Therapeutic Riders Compete Saturday In Devon Horse Show

MALVERN, PA - Riding a horse in a green velvet dress with a long red, curly wig, Mary-Claire Congleton dazzled the crowd Saturday afternoon at the Thorncroft Equestrian Center, near Malvern.

The 22-year-old West Chester woman was dressed as a Scottish princess in the Walt Disney fantasy movie, “Brave.”

Mary-Claire was one of 111 riders competing in the 43rd annual Therapeutic Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, which is held at the Thorncroft center.

“I love it,” Mary-Claire said before competing in her third competition. “It helps me cope with my feelings. I ride every Thursday.”

The 70-acre farm in bucolic East Goshen and Willistown townships, provides therapeutic riding lessons for children and adults of all abilities. It also provides scholarships for those with financial needs.

“Today is a special day,” Tiffany Meyer, president and executive director of Thorncroft Equestrian Center, said as the competition was in full swing.

“Horseback riding is a tradition in Chester County. We provide access to people of all abilities.”

The winners will receive trophies Sunday at the Devon Horse Show.

Learning to move

Horseback riding also teaches the human body the correct motion to walk, a rider, Anita Johnson, 33, of Media, Delaware County, explains.

Anita said she had a muscle disorder as a young girl.

“The doctor prescribed horseback riding,” she recalled, watching the riders compete in the “Mainstreamers Drill.”

Anita said she worked hard riding horses to restore her muscle movement and confidence.

“I went from hardly being able to move to becoming a champion,” Anita said proudly.

“I just love this place. This is my home. I’ve won 31 ribbons at the Devon Horse Show.”

Anita, a volunteer, knows everyone who works and volunteers.

“We are a family,” she said as she provided a tour of the barn.

Maire Gugenheim, an instructor for 35 years, watches the riders in amazement.

Maire said she studied therapeutic horseback riding at Lake Erie College in Ohio.

“It’s amazing to watch the riders,” she said. “It makes you tear up.”

Instructor Missy Zepka said Thorncroft is everyone’s happy place.

“It’s a place where all troubles are left behind,” Missy said. “We have diverse riders.”

Missy said riding horses is generational for some families.

“My mom rode,” she said. “My grandmother took my mom to ride.”

Missy’s mom then took her to ride.

As Mary-Claire completed her costume competition, her horse started pawing, which is an arching movement of the front leg.

“I am disqualified,” Mary-Claire said sadly.

That did not happen. Mary-Claire earned a second-place ribbon.

“This is my favorite event,” she said, smiling.