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High marks for Langley's Thunderbird Show Park

Family-operated facility ranked second in North America among show jumping venues
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Langley's Thunderbird Show Park was ranked second on the list of top 25 show jumping venues in North America. The 85-acre facility is owned and operated by the Tidball family, from left: Jane, Laura, George and Laura Jane Tidball.

Thunderbird Show Park has earned some top marks.

The local equestrian facility was ranked second on the list of the top 25 show jumping venues in North America.

The list was revealed by the North American Riders Group at its annual meeting held on Jan. 31 in Wellington, Fla.

Earning top spot was Calgary's Spruce Meadows.

More than 50 horse shows across North America were evaluated using eight sets of criteria, including footing, stabling and marketing.

Thunderbird Show Park earned a total score of 83 per cent.

"We are thrilled, honoured and humbled," said Jane Tidball, president and tournament director at Thunderbird Show Park.

Thunderbird, which is family owned and operated, is celebrating its 39th anniversary this year.

It was founded by George and Dianne Tidball.

The Tidballs were inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing their commitment to the sport of equestrian.

Their vision for Thunderbird Show Park has been a driving force in the growth of the industry in B.C.

For George, who also holds a place within the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame as the founder of the Keg Steakhouse & Bar, the founding principle behind Thunderbird was always a simple one.

"We treat visitors to the Park like guests we've invited into our own home," he said.

"Our vision is to showcase every aspect of our sport," Jane Tidball said.

"We celebrate the horse, strive for excellent competition in all breeds and disciplines, and throw in a whole lot of west coast hospitality."

Thunderbird Show Park will host six major hunter and jumper tournaments this year, including three sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and will offer more than $800,000 in prize money.

The facility is situated on 85-acrres and features six competition rings, five warm-up rings and three indoor arenas.