Villanova Wins Blue at Devon; A Recap of Day Six

Darian Smith, coached by Villanova's Lindsay Langan, makes a jump at Devon (Andrew McKeough | AKSM Photography)

Darian Smith coached by Villanova University Equestrian Team's Lindsay Langan, wins the Blue Ribbon in the Five Year Old Jumper Class

Article by Thomas Zaffalon (Sports Writer, AKSM Sports)

DEVON, PA - While the attendance numbers for the Horse Show on Tuesday were nothing spectacular, it does not mean that it was not an exciting day.

The first Tuesday of the Horse Show is always Family day, where families get special discounts on food, rides, and merchandise. Devon even goes as far as to offer free stable tours to give families a peak behind the curtain at what happens when horses and riders aren't in the ring. While the sporadic rain may have been a deterrent for some, a multitude of families enjoyed an eventful day at the show.

As always, there were a number of Hunter and Jumper events with prize money ranging from $750 to $2,500. However the main event was the $50,000 Jet run with a total of 25 competitors. In first place, winning $12,500 was Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and her horse Akuna Mattata who just edged out Catherine Tyree and her horse Bokai. The combination of Shahinian-Simpson and Akuna Mattata are nationally recognized for winning at multiple high level competitions, namely for taking home $134,000 at the Cabana Coast Grand Prix in February.

However a big local victory came to Villanova Equestrian coach Lindsay Langan's Darian Smith and her horse Just Special, who took home first place and the blue ribbon in the $750 five year old young jumper event. Darian Smith still has a few events left this week, namely another 5 year old jumper event where she will ride Just Special and attempt to repeat her win on Tuesday.

Everybody at the Horse Show is noticeably excited, as we near what is gearing up to be an eventful Ladies Day tomorrow and an exciting Grand Prix on Thursday. And if the last 6 days are any indication, it's something that everyone in the area should try and come out for.

Click here to purchase tickets to the 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Thomas Zaffalon joined the AKSM photography team in the spring of 2018 as an intern sports writer. Thomas covers Villanova Athletics and excels in writing about basketball, football and baseball. Click Here to Contact Thomas Zaffalon.