Canadian Competitions Dominate Top Three Spots in NARG Top 25 Horse Shows of 2015

Canadian Show Jumping competitions dominated the top three spots in the North American Riders Group (NARG) Top 25 Horse Shows of 2015.

Since 2010, NARG has been evaluating horse shows in North America and rating them based on a variety of factors, including footing, stabling, courses, prize money, technical aspects, ceremonies, and more.

Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, maintained its perfect track record, having held the number one spot every year since the initiative began.

The NARG Top 25 of 2015 report contained the following praise for Spruce Meadows:

It is a fact that the Summer Series and Masters at Spruce Meadows set the standard for the best tournaments in North America years before NARG started evaluating the Top 25 shows. With inordinate commitment, determination and passion to change the sport of show jumping in North America, four plus decades ago, Ron and Marg Southern took an empty feed lot and create a legacy. With the utmost respect, NARG honors the memory of both Ron Southern and Albert Kley, whose incredible impact on this sport will be felt for years to come.

 Holding down second place for the fifth year in a row was Thunderbird Show Park, a premier equestrian facility in Langley, BC, founded in 1973 by George and Diane Tidball. The 2015 NARG report highlighted Thunderbird’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, accommodating staff, and remarkable attention to detail in everything from the courses and footing to the VIP services and athlete amenities, including an abundance of trails and grazing areas.

Having been listed among the top five since 2013, The Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON enjoyed a boost into the top three in 2015. The NARG report complemented The Royal on the management’s willingness to invest in improvements, the ongoing mission to improve footing, and hailed the horse show as a “premier indoor event fit for a king.”

Also making it into the Top 25 for 2015, ranked at number 13, was the Royal West, an indoor competition that takes place in the heart of Calgary, AB each fall. Founded in 2014, the Royal West is organized and operated by Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ).

 For the full Top 25 for 2015 list, and further information on NARG, visit www.narg.org.