Ben Ebeling Wins First North American League Qualifier of 2025-2026 World Cup Season in Devon

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2025 CDI-W Devon

Benjamin Ebeling became the winner of the first North American League qualifier of the 2025-2026 World Cup season at Dressage at Devon on 27 September 2025.

North American League

The 2026 World Cup Finals will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, on 8 - 12 April 2026 making the North American League extra tempting for riders to gain qualification points.

Ten CDI-W have been scheduled in North America, of which 2 are in California, 1 in Mexico, 1 in Canada, 1 in Devon, PA, and 5 in Florida;

North America is allowed to send three combinations out of a total of 18 worldwide for the Finals and a North American League ranking is based on points according to placing.

Ebeling Wins in Devon

Dressage at Devon CDI-W celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend and after a few years of struggling to get entries, the show organisation gained momentum the past few years and particularly this year with no less than 17 pairs entered for the Grand Prix for Kur. Thirteen of those ended up competing in the freestyle under the floodlights on Saturday evening.

The iconic Dressage at Devon main stadium

An opening ceremony featuring a color guard and a choir from nearby Villanova University singing the National Anthem kicked off the evening

Benjamin Ebeling and Ann Romney's 15-year old Hanoverian mare Bellena (by Belissimo M x Welser) topped the board with a 77.655% earning kur to music. Judges Janet Lee Foy, Lee Tubman, Kari McClain, Maria Colliander, and Thomas Keßler were fairly unanimous with four ranking them first and one second.

“That was an electric environment to be sure,” Ebeling said. “There’s no place like Dressage at Devon. This was a big step in getting my horse acclimated in big environments in an arena like this.” When asked about the highlight of the freestyle, he cited Bellena’s extended walk in the freestyle because, despite the atmosphere, she relaxed and put her trust in him.

Double World Cup finalist Kevin Kohmann and Terri Kane's 16-year old Hanoverian Dunensee (by Dancier x Davignon) landed second place with a fraction less, 77.005%.

“I’m super thrilled,” Kohmann said, adding that the atmosphere in the Dixon Oval was electric. “It feels like a big show in Europe. I love it here. This was the show where I rode this freestyle the first time and I’m here one year later to ride it again.”

Meagan Davis and Scott Durkin's 12-year old Danish bred Oldenburg Toronto Lightfoot (by Totilas x Onassis) were third with 73.315%.

“He was actually pretty electric but rideable, which I’ve been looking to find in the ring,” she said. “I wanted to add a little power and keep that softness, because I’ve worked really hard on building a relationship with him.” Davis has risen up the ranks and competed at Devon in FEI ponies, juniors, Young Riders, the small tour and Grand Prix. “Devon’s such a great, confidence builder for everybody to be able to go out in that ring and get the experience from ponies to Grand Prix riders. It’s just a great show.”

50th Anniversary of Dressage at Devon

With much to celebrate Devon delivered an action packed programme with educational seminars throughout the week, a Masterclass with Ingrid Klimke, and a parade of "Legends of Dressage at Devon", as well as a "Dance-Off"

During the CDI-W freestyle evening honoured more than 60 Legends of Devon—riders, owners, breeders, judges, volunteers, and supporters. It celebrated a half-century of dedication—horses that performed under the lights, breeders who shaped generations, and countless judges and volunteers who gave their time to make this event possible.

"Together, these men and women have carried Devon’s tradition from a fledgling horse show in the 1970s to one of the most prestigious equestrian events in North America. As the Legends entered the arena, the crowd rose to their feet with heartfelt applause, recognizing the decades of passion and commitment that shaped this iconic show," reported Mary Phelps, who was a long-time show photographer at Devon in the 1990s - early 2000s.

Dance Off

A crowd favorite for Friday evening was the third annual Dance-Off.

Adriane Alvord, Jim Koford, Shannon Stevens and Silva Martin dressed in outrageous costumes and were gunning for glory as they rode their horses to contemporary music in an unscripted freestyle under the lights in the Dixon Oval. Horse-and-rider combinations competed against one another but didn’t know the music ahead of time.

A panel of celebrity judges, including professional break dancers, George Williams and Janet Foy provided live commentary to determine the victor.

The battle consisted of two rounds and each round of battle resulted in a winner who returned for a final Battle Royale to determine 2025 Dance-Off champion.