Olympic hopefuls to compete at Devon

The open-jumping competition at the Devon Horse Show this year is scheduled to feature 14 riders who are vying for spots on the show-jumping team for the Olympics in London.

Among the riders are four Olympic or World Championship medal winners, and they are set to compete in two observation events that will decide the team.

Devon, which runs May 24 to June 3, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital and has donated more than $14 million in 10 decades.

Among the open jumpers are McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., and Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. Both have won two Olympic team gold medals and a World Championship team silver. Laura Kraut of Wellington, Fla., has won one Olympic team gold medal.

In all, 31 open jumping riders have qualified to show at Devon, including Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J. She has been the leading open-jumper rider at Devon for four of the last six years. Ward has won the Grand Prix at Devon six times.

The country fair at the show features shopping, food, contests, rides and special events. Tickets may be purchased at the box office on the grounds, by telephone at 610-688-2554 or online at www.devonhorseshow.org.

General admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Reserved grandstand tickets are available ranging from $12 to $55 depending on the performance.