Springtime has marked the return of popular equestrian races in Chester County, from Devon and Brandywine Hills to Winterthur and Willowdale, writes Jen Samuel for The Daily Local News. 

The Willowdale Steeplechase will return to the Brandywine Valley on May 11 in East Marlborough. This will be the race’s 31st-anniversary run, and will benefit the Stroud Water Research Center and Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. 

“Charging through the air over challenging obstacles on 1,000 pounds of Thoroughbred — what excitement,” said Dixon Stroud, founder and chairman for the Willowdale Steeplechase. “Combine that with a clear view of the racecourse, surrounded by friends, that is the Willowdale Steeplechase.” 

Meanwhile, the 46th annual Winterthur Point-to-Point Steeplechase took place last week in Kennett Township. It was attended by horses from the entire Tri-State region. The proceeds will support the preservation and protection of the Winterthur Garden and its surroundings. 

Another equestrian event — the oldest Point-to-Point in the Delaware Valley — that supports the preservation happened early last month. The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, which benefits the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, returned to Myrick Conservation Center in Pocopson for its 81st iteration. 

There are more events to come as May continues.

Read more about the equestrian races in Chester County in The Daily Local News. 

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