USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix trainer Devon Kane’s understanding of horses, superb work ethic, friendly personality, and love for dressage have helped her become a successful international competitor and trainer at Diamante Farms.
When Devon took her first dressage lesson as a young child, she immediately knew that dressage would be her passion. She was a junior-level rider when her parents, Dick and Terri Kane, bought Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida, in 2002. In 2007, Devon gave the world a glimpse of what to expect from her in the future by becoming a NAJYRC Individual Gold Medalist and Team Bronze Medalist. Devon has been unstoppable in the show ring ever since.
The talented rider spent well over a decade training with top professionals including Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt of Germany, Swedish Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Bo Jena, and United States Olympic Bronze Medalists Michelle Gibson and Debbie McDonald.
Devon and her self-trained horse Destiny earned the title of 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champions, and represented Team USA at the 2015 Nations Cup CDIO5* in Falsterbo, Sweden, where they finished in the ribbons in the Grand Prix Special and helped the U.S. claim fourth place. In 2016, Devon successfully introduced several of her self-trained young horses to the show ring, earning scores over 70 percent at the top horse show venues along the U.S. East Coast in the Intermediate A, Intermediate B, Small Tour, and young horse classes. She is now successfully competing horses in levels from Young Horse to CDI Grand Prix.
With extraordinary patience and ambition, Devon has proven her ability to train horses up through the levels of dressage. She rides up to 12 horses a day at Diamante Farms, using her talent and tactful riding to find each mount’s individual learning style and strengths.
Devon has been the Young Professionals Committee Chairperson for the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual auction and dinner for the past seven years, helping in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit riders with disabilities.
Devon and Destiny
Devon and Destiny have become a well-known duo in the dressage community. The Danish-bred gelding Destiny (by Diamond Hit, out of Midt-West Regina— Rubenstein) has been with Devon for nearly seven years. With Destiny, Devon has had incredible success in the show ring and in becoming a truly remarkable trainer. Even so, it’s not Destiny’s talent but his quirky, loving personality that Devon likes best about her equine partner.
“He likes people a lot more than horses… He’s not a horse fan. He would much rather go home with me and sit on my sofa than stay in the barn.” Devon laughs. “He doesn’t like turnout because he doesn’t like to be by himself. He’d much rather just walk around with his person.”
Destiny was referred to as “a dragon” when he first came to Diamante Farms as a hot-tempered four-year-old. Devon has transformed her fire-breathing beast into a Grand Prix champion since then, but he still has his “dragon” moments. He’s also extremely quirky. “He only goes into the washrack one way, and it’s different depending on which washrack you’re in. If you try to make him turn the way he doesn’t want to, he stops and stands there until you just let him go the opposite way.” Devon says. “Some of the quirks we give in to, but sometimes I say, ‘Okay that’s a little ridiculous… you have to be a horse.’” She jokes. “I love his personality. He’s just the sweetest. He can be a little bit of a challenge sometimes, but mostly he’s just a love. He always wants to cuddle and come hang out.”
Unbridled with Devon Kane
Devon Kane is a USDF gold medalist and Grand Prix trainer. After rising successfully through the ranks of Young Riders to international Grand Prix, Devon has become an in-demand clinician and trainer. She is the head trainer of Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida. Devon has earned the title of 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champion, and spent this summer earning scores over 70 percent with her young horses at prestigious shows along the U.S. eastern coast.
Do you have a “lucky” item of clothing that you wear at horse shows?
I have several pairs of “lucky socks” that are all a little crazy and have been given to me by different friends and family. I always wear a stock tie pin that was given to me on my 16th birthday by my first FEI trainer, Michelle
Gibson. I also wear a particular pair of pearl earrings that my Dad gave me many, many years ago.
What’s your favorite charity or non-profit organization?
Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. I love the work the organization does to change peoples’ lives, and the charity is run by some of my favorite people who have only others’ best interest at heart.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and why?
The barn is my happy place, especially early in the morning and late at night when there are no other humans around and it’s just me and the horses. Otherwise, I could be anywhere surrounded by family and/or good
friends: home, beach, vacationing … It’s who I’m with, not where I am that makes me smile!
What’s one of the best parts of instructing a clinic?
Meeting new people and new horses and being able to make a difference in their training and partnerships. I like to think I can help riders a lot by working with their position and communication with the horse.
Besides horses, what are your hobbies?
Outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, exploring new places, being at the beach, throwing a football around; sports — I love to watch basketball, football and the Olympics; reading for sure. I read everything from murder mysteries to literature to novels to history; traveling; shopping; and learning new things.
What’s your favorite movie?
“Gone With the Wind,” “Boondock Saints” and documentaries.
What’s your favorite saddle?
Custom Saddlery’s Everest
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl, but I can pull off a happy morning with coffee!
What’s your favorite country to visit?
I love Germany.
Describe your horse training philosophy in three words.
Relationship, correct repetition, reward. One word could sum it up — basics.
What’s your favorite trait in a person?
Good humor and positivity
What’s one talent that you wish you had?
I wish I could play tennis … It seems so fun and social, but I hit the ball like a baseball. Maybe I’ll take lessons in my spare time, when I find some!
What experience level(s) of horses and riders do you like working with in your clinics?
I like working with all levels. My favorite type of combination to work with is one that needs help working through a specific issue, or someone who’s ready to learn something new. It’s fulfilling to help any level rider overcome an obstacle or get to the next level.
