Devon, Pa.—June 1

Natalie Dean had her work cut out for her as she headed into the ring for the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the Devon Horse Show. For most of the class, Guilherme Jorge’s first round track was the real victor, with rails falling everywhere and one retirement and another elimination early on.

Eventually six would advance to the short course, but that proved to be just as tough, and only Dean, riding Chacco’s Goldy, turned in a double clear performance to take the win. With first and second in the first class, and second and third in the second of the division, the victory in the classic cemented Dean as champion with “Goldy” and reserve with Don’s Diamant, and also earned her the leading amateur-owner jumper rider award.

“It’s actually a bit bittersweet,” Dean said through tears. “It was actually my last class on Goldy, so I’m really happy to end the way we did.”

Natalie Dean and Chacco’s Goldy were the only double clear team in the classic. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Dean purchased the 14-year-old Oldenburg (Chacco-Blue—Srenja, Landgold) two years ago, and the pair progressed up the levels together, taking team silver at the Adequan FEI North American Youth Championships (New York) at the young rider level last year. Goldy will now be leased out.

“Don” is a newer horse; Devon served as a warm-up before she takes the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Diamant De Semilly—Whitley, Phin Phin) to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show (Virginia) next week to compete in the Fédération Equestre Internationale classes.

“He was really good,” said Dean, 20. “He had the last fence down, but he jumped amazing this week. I’m really happy with him. They’re both super. Don has the biggest heart of any horse I’ve ever ridden, and Goldy is super straightforward, just super sweet. She’s just amazing.”

It was a bittersweet victory for Natalie Dean, as it’s her last class with Chacco’s Goldy. Kimberly Loushin Photo

This is the first time the Palo Alto, California, native has ever shown at Devon.

“It’s a famous show; it’s been around for I don’t know how many years now, a long time, and I’ve always watched it on the livestream back at home,” she said. “It’s really special to be able to come here and watch all the FEI classes and to be able to compete in the amateur divisions.”

Natalie Dean was reserve in the amateur-owner jumpers with Don’s Diamant. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Jaime Auletto was the pathfinder to a clear round in the classic, and she finished second with Brazzaville. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Alexa Pessoa rode H H Fireball to third. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Catherine Wachtell and Coverboy were good enough for fourth. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Philip Richter had three rails with Pistoya in the jump-off. Kimberly Loushin Photo

Things didn’t go quite Riley Newsome’s way when she parted ways with Dakar VDL in the jump-off, but they finished sixth overall. Kimberly Loushin Photo

The Chronicle will be on site all week bringing you beautiful photos, daily reports and more. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the June 17 issue for more in-depth stories from the winners. 

Important Links: Devon Horse Show website / Order of go and results / The complete schedule of classes and exhibitions / Live streaming / All of the Chronicle’s coverage