Elite hunter/jumper show management team to lead Devon Horse Show for 2023
Thermal, Calif. – June 20, 2022 – Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) extends congratulations to Patrick Boyle and Phil J. DeVita, Jr., for being named the new show managers for the 2023 edition of the Devon Horse Show, set to take place in Devon, PA, from May 25-June 4. Proven in their dedication to DIHP, where they operate side by side to ensure the West Coast excels in top sport, each man brings decades of experience in every facet of managing top competitions and will certainly provide the prestigious Devon Horse Show with strong leadership for an impeccably-run event.
Over the last several years, Boyle and DeVita have joined forces and their innovative and effective approach to horse show management has been an instrumental part of the transformation of DIHP, a fall and winter horse park. Hosting everything from Pony Hunters to CSI5* show jumpers, the pair emphasizes the competitor experience no matter the level of horse show experience and has elevated the status of DIHP events as they gain recognition worldwide. DIHP is proud that Boyle and DeVita are, individually and as a team, being recognized for their tremendous hard work and innovation in horse show management.
Prior to joining DIHP, Boyle has put on world-class horse shows across the United States for over 30 years. He has been a staple in the Chicago, IL, horse show world, running shows at his home base, Ledges Sporting Horses & Show Grounds. More recently, he took the reins of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Upperville Colt and Horse Show, and the Las Vegas National, where he was recognized for his success as competition manager for the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)’s year-end championships. Pat shares a passion for creating beautiful rings for DIHP – simply wanting to create rings that people can’t wait to compete in.
DeVita brings a host of accolades and experience, ranging from boutique events on the West Coast, including Franktown Meadows and The Menlo Charity Horse Show, to decorated events on the East Coast, such as The American Royal and the CFHJA shows in Tampa, FL. He has also worn many other “hats” in the sport, including as a competitor, course designer, and judge. DeVita has been involved for many years as a committee member and a part of multiple task force groups including serving as the USHJA Officials Committee chair. He has had the distinct honor to design courses and judge at the ASPCA Maclay finals at Madison Square Garden, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the Capital Challenge Horse Show. He also served as one of the team of 12 who designed the course for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“As Chairman and CEO of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, engaging the supreme talent of Patrick Boyle and Phil DeVita to manage the single most iconic multi-discipline equestrian competition in Northern America is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity,” said Wayne Grafton. “Thank you to DIHP for their support of my decision and of the Devon Horse Show.”
“There’s no limit to what this pair can accomplish,” remarked Steve Hankin, President and CEO of DIHP. “We’ve seen them work their magic on the West Coast and are enormously grateful to have them on our team. We are so proud to not only call them our show management but also to see them be named to manage arguably the most prestigious horse show this nation offers.”
In 2022-2023, Boyle and DeVita will guide DIHP through 14 weeks of top hunter/jumper competition, including 11 FEI weeks and 12 Premier hunter weeks.