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Philip J. DeVita from Apopka, Florida has been managing the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic since 2015. A second-generation horseman, Phil has been involved with show horses for his entire life.
From the mid-1970s through the early 2000s he showed, competed, and trained at every level throughout The United States. Having an early interest in judging and course designing, he received his SEF judge’s license at age twenty and began designing courses at age twenty-three. Over the decade he spent less time riding and training and more time as a judge and course designer. Eventually, his path led him to become a full-time horse show official.
Phil has been involved as a show official with many types of events from smaller boutique shows like the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic to the Germantown Charity Horse Show, the American Royal, The Menlo Charity Horse Show, and The Charlotte Jumper Classic.
His long list of course designing credits includes The Winter Equestrian Festival, the ASPCA-Maclay finals at Madison Square Garden, and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where he was one of the only twelve-course designers selected that year. [Text Wrapping Break]
As a licensed official for USEF Phil holds an “R” in Hunters, Jumpers, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Hunter Breeding. For the FEI, he currently holds a 2* course designer license and an “I” FEI judge’s license. Even though his training days are behind him, he still enjoys teaching clinics for the USEF and USHJA.
When asked, Phil will say that t most satisfying part of his job is the “team effort” involved in producing every aspect of a show. He believes that the key to success is surrounding yourself with a talented team of individuals that work well together and complement each other’s skills. Phil is certainly a team player when it comes to the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic. He is available to us year-round throughout the planning process, is one of the first to arrive, the last to leave, and is on his feet longer than anyone every single day of our show. We are indeed very fortunate to have a seasoned professional and top show manager like Phil DeVita on our team!