Newport native Talla shooting for Olympics

Newport Beach native Molly Talla will be one of 34 horse-rider pairs

competing for four spots on the United States equestrian team when

they compete in the Olympic show jumping selection trials Saturday

and Sunday.

The competition pits amateurs, like Talla, against professionals,

on a course that features a 15-foot water obstacle riders will

attempt to clear.

The four pairs with the fewest falls after three trials will make

the team that will travel to Athens, Greece, for this summer’s

Olympics.

Competition begins 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Oaks

Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. The grounds are located

near the intersection of Ortega Highway and La Pata Road in San Juan

Capistrano.

A one-day general admission ticket costs $15. Tickets can be

purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

There will be children’s activities and a rock climbing wall.