Kelli Cruciotti and Chamonix H, winners of the 2015 Sapphire Grand Prix (Rebecca Walton/PhelpsSports.com)

Devon, Pa. - Promises made, promises kept. The 120th annual Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, to be held May 26 - June 5 at the historic show grounds, has taken a major step forward with FEI recognition and the sanctioning of the International/Open Jumpers at this year's show.

Celebrating the 120th anniversary year with the theme "Silver to Gold," the improvements and upgrades to the grounds that were promised last year have come to fruition.

The Devon Horse Show, "Where Champions Meet," will be offering added prize money and three exciting FEI CSI4* rated classes, beginning with the $50,000 Devon Welcome Stake on Tuesday night, May 31. The $40,000 Devon International Speed Stake takes center stage on Wednesday night, June 1. The show's biggest jolt is with the huge boost in the prize money in Devon's most popular class, the $225,000 Sapphire Grand Prix on Thursday night, June 2. That's a $125,000 jump in prize money in that class alone.

In addition, Devon will be offering National Open Jumper competition during the senior week of the show. The challenging courses this year will be designed by international British course designer, Kelvin Bywater.

The increased prize money and FEI recognition are only the beginning of the changes exhibitors and spectators will notice when they return to one of America's most popular equestrian showcases as more than $1 million has been spent in improvements since the end of last year's show.

"We are very excited for all that's happened since we wrapped up last year's Devon Horse Show," said Devon Horse Show Chairman Wayne Grafton. "We made a promise to improve the property, and we've come through with a number of vital improvements. All of this is comes in addition to the FEI designation which we are very energized about."

Some of those improvements include a complete refreshing of the show rings to improve the already outstanding footing.

A brand-new all-purpose building will house emergency medical services with the horse show, ticketing and sales offices and handicapped bathrooms on the first floor, as well as a second deck featuring suites, catering, a full-service bar and a view of both the Dixon Oval and the Gold Ring.

Not only has the 'front of the house' been upgraded, competitors will appreciate the improvements behind the scenes as well. In the Devon Horse Show barns, more than 220 of the permanent stalls have been completely reconstructed.

"We have expanded and improved Cyldesdale Corner," noted Devon Horse Show President Richard O'Donnell. "We're thrilled with the all new Anniversary Square. But, we're most excited about the increased prize money and the FEI recognition. We are hoping that this will give our top competitors added incentive to make their way to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair this year."

"In the end though, it's what we can do for our beneficiary, the Bryn Mawr Hospital that is most rewarding. This past year our donation to that fine facility was over a half a million dollars!"

We look forward to seeing you, "Where Champions Meet" this year.

For more information about the Devon Horse Show please click here.