The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Canada has been officially awarded to Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) in Langley, BC for a three-year term beginning in 2019.
Tbird held its first Nations Cup in 2016, and by 2018 was hosting CSIO 5* level competition. Widely considered one of the top venues in North America, the prestigious facility will continue to act as the site of the Canadian qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ for the next three years. In addition to the Senior Nations Cup, tbird will also host Young Rider, Junior, and Children’s Nations Cups. The 2019 edition will take place during the CSIO 5* Odlum Brown BC Open, set for May 28 to June 2.
“We are thrilled that the FEI has announced Thunderbird as the host site for Nations Cup competition in Canada moving forward,” said Jon Garner, Equestrian Canada Director of Sport. “Having hosted high performance competition for nearly 50 years, Thunderbird is well qualified to execute the Canadian leg of 2019–2021 Nations Cup competitions, facilitating top-quality sport for competitors and spectators alike.”
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Canada will be the last and deciding stop within the North American, Central American and Caribbean League, determining which two nations will earn a berth for the coveted annual championship. The series will culminate in 2019 at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final. The date and location of the Final will be determined and announced by the FEI in the near future.
“Next to the Olympics, the Nations Cup is the crown jewel of equestrian sport. It’s an honour and a thrill to host the final leg of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ North American, Central America & Caribbean League,” said Jane Tidball, President of Thunderbird Show Park.
“When my parents, George and Dianne Tidball, founded tbird 45 years ago, they envisioned a boutique horse show with exceptional service, top sport and an ongoing commitment to excellence. They always wanted our exhibitors and spectators to wonder what would be new at Thunderbird next year and it’s a legacy we’re proud to continue. With the Nations Cup returning for another three years, you can expect each BC Open tournament to be bigger and better than the last—my parents wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
To learn more about the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Series, click here. Further information on Thunderbird Show Park can be found at www.tbird.ca.
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