May 28, 2023-At The Devon Horse Show
Sunday at Devon will feature the awarding of the Division Winners and the Grand Champion class.
Time: The T.R.D program will run from 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. in the Dixon Oval at The Devon Horse Show. This will include the trophy presentations, Grand Champion class, and performance by the Thorncroft Mainstreamers.
Location: Sunday’s competition is held at The Devon Horse Show located at 23 Dorset Rd, Devon, PA 19333.
Admission: The Devon Horse Show general admission is required.
Parking: Parking is available at the Devon Horse Show. There is a fee associated. Please follow all signage at Devon.
Special Events: Thorncroft’s all-ability equestrian drill team, The Mainstreamers will perform at approximately 11:45 a.m. (Time subject to change.)
What to expect: Sunday’s competition will begin with the awarding of the Division Trophies followed by the Grand Champion class. All Division Trophy winners will pose for a photograph in the Dixon Oval. The winner of the Grand Champion class will receive their ribbons and pose for a photograph in the Dixon Oval. Following the Grand Champion class, will be the Mainstreamers drill ride. Friends are welcome to attend all or a part of the program.
Saturday and Sunday T.R.D. events will occur rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) I’m visiting to watch a rider I know. Where can I find their times?
Riders’ times are available online and available in our T.R.D. Show Program book, available for purchase the day of the show.
2) May I take pictures?
Certainly! We do ask that you request permission before taking photographs of riders.
3) Will there be food and drinks?
Our food tent will be well stocked with a variety of delicious items to purchase. Cash or card accepted.
4) What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash and cards are accepted. ATMS are available at local businesses near by.
5) Will you have t-shirts for sale?
Yes! T.R.D. t-shirts are available in sizes S-XXL for purchase, cash or card, for $25.00. Our apologies, we are unable to mail t-shirts after the event.
6) Where do I get my ribbons and/or dressage tests?
Ribbons from the equitation classes will be given immediately once results are announced post-class. Ribbons from trail and dressage, along with dressage tests, will be distributed in the Main Arena once all results are tallied. Thorncroft will happily mail out any ribbons should the rider need to leave before they are available.
7) Are dogs allowed? For the safety of our animals, dogs and other animals are prohibited. Service dogs welcome.
8) Will the event occur rain or shine? Yes! T.R.D. will go forward as scheduled on both Saturday or Sunday regardless of weather.
9) Where can I spectate on Saturday?
The Main Arena houses bleachers for spectators. Our outdoor arena welcomes friends to stand around the arena. Our North Arena has a viewing room that guests may stand or sit in.
10) Where are classes located?
Equitation All Divisions – Main Arena
Trail Divisions I & III – Trail Ring 2 – Middle Field
Trail Divisions II & IV – Trail Ring 1 – Corner Field
Dressage Divisions I & III – Dressage Ring 2 – Outdoor
Dressage Divisions II & IV & Musical Kurs – Dressage Ring 1 – North Arena
11) Will photographs be available from the show?
Yes. Photographs will be shared to Thorncroft’s social media and will be sent to each program via Dropbox by July 31, 2023. Please reach out to your or your rider’s instructor for photographs.
12) What is the date for 2024?
T.R.D. 2024 will occur on May 25-May 26, 2024.

Grand Champion Sponsor
- Jane C. MacElree
- Caroline Moran
- Ian & Mary MacKinnon and Jane Higgins
- Andi Bates and Chrisanne Mortensen
- Dr. Stephanie Bennett
- Ron Blair
- Circle of Support
- Mary MacKinnon and Jane Higgins
- Mr. and Mrs. Wade L. McDevitt
- Caroline Moran
- Ned and Rachel Owen
- The T.R.D. Committee
Devon Sponsor
Trophy Sponsor
2022 TRD Trophy Winners
Support the Farm!
Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided a safe haven for children and adults with and without special needs. The Farm now includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space and two beautiful indoor arenas… but the work does not stop there.
Learn more about the many ways you can support Thorncroft.
