Riders from 11 countries are expected for Dressage at Devon, which kicks off Tuesday, September 22 and runs through Sunday, September 27, 2009. Riders from Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Argentina, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Israel and the United States will compete for more than $50,000 in prize money and awards throughout the six-day show.

Olympians Lars Petersen and Ashley Holzer will try to repeat victories from previous years. Other riders to watch are Lauren Sammis and Sagacious HF, the recent winners of the CDI Freestyle at Saugerties; Todd Flettrich, who recently returned from training with Hubertus Schmidt; and Mikala Gundersen, also back from Europe after a successful summer show season. Plus George Williams and Christopher Hickey have entries in the small tour division. As usual, it promises to be a show-stopping event. Complete day sheets with all of the horses and riders, as well as the full schedule can be found at www.dressageatdevon.org.

Of course, don’t forget the shopping, exciting entertainment and unprecedented educational opportunities. It’s all for a good cause as it benefits Throncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., the oldest and largest therapeutic riding program in the nation.

The show opens at 8:00 a.m. each day at the historic Devon Horse Show Grounds off Route 30 on the Main Line.

September 22 marks the opening of Festival Area shops (shop early for best selection and bargains!), as well as numerous breed show classes and crowning Filly, Colt, Foal and Young Horse Champions. September 23 will feature exciting breed show classes; crowning Stallion, Mare and Grand Champions; Born in the USA Breeders’ Awards; and a forum with George Williams (ticketed event, includes dinner). September 24 includes individual breed classes; a Parade of Breeds; the USEF and FEI Young Horse Classes; and the Jog for the CDI horses. September 25 is Ladies Hat Day – all ladies arriving in fancy hats admitted free! The day will also feature numerous educational workshops included with ticket price, as well as Prix St. Georges; Grand Prix for Special; Grand Prix for Freestyle; and the Kids Corral opening in the afternoon. September 26 offers numerous educational workshops; Intermediaire I; the Kids Corral; and Grand Prix Freestyle. Sunday, September 27 is Family Day; adults arriving with a child under 12 will be admitted free. Sunday will also feature Mimosas on the Midway; the Grand Prix Special; and the Junior, Young Rider and Intermediaire I Freestyle.

General admission tickets are $8 and can be purchased online at www.dressageatdevon.org.