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Devon Questions from a first timer

Hunter/Jumper
#1

We decided a few days ago that we’re taking horses to Devon - Saddlebreds & a Hackney so they were happy to take our late entries. Anyway, despite reading & re-reading the prize list, a couple things aren’t clear

Exhibitor passes - who gets them? Is it the exhibitor only or do you get a couple? Thinking about the junior exhibitor - do her parents have to pay to get in? Do grooms get a pass? Does Mom coming with me or Grandma & Baby with another gal have to get tickets?

Parking - is there anywhere close to the barns? Between Mom & I, we both rate handicapped parking. If it’s not reasonably close, is there anywhere to drop the old lady off at?

How fussy are they about hanging drapes? Do they have a conniption if you staple up stall drapes (NC state fairgrounds does)?

This show usually isn’t even on our considered list, but it’s fairly close to northern VA; it’s a whole lot closer than Blowing Rock. Every time someone looks through the prize list, it seems less exhibitor friendly than the time before.

#2

You can get as many exhibitor wristbands as you need or at least you always could in the past. They always handed out enough for parents, trainers, grooms and any other family members.

You could also get a few parking passes although that seems to be getting tighter. There should be handicap parking available for you but if there isn’t enough it is easy to drop people off at one of the gates. Parking may have changed a bit this year since I did notice that the lot that used to house the vendors has been sold and is roped off. I don’t know how that will affect exhibitor parking.

As for drapes, I’m. It sure about the staple policy but based on the set ups I’ve seen I think you can probably get away with it. I’ll let someone else chime in on that.

I live down the road and am happy to answer any questions you have if you want to message me. I’ve been attending the show for ages.

1 Like
#3

Thanks. I feel a little stupid asking, but I’ve never seen a prize list that mentions confiscating a hose without a nozzle. After all the fees were tallied up, it didn’t seem like they’d miss a chance to make a buck.

The stall drapes aren’t a big deal, but it’s easier if you don’t have to haul in 2x4s or 1x2s. They are nuts at Raleigh. They will fine you if you put a nail, screw or staple in a barn, but don’t have any issue with the Clark Griswold extension cord set ups most people use. Glad to hear they aren’t like that at Devon.

4 Likes
#4

Wait, what? Which lot?

#5

Devon is its own special logistical puzzle due to the location and setup. Best advise I can give is be SUPER organized with your packing because they want everything out of the trailers and the trailers moved quick-fast on arrival. Oh and don’t forget to pack and unload everything you could possibly need since your trailer will be parked in a galaxy far far away.

The exhibitor parking lot is very small - last year we got 2 parking passes. The horse had multiple owners and the office said too bad. So we tried to put as many people as we could into the two cars with passes… But everyone else had to pay to park in the general lot… But that’s still really close so walking over to the show grounds from the visitor lot isn’t bad. The whole showgrounds is not very big… Much smaller than the NC State fairgrounds Horse complex!

Devon is so worth doing if you’ve never been - even if just for the pictures in the Dixon Noble with that blue background… And of course, in front of the Where Champions Meet sign!

7 Likes
#6

The vendors used to park in that old building and lot across Lancaster Avenue. It is all fenced off now so they will be moving them somewhere else. I’m going over there today so I’ll see where they plan to put them. I also heard they are taking some spots away from the volunteer area of the lot.
In my mind the biggest crime was when Wayne took the grass lot away from the exhibitors. That was ridiculous.

3 Likes
#7

Do they still provide the far away parking for trailers? i’m trailering myself in, and i’m concerned about parking it.

#8

Yes! Looks like parking this year is the same as last year… At the Penn State great Valley campus about 20 minutes away. It took us forever, waiting in a long line of trailers to get back to the barn on the day we were leaving to get packed up and get out of there.

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#9

Interesting, thanks.

#10

Trainer has done the logistical nightmare that is Blowing Rock; his comment was at least there wasn’t the twisty, winding road to that parking lot. He has said that he’d have to hook the pony and have him haul me & my bad ankle up the hill to the stalls.

He talked to the show secretary yesterday and got the ins & outs. He’s just got to figure out traffic around DC-Baltimore-Philly … and night VA road construction.

I’m kind of mentally flipping, as in ‘what have you got yourself into?’ as I’d already planned on visiting Mom in Indiana this weekend. So I’m driving 500 miles to her house for 4 days (Honey Do List), driving 600 miles (w/Mom) to the show, then home on Saturday night. Monday will be a ‘short’ trip of 100 miles to the barn so Mom can spend some time with her pony. At the show, I’ll have 82 yro Mom, another gal will have her 6 month old baby. The most important question appears to be 'Rum & Coke or Lemonade & Raspberry Vodka?"

We are completely spoiled at Raleigh. No matter which show, we are on the outside of Barn A and park under the trees, about 20’ from our stalls. Their sketchy PA system is the only bad thing.

I would have liked to have taken both ponies, but $$$$, beside the logistics of 2 pony carts. There was discussion of me taking one to the show (on the top of my Corolla) via Indiana. Jed Clampett has nothing on me.

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#11

Wow. Good luck in every possible direction!

1 Like
#12

While the correct answer appears to be Lemonade and Raspberry Vodka, it would in fact be Rum and Coke as the Coke is kinder to your stomach when nauseous from overheating/dehydration. Marginally, but every little bit counts. Wash down with fudge.

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#13

I would have to go with Lemonade and Raspberry vodka, because you can (or could, back in the day?) get lemon with peppermint stick straws :heart_eyes: at one of the booths.

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#14

Devon is such an amazing experience. I am very jealous of you! Something about the location, right in the middle of an urban area somehow makes it even more special even though it requires an incredible coordinated effort. I think you will have a wonderful time and I hope you are able to enjoy it!

And a gin and tonic sitting under one of umbrellas right by the schooling area is my vote!

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#15

You had me until gin :rofl:

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#16

I thought about not taking Mom or trying to weasel out of it, but when I talked to her I realized that was not an option. Live and learn. Or not…after the last show with her I swore I was never dong that again. :grin:

I talked to my sister about coordinating some time with the grandkids and she ended up screaming at me…she was really screaming at Mom, but I was the one on the phone. She did say 'I’m not screaming at you, I’m screaming with you." No, I’m pretty sure it was at me.

Thankfully my cat sitter is in town next week. She leaves the day I get back. The cats are probably better in the car than Mom, but they don’t need 4 days in a hotel. They love Grandma’s house; it’s their Disneyland.

I can’t do gin. Ick.

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#18

< removed quote that was deleted >

Confused what this has to do with Devon…

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#20

You’ll have a great time! Where are you staying? If you like vodka and raspberry lemonade get into Wayne and go to the Blue Elephant for their signature drink. It does not disappoint. The food is great too.
Let me know if you have any questions about the local area or what to avoid. Happy to help.

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#21

When you get there in the morning, don’t leave. Especially on Grand Prix day.
The exhibitor parking lot is usually full, so plan on paid parking elsewhere. You might get in the lot, you might not. Park, spend all day and night, go back to your car. If you can get a room at the Courtyard, you can walk (bring a cart). Sometimes they have cancellations.
The ASB divisions are very light this year. Hoping they don’t disappear.

3 Likes
#22

That’s so funny. I just gave somebody that exact same piece of advice today at a horse show. Lol.

Here is the phone number of the hotel.
(610) 687-6633

1 Like

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