News
17.08.26 | Keith Takes the Time & the Win in CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix
In a sport were speed reigns supreme, Kassidy Keith is finding that sometimes the fastest way to win is to take your foot off the gas. Piloting her longtime partner Havana, the Langley native logged the winning time of 42.31 seconds in Sunday’s CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix 1.50m at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort […]
17.08.26 | Tidball & MacGyver Crack the Code to Grand Prix Victory
Sometimes the most challenging puzzles yield the sweetest solutions. That was the case for Laura Jane Tidball and MacGyver on Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort Classic. In a victory that felt scripted, the pair found the key to Olaf Petersen Jr. demanding 1.40m track in the National Grand Prix, using a bit of […]
17.08.26 | Chernoff Turns It On in U25 1.40m Grand Prix
Stella Chernoff is trending in the U25 division. One week after piloting Lady Cassini 3 to victory in the U25 1.40m Grand Prix, the recent Queen’s University graduate returned to Thunderbird Show Park’s Fort Grand Prix Arena and did it all over again—this time aboard Hippy Boy D’Azur in the U25 1.40m Grand Prix, protected […]
16.08.26 | Movin’ on Up: Chawke & Nandos S Claim CSI3* Winning Round
For James Chawke and the 8-year-old gelding Nandos S, the climb up the ranks has been swift—and successful. One week after stepping up to the 1.40m height for the first time and winning the Bradon Equestrian National Grand Prix at the Summer Fort Welcome, Chawke and the promising gelding returned to Thunderbird Show Park for […]
14.08.26 | Con Amore Delivers First International Win at tbird
Con Amore is Spanish for “With Love.” But Francisco Lomelin’s fiery gelding by the same name brought something else entirely to Thursday’s CSI3* YETI Challenge 1.40m at Thunderbird Show Park: a need for speed. The Mexican rider piloted the 8-year-old Polish-bred gelding to a decisive victory in the CSI3* Summer Fort Classic, clocking a jump-off […]
14.08.26 | Queen of the Derby Ring: Nicole Bourgeois Continues Unbeaten Run with Vino Bianco
If there’s a hunter derby at Thunderbird Show Park this summer, Nicole Bourgeois is the one to beat. And this week, she proved it once again. The Oregon-based professional continued her unparalleled run of form at tbird, capturing the $25,000 tbird USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Vino Bianco at tbird’s Summer Fort Classic. Bourgeois has […]
14.08.26 | Seamless from the Start: New Partnerships Shine in Country Lane Farm USHJA National Hunter Derbies
Some partnerships take a short time to build a strong connection. That was the story in the combined Grand Hunter Ring and Dina Happy Hunter Arena at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort Classic, as two relatively fresh horse-and-rider combinations delivered veteran performances to capture the Open and Jr/Am divisions of the $6,500 Country Lane Farm […]
10.08.26 | Fourth Annual #WeRideTogether Classic Wraps with Wins, Community, and Purpose
The fourth annual #WeRideTogether Open Jumper Classic drew over 100 entries at Thunderbird Show Park, delivering thrilling competition, generous purses, and a powerful message of change. With 104 entries competing across two heights, the event once again proved that every ride can be a step toward healthier, more compassionate sport. Harlan Veil Phillips, riding Happy […]
10.08.26 | Building for the Future: Chawke & Nandos S Capture Milestone Win in Bradon Equestrian National Grand Prix
James Chawke piloted the 8-year-old Nandos S to victory in the Bradon Equestrian National Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park’ Summer Fort Welcome. The win marks a milestone for the promising gelding, who moved up to the 1.40m height for the very first time this week. Eight combinations cracked the code to course designer Peter […]
10.08.26 | Chernoff & Lady Cassini 3 Race to U25 1.40m Grand Prix Win
If Tate McRae needed a muse for her chart-topping anthem “Sports Car,” she need look no further than Lady Cassini 3. The 10-year-old mare lived up to her theme song in Sunday’s U25 1.40m Grand Prix, protected by Western Pacific Emergency Response, at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort Welcome, leaving the competition in her rearview […]
9.08.26 | Two Classes, Two Wins: Kyle King Sweeps Saturday at CSI3* Summer Fort Welcome
Kyle King made it a double double. The new Canadian captured his second international win of the day at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort Welcome, piloting his “heart horse” to victory in the $75,000 Steel Craft Doors CSI3* Grand Prix on Saturday. Fresh off his win in the JustWorld International Winning Round 1.45m earlier in […]
9.08.26 | ‘This is Home’: Kyle King Earns First International Win as Canadian
Over the past three decades, the national anthem has echoed across the Fort Grand Prix arena for Kyle King countless times at tbird. On Saturday, for the first time, it was the stately tones of O’Canada piping through the loudspeakers for the recently minted Canuck. Less than two months after officially switching his nationality from […]
7.08.26 | Prime Location: Bourgeois & Vino Bianco Top Amy Brattebo Real Estate Derby
In real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. In the hunter derby ring at the Summer Fort Welcome, it was all about rotation, rotation, rotation for Nicole Bourgeois. The Oregon‑based professional brought four mounts forward in the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Hunt and Go Derby Open 3’6″ on Thursday, riding all four to […]
7.08.26 | 40.74 Seconds of Pure Stan: Rufer & Stern dei Folletti Steal the Win in Heavy Metal Equipment 1.50m
Karrie Rufer’s slow start delivered speedy returns in the CSI3* Heavy Metal Equipment 1.50m jump off at Thunderbird Show Park’s Summer Fort Welcome on Thursday. Rufer and her longtime partner Stern dei Folletti—affectionately known as “Stan”—calmly sauntered into the middle of the Fort Grand Prix Arena on foot with her longtime groom, Cristofer Mendoza, and […]
6.07.26 | The Statesman Makes His Case in Odlum Brown Grand Prix
James Brennan (IRL) and The Statesman—better known around the barn as “Sleepy Joe”—stormed to victory in the $20,000 Odlum Brown Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park’s Western Family on Sunday, securing the biggest win yet of their budding partnership. Seven pairs found a clear path around Ben Townley’s 1.40m course to advanced to the jump-off. […]
6.07.26 | Bourgeois & Brennan Take Top Honours in Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Classes
The Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Series continues to be a cornerstone of developing show jumping talent at Thunderbird Show Park, offering breeders, trainers, and prospective buyers a premier showcase of the industry’s most promising prospects. Since 2019, Crooks Show Jumping—led by Washington-based grand prix rider Lauren Crooks-Brennan and her husband James Brennan—has sponsored the […]
3.07.26 | Mc Queen’s Gambit: Win Streak Continues at tbird
Mc Queen’s gambit paid off. One round, one win—the chestnut KWPN mare followed her blockbuster victory in last week’s Foxstone Stables USHJA International Derby during the West Coast Classic with another triumph at this week’s Western Family, topping Thursday’s tbird Open Canadian Hunter Derby Hunt & Go 3’6″ with a score of 183. The Hunt […]
3.07.26 | Paddington Leaves His Mark in Jr/Am/Green Canadian Hunter Derby
Georgia Hunt (CAN) and Paddington brought more than the bare necessities to the Jr/Am/Green Canadian Hunter Derby at Thunderbird Show Park’s Western Family on Thursday, posting a commanding score of 193 to secure the win in the 55-horse field. Katrina Klimach (CAN) and A’int He Special finished second with a score of 187, while Isabella […]
29.06.26 | Mc Queen Rules Foxstone Stables USHJA International Derby
All hail the queen! Nicole Bourgeois and Mc Queen reigned supreme in Sunday’s $50,000 Foxstone Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby 3’6″, commanding the class with a two-round total of 380 to take top honours at Thunderbird Show Park’s West Coast Classic. Bourgeois guided the Dutch warmblood mare to a dominant victory, finishing 11 points ahead […]
28.06.26 | Encanto Enchants in Country Lane Farm USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby
Let’s talk about Bruno! Chelsea Brittner (CAN) and Encanto (aka “Bruno”) put on an encore performance in the 3′ Country Lane Farm Open USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby—and rode to a decisive repeat win, topping the 59-horse field by nearly 10 points. In May, Brittner and the flashy gelding won the titular derby in […]
28.06.26 | Morricone Strikes the Right Chord in 1.25m ‘Seize the Day’ Derby
Bryna Closson (USA) composed a winning track aboard Morricone in the 1.25m ‘Seize the Day’ Speed Derby, held in memory of Vicki Gourlay, Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park’s West Coast Classic. In a tight finish that saw the top three separated by less than a second, Closson and the 9-year-old gelding—who goes by “Ennio” in […]
28.06.26 | “Chill Dude” Twingo-Star JW VD Moerhoeve Rises to the Occasion in Langley Grand Prix 1.40m
Chill dude. That’s how Kendall Bourgeois (USA) describes Twingo-Star JW VD Moerhoeve—better known as Tommy around the barn. But don’t be fooled by his laidback “here to graze” demeanor in the prize giving. When he crossed the start timers for Saturday’s Langley Grand Prix 1.40m presented by Costa Palmas at Thunderbird Show Park, the seven-year-old […]
1.06.26 | Patience, Partnership, and Passion: Why Odlum Brown & Thunderbird Show Park Are a Perfect Match
For a decade now, independent investment firm Odlum Brown has been a Premier Partner of Thunderbird Show Park and the Title Sponsor of the Odlum Brown BC Open. On the surface, a wealth management firm and an equestrian show jumping venue might seem like unlikely partners. Look closer, and the parallels are impossible to miss. […]
1.06.26 | ¡Viva Mexico! Winkler Delivers Double Clear to Clinch Nations Cup Win
The cheers came first. Then the jumping, the hugging, the back-slapping. As Mexico’s anchor rider Alejandro Winkler landed safely over the final vertical, delivering the clear round his team needed to win the CSIO4* Nations Cup at Thunderbird Show Park, the Mexican contingent erupted on the kiss and cry. Winkler had done it. Mexico had […]
31.05.26 | Swail Strikes Again: Seventh Series Win Caps Emotional Uryadis Village Grand Prix
Conor Swail struck again. The Irish rider captured his seventh international victory of tbird’s spring series—and arguably his most meaningful yet—winning the CSI2* Uryadis Village Grand Prix 1.45m on Saturday at the Odlum Brown BC Open. Piloting the 11-year-old KWPN mare Kazelli VDL (Arezzo VDL x Indoctro), Swail delivered a double-clear performance that pushed his […]
31.05.26 | Willis & For Dilando PS “Do Enough” in CSIO4* Table A 1.50m
Rowan Willis galloped through the timers in Saturday’s CSIO4* Table A 1.50m—and grimaced. First to go in the five-horse jump-off at Thunderbird Show Park’s Odlum Brown BC Open, the Australian rider had just laid down a clear round in 43.67 seconds aboard For Dilando PS. But he didn’t think the time would hold. “I had […]
30.05.26 | King & Replay Touch van de Stapelheyde Win by a Nose in CSIO4* Grand Prix
Kyle King passed on buying Replay Touch van de Stapelheyde the first time. But he didn’t pass up their first chance to win an international Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park. King and the 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Vannan x Narew XX) made their CSIO4* Grand Prix debut at the Odlum Brown BC Open. Friday’s feature […]
29.05.26 | Brandon Writes Her Own Chapter in Country Lane Farm USHJA Jr/Am National Derby
In the world of romantic fiction, Nicholas Sparks is famous for unforgettable love stories. At Thunderbird Show Park, Olivia Brandon wrote a winning script of her own in the Grand Hunter Arena. Brandon, a first-year medical student at the University of Washington, rode The Lucky One (named after Sparks’ 2008 novel and its heartthrob protagonist, Logan) […]
29.05.26 | Unstoppable Swail Makes It Six
Conor Swail cannot be stopped. The Irish rider picked up his sixth international win in just 9 days at Thunderbird Show Park, this time piloting Kazelli VDL to victory in the CSI2* 1.45m Friends of tbird Qualifier at the Odlum Brown BC Open. The victory marked Swail’s first repeat win of tbird’s spring series. Aboard […]
29.05.26 | Second Derby, First Win: Chelsea Brittner & Encanto Capture Country Lane Farm USHJA National Derby Hunt & Go
In just his second start in a derby ring, Encanto proved he’s a quick study. The striking gelding, piloted by Chelsea Brittner, topped the 3′ Country Lane Farm Open USHJA National Derby Hunt & Go at the Odlum Brown BC Open with a winning score of 175.5. It was one step up from his April […]
28.05.26 | “It’s Always Fun to Beat Conor”: Moylan Edges Swail in 4* Table A
Gavin Moylan knew exactly what—and who—stood between him and victory in the CSIO4* Table A 1.45m at the Odlum Brown BC Open. Watching from the in-gate, he saw Irishman Conor Swail lay down another characteristically quick jump-off round. Then Moylan and Anton 869 went one better. “It’s always fun to beat Conor,” Moylan said with […]
28.05.26 | A Name Written in the Ribbons: Philippa Melski & Remington Win Forest Edge Farm USHJA International Derby
Philippa Melski piloted the newly converted Remington to victory in the Forest Edge Farm USHJA International Derby 3’6″ during the Odlum Brown BC Open at Thunderbird Show Park. It was a performance that seemed preordained by name and nature alike. Melski, whose name derives from the ancient Greek Philippos—a combination of philos (“lover” or “friend”) and hippos (“horse”)—proved the […]
28.05.26 | Swail Does It Again — Fifth International Victory in Eight Days
Sometimes a horse-and-rider pair gets on a hot streak. And sometimes, the rider is the hot streak. Case in point: Conor Swail. The Irish show jumping sensation delivered yet another masterful win in Wednesday’s CSIO4* Nations Welcome Qualifier, piloting Casturano to the top of the leaderboard and securing his fifth international victory in eight days […]
28.05.26 | King & Ninja BF Make All the Right Moves in 2* Welcome
Ninja BF jumped his first ever international class on Wednesday in the CSI2* Welcome 1.40m—and promptly collected his first international win. Piloted by Kyle King (USA), the pair stopped the timers on Peter Holmes’ speed track in 65.29 seconds to win the first international class of the Odlum Brown BC Open at Thunderbird Show Park. […]
25.05.26 | The Conor Swail Show Continues in CSI4* Grand Prix
It was Conor Swail week at tbird. And he saved the best drama for last. The Irishman closed out the CSI4*/2* Canadian Premier at Thunderbird Show Park with his fourth victory of the week—this time aboard the spectacular 10-year-old Clonterm Obolensky in the CSI4* Grand Prix 1.55m, the week’s feature event. But the win was […]
24.05.26 | “She Can Win Every Class”: Betker Blazes to U25 Win on Kristalstar
“She’s so talented that she can win every class you enter,” said Sloane Betker after piloting Kristalstar to a decisive victory in the Western Pacific Emergency Response U25 1.40m, supported by Costa Palma’s, at the tbird’s Canadian Premier. “It’s just whether I ride well enough that day.” On Sunday, Betker rode well enough—and then some. […]
24.05.26 | Murray Followed Cortofino’s Lead — and Won the Amy Brattebo Hunt & Go
When Kenda Murray took over the reins of Cortofino from Mikayla Brabant last year, her sights were set on the low junior/amateur jumpers. Then the grey Hanoverian gelding took a shine to another ring… “The plan at the very beginning was to do the 1.20 jumpers on him,” Murray said, who made her debut with […]
24.05.26 | Horn Writes Comeback Story in CSI2* Grand Prix
Susan Horn said she’s out of practice after being sidelined by surgery, but you’d never know it from the way she streaked around the jump-off on Saturday. In a dramatic comeback, the Canadian rider piloted Chacca Keeps II to victory in the CSI2* Grand Prix, shaving more than a second off the leading time to […]
23.05.26 | Jones & Casirado 3 Race to First International Win in 4* Winning Round
Clear efforts were hard come by in the second round of Saturday’s CSI4* Winning Round. Ten pairs chartered a clear path in the first round of Gregory Bodo’s 1.45m course, but only one—Charlie Jones and Casirado 3—managed to repeat the feat. The British rider and 11-year-old Holsteiner stallion (Casall x Diarado) stopped the timers in […]
23.05.26 | James Chawke & Daido van’t Ruytershof Z Claim CSI4* Qualifier
Call it Chawke Value: James Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z saved the best for last in Friday’s CSI4* Qualifier—to no one’s surprise. Winning is what they do in the Fort Grand Prix ring. Six pairs advanced to the short course over Gregory Bodo’s 1.50m track. First to return, Canada’s Amy Millar and Jagger HX […]
22.05.26 | Three, Two, Won: Amanda Sinnett & Connecticut Build to U25 Victory
Amanda Sinnett and her trusted partner Connecticut have been knocking at the door of a U25 win at Thunderbird Show Park since last fall. They closed the 2025 season with a pair of third place finishes at tbird’s Harvest Celebration and started 2026 with a trio of second place finishes at the April Season Opener. […]
22.05.26 | Swail Steals Third International Win of Week in 4* Challenger
Canada’s Nicole Walker and Excellent B set an early standard in Thursday’s feature four-star competition. But the rider dominating Thunderbird Show Park’s international ring this week had other plans. First of six pairs to return for Gregory Bodo’s short course in the CSI4* Challenge 1.45m, Walker and her veteran partner put down a speedy double […]
21.05.26 | Swail and Kazelli VDL Are Head of the Class in 2* Qualifier
Gregory Bodo’s testing 1.45m track asked some tough questions, and one pair came up with all the right answers. Conor Swail produced the only double-clear round of the day to capture victory in the 2* Qualifier 1.45m at Thunderbird Show Park’s Canadian Premier on Thursday, piloting the talented Kazelli VDL to the top of the […]
21.05.26 | Adding Up to Victory: Swail and Theo 160 Claim CSI4* 1.45m
In most speed rounds, victory is found where riders dare to leave out strides. Conor Swail and his longtime partner Theo 160 took a different route—they added them. And still won. The Irish veteran and his 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding stopped the clock at 61.73 seconds in Thursday’s CSI4* Table A 1.45m, edging Canada’s Amy Millar […]
20.05.26 | 0.02 Seconds Decides It: Luzardo Edges Swail in Razor-Thin 2* Welcome Finish
Uruguay’s Juan Manuel Luzardo arrived in Langley, BC less than 24 hours before the start of Thunderbird Show Park’s Canadian Premier, but needed no time to find his bearings in the CSI2* Welcome 1.40m. Aboard the fleet-footed Guizmo du Riou, Luzardo stopped the clock on the Gregory Bodo-designed speed course at 58.93 seconds—edging tbird veteran […]
20.05.26 | Balderston Makes U25 Debut a Winning One
George Balderston announced his arrival on the U25 circuit in dramatic fashion Wednesday. The Sexsmith, Alta., rider piloted Galahad to victory in the Western Pacific Emergency Response U25 1.35m, supported by Costa Palma’s, at Thunderbird Show Park’s CSI2*/4* Canadian Premier. It was his U25 debut—and a razor-thin margin at the finish. The highly competitive division […]
27.04.26 | Hometown Favourite’s Rail Hands tbird Grand Prix to Australia’s Rowan Willis
In a thrilling showdown in the sand tbird Arena on the final day of the Spring Festival, Australia’s Rowan Willis captured the $10,000 tbird Grand Prix, but not before hometown star Kassidy Keith left the crowd gasping with the fastest jump-off round of the day — undone by a single rail. Willis piloted For Dilando […]
26.04.26 | “Handier and Handier”: Molly Graham & Cornaidy Capture Country Lane Farm USHJA National Derby
Molly Graham piloted Cornaidy to victory in the $2,500 Country Lane Farm USHJA 3′ Open National Hunt & Go Derby on Saturday of the Spring Festival, posting a winning score of 181 to top a competitive field at Thunderbird Show Park. Chelsea Brittner and Encanto finished second with a score of 177, while Sara Petersen […]
25.04.26 | Perfect Mare, Perfect Round: Epp & BP Lady Masterpiece Take Crooks Young Horse 1.30m
Tracey Epp (CAN) piloted the newly imported Irish Sport Horse mare BP Lady Masterpiece to a convincing win in the Crooks Young Horse 1.30m section on Friday of the Spring Festival at Thunderbird Show Park, stopping the clock at 35.85 seconds. American rider Travis Root and Champ finished second with four faults in 36.15, while […]
25.04.26 | “She’s So Gutsy”: Gareth Graves’ Homebred O’Maryanne Blazes to Crooks Young Horse Win
LANGLEY, BC – Gareth Graves (CAN) piloted his homebred mare O’Maryanne (“Annie”) to a commanding victory in the Crooks Young Horse 1.20m section at Thunderbird Show Park’s Spring Festival on Friday, stopping the clock at 34.75 seconds—more than four seconds faster than the runners-up. Alicia Gadban-Henaut (CAN) on Talk Talk de Longchamps Z finished second […]
25.04.26 | Team Country Lane Dominates tbird Hunter Teams Hunt & Go Derby
LANGLEY, BC – Six teams stepped forward to contest the tbird Hunt & Go Derby Teams Challenge at the Spring Festival, but it was Team Country Lane—aka “Team Tried Our Best”—that stole the show, posting a winning team total of 450 points. Trained by Channay Lloyd, the squad featured twins Doris and Gia Zhang, both […]
20.04.26 | Kassidy Keith Wins Maui Jim Grand Prix – and Keeps the Sunglasses in the Family
They came to tbird with something to prove. Kassidy Keith and Havana won the Grand Prix at the April Season Opener in 2022, 2023 and 2024, but last year—despite posting the fastest time—a single rail dropped them to third. This week, the local favourites returned to the tbird Arena. And reclaimed their title! Keith and […]
19.04.26 | Epp & Heartvit ZH Soar to Victory in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Derby, Again
Tracey Epp and the striking Czech Warmblood stallion Heartvit ZH are no strangers to the winner’s circle in the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Open 3’6″ Canadian Derby series. At this week’s April Season Opener, they started the 2026 season the same way they did in 2025—with a win. The pair cleared four of the five […]
19.04.26 | Sloane Betker’s ‘Perfect’ U25 Sweep
Sloane Betker made it a clean sweep of the Western Pacific Emergency Response U25 division, supported by Costa Palmas, this week at tbird’s April Season Opener. But her biggest victory came from learning to stop chasing perfection. Betker capped off an extraordinary U25 week on Saturday, piloting Indiana II to victory in the Western Pacific […]
20.03.26 | A New Era, Same Mission: Thunderbird Show Park Announces Historic Ownership Transition
Thunderbird Show Park (“tbird”), a cornerstone of Canadian equestrian sport for 53 years, announces a historic transition in ownership. The Tidball family—whose visionary stewardship has guided the world-class venue since 1973—is passing ownership to the Mathesons, another local family deeply rooted in Langley’s business and sporting communities. This transition marks a new era built on […]
18.08.25 | Tiffany Foster & Electrique Bring the Heat in CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix
Tiffany Foster (CAN) knows as well as anyone that it’s not over until the last horse crosses the timers in show jumping. Fortune played in her favour Sunday in the $75,000 CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix 1.50m to close the Summer Fort Classic at Thunderbird Show Park, and she successfully took home the win aboard […]
18.08.25 | Carly Stevens Rocks Solaris U25 with Springsteen
Four years ago, Carly Stevens (CAN) took a shot at producing a young horse, and on Sunday of the Summer Fort Classic, her hard work paid its biggest dividend yet. She and the horse, 7-year-old Springsteen, topped the $20,000 Solaris U25, presented by MarBill Hill U25 and protected by Western Pacific Emergency. Springsteen was only […]
11.08.25 | Record Entries Ride in Support of Healthy Sport
The annual #WeRideTogether Open Classic returned to Thunderbird Show Park on Sunday of the Summer Fort Welcome, inviting nearly 120 entries to compete in support of healthy sport. “We are thrilled to return to tbird for our third annual #WeRideTogether fundraising event,” said Michaela Callie, #WeRideTogether Executive Director. “This year, our intention was to make […]
11.08.25 | James Chawke Takes Command of Steel-Craft Doors CSI3* Grand Prix
James Chawke set out to win the $75,000 Steel-Craft Doors CSI3* Grand Prix at the Summer Fort Welcome one way or another. He had the first and last say aboard his two mounts and ended up bookending the podium, capturing first with Daido Van’t Ruytershof Z and third with Nacara Van Berkenbroeck Z. As lead […]
10.08.25 | Hayley Mercer & Crown Royal Keep the Wins Coming in MarBill Hill U25
Hometown hero Hayley Mercer (CAN) is a perennial favourite in U25 competition, particularly with her longtime partner Crown Royal (aka “Gavin”). After nearly 10 years together, the pair knows exactly what to do over a tougher track and in good company come jump-off time. On Sunday, they put their relationship on display in the 2025 […]
7.07.25 | The Kassidy Keith & Havana Origin Story
Kassidy Keith and Havana are one of tbird’s most winning combinations. Developed by Keith since age five, since age five, the now 13-year-old mare is lethal at the 1.40m height with the Langley local in the stirrups, jumping clear at a 59% clip in international competition (Jumpr stats). At the national level, they’ve won no […]
30.06.25 | 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kassidy Keith’s Havana
Local favourites Kassidy Keith and Havana are familiar faces in the victory gallop at Thunderbird Show Park—this Sunday included. Langley’s resident speed specialists topped a two-horse jump off to claim victory in the 1.40m Langley Grand Prix at the West Coast Classic. But, it’s just one of many tbird titles for this pair. Under the […]
29.06.25 | Horse Spotlight: Grazie
Defending champions Justin Prather and Grazie reclaimed their title in the 1.25m ‘Seize the Day’ Speed Derby, in memory of Vicki Gourlay, Saturday at the West Coast Classic. We caught up with the Calgary, Alberta-native to learn more about their partnership. Tell us about Grazie! She’s a sassy mare. She’s funny. I actually don’t ride […]
2.06.25 | Irish Dream Team Brings Home Third Consecutive Nations Cup Win
For Irish team members Conor Swail, brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle and their cousin Christian Coyle, competing together on a team representing their home nation was a pipe dream. On Sunday, it became a reality. And reality was better than any of them dreamed. If you’re choosing your fighters for Nations Cup action, three Coyles […]
1.06.25 | McKayla Langmeier Makes tbird Debut Count
Twenty-five-year-old McKayla Langmeier will make her senior Nations Cup team debut at Thunderbird Show Park on Sunday and she’s riding into it hot off a win. Saturday’s $31,100 CSIO4* Uryadi’s Village 1.50m saw nine of the original starters advance to the jump-off. Ireland’s Jordan Coyle and Conor Swail opted to skip the jump-off with their […]
1.06.25 | Gulf’s Emir Captures Career First Grand Prix Win
Owner Greg Tomb had plenty to celebrate Saturday at the CSIO4*/2* Odlum Brown BC Open. Tomb rang in his birthday at Thunderbird Show Park and the first Grand Prix win for his horse, Gulf’s Emir, in the $31,100 CSI2* Grand Prix 1.45m. Third to return for Peter Holmes’ short course and piloted by USA’s Kyle […]
31.05.25 | Another Incredible Win for Daniel Coyle
If he keeps winning, we’re going to run out of ways to use “Incredible” in a sentence to describe Daniel Coyle’s lovely, and yes, incredibly successful partner over the past two weeks at Thunderbird Show Park. Friday afternoon the pair topped a five-horse jump-off in the CSI4* Grand Prix, just ahead of fellow Irishman Conor […]
30.05.25 | Kara Chad Reigns Supreme with Double Victory at Odlum Brown BC Open
Kara Chad (CAN) continued her winning streak on Thursday at the Odlum Brown BC Open, adding the CSI2* $31,100 Friends of tbird 1.45m title to her earlier victory—this time aboard the 8-year-old Chicago. Though it marked her first time winning two ranking classes in one day, Chad wasn’t surprised by the Anglo European gelding’s rapid […]
30.05.25 | Corinna Z Is a Homegrown Winner
Kara Chad (CAN) had been chasing a four-star win since arriving in Langley for the Canadian Premier where she finished runner up in two CSI4* classes. On Thursday at the Odlum Brown BC Open, she seized it. Partnered with Corinna Z, Chad was one of eight clears in the CSIO4* $31,100 Fobi 1.45m. Returning last […]
30.05.25 | Ashley Arnoldt & Light My Fire Light Up USHJA Int’l Hunter Derby
Ashley Arnoldt has found her heart horse in Light My Fire, affectionately known as “Lenny.” Their deep connection paid off Thursday with a decisive win in the $25,000 Forest Edge Farm USHJA International Hunter Derby. Arnoldt, a three-time champion of the Canadian Hunter Derby Series, drew on her extensive experience with the 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion […]
29.05.25 | Horse Power: Farrel
Often when a horse disappears from the international ring for four years, you’ve seen the last of it. Daniel Coyle even thought that was the case when Farrel, a horse that carried him to numerous top results as just a 9-year-old, was sidelined by injury in 2020. But Farrel wasn’t done yet. The now 15-year-old […]
29.05.25 | Daniel Coyle Takes Odlum Brown BC Open by Storm
Daniel Coyle (IRL) was the rider to beat at last week’s Canadian Premier CSI4* at Thunderbird Show Park. Now, he’s proving to be yet again at the Odlum Brown BC Open, emerging victorious on the aptly named Incredible in Wednesday’s CSIO4* $31,100USD Nations Welcome Qualifier 1.50m. Set a speed format, the class welcomed top contenders […]
28.05.25 | The Nations Cup Returns to tbird’s Odlum Brown BC Open! Here’s Who & What to Watch
For the second week in a row, Thunderbird Show Park is set to host CSI4* competition, welcoming a roster of elite riders for the Odlum Brown BC Open. The Fort Grand Prix Arena will see CSI2* competition run alongside the CSIO4* division, with many familiar faces across both divisions. Six Olympians will take a run […]
26.05.25 | Charlie Jones & Capitale 6 Charge to Victory in CSI4* Grand Prix 1.55m
Charlie Jones (GBR) scored the biggest win of his career in the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix on the final day of the Canadian Premier at Thunderbird Show Park. The 26-year-old rider has been building a partnership with Capitale 6, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses, since 2023. His efforts paid off Sunday, topping an impressive field […]
26.05.25 | Hayley Mercer & Crown Royal Rule the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Hayley Mercer has had nearly a decade with Crown Royal, and it’s apparent when watching them together. The pair effortlessly jumped one of only two clear rounds in Sunday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.40m, powered by Solaris Equestrian and protected by Western Pacific Emergency Response, to close out the Canadian Premier. She sealed the deal in […]
25.05.25 | Tracey Epp & Heartvit ZH Dominate Again in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Derby 3’6”
It’s not too often that the first horse to go in the derby ends up winning, but it’s also not often that that horse is Heartvit ZH. The grand prix show jumper turned hunter extraordinaire carried Tracey Epp to another victory Saturday of the Canadian Premier in the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Derby 3’6”. Up […]
25.05.25 | Emmeline Adamick Gets Her First FEI Win with Andy’s Boy Bretoniere
Emmeline Adamick set a goal to qualify for North American Youth Championships in 2025 but she’s crossed an even bigger one off the list Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park. The 19-year-old captured her career first FEI win at the Canadian Premier. Even better, it was a CSI4* win. “I feel super happy,” Adamick said following […]
24.05.25 | Hazel McLean & Rosalita Rise in Brown Family Child/Adult 3’ Derby
Hazel McLean reached a new milestone on Friday of the Canadian Premier, winning the Brown Family Child/Adult 3’ Derby with Rosalita. McLean has been partnered with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare for just over a year, and they’re accomplishing big goals in the show ring. “I’ve done a few national derbies but this is our […]
24.05.25 | Farrel Flies High in CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier 1.50m
Daniel Coyle doesn’t ride for second place, as is evident this week at the 2025 Canadian Premier. The Irish Olympian has now taken two international victories with Farrel, owned by Ariel Grange. The duo snagged both Wednesday’s CSI4* 1.45m Speed and Friday’s CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier 1.50m at Thunderbird Show Park. “He was great today,” […]
24.05.25 | Reagan Tomb & Marble Bridge B Conquer MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Reagan Tomb and her newest partner conquered a big challenge on Friday of the Canadian Premier, as they stepped into their first 1.40m class and won it. Among top competition in the $5,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m, powered by Solaris Equestrian and protected by Western Pacific emergency response, Tomb and “B” crossed the timers in […]
23.05.25 | Tiffany Foster & Anton Reach New Heights in tbird CSI4* Challenge 1.45m
Tiffany Foster (CAN) is a household name at Thunderbird Show Park, but her new partner, Anton, is still getting acquainted with the place. The pair took their first win together in the tbird CSI4* Challenge 1.45m on Thursday of the Canadian Premier, proving they’ll be ones to watch as their partnership grows. “This is a […]
22.05.25 | Daniel Coyle & Farrel Are Back in Fighting Form
Six years ago, Ariel Grange’s Farrel proved himself a winner at Thunderbird Show Park. He was just 9 years old on that occasion. Now, at age 15, the Dutch Warmblood gelding (Cardento 933 x Stakkato) made an impressive comeback back to the winner’s circle again, topping the $31,100 tbird CSI4* Speed 1.45m on opening day […]
22.05.25 | Brylee Dickey & Etalon Ace MarBill Hill U25 Debut
Brylee Dickey (USA) had never jumped her new partner Etalon above 1.30m in competition before this week’s Canadian Premier at Thunderbird Show Park. In fact, they’d only jumped two classes total before entering this week’s MarBill Hill U25 division, powered by Solaris Equestrian and protected by Western Pacific emergency response. And on the first day, […]
21.05.25 | tbird Welcomes Star Studded Field for CSI4* Canadian Premier
International jumping stars have descended upon Thunderbird Show Park for a thrilling two weeks of CSI4* competition, beginning with the 2025 Canadian Premier, May 21–25. An impressive list of 57 international entries will take to the Fort Grand Prix Field, ultimately vying for top honors in Sunday’s CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix. Among the start list […]
27.04.25 | Carla Diewert & WH Corona Make It a Four-Peat
Carla Diewert is the winningest rider of Thunderbird Show Park’s spring series. But it’s her school-to-win strategy when the bell rings to signal the start of the 45 second countdown timer that she credits for her success in the ring. “People always are in a rush when they get in there. I’m paying for this […]
27.04.25 | Athlete Profile: Ariya Dinwoodie
Most riders will stumble upon a heart horse in their career—one that captures their imagination, teaches them how to be a better horse person and fills their heart with gratitude. For Langley local Ariya Dinwoodie it happened at age four when she helped her mother, Sarah, select a BC-bred Oldenburg foal at Dreamscape Farms. Mom’s hope was […]
26.04.25 | Eliza Hunt’s ‘A’ Team Tops tbird Hunter Derby Teams Challenge
Amara Gottwald, Amryn Takhar and Ariya Dinwoodie brought their ‘A’ game to the Spring Festival on Friday. Dubbed the A-Team for the shared letter of their first names, the trio topped the $10,000 tbird Hunter Derby Teams Challenge. Ten teams came forward in the most competitive field yet for the unique competition, which features teams […]
26.04.25 | Carla Diewert and WH Corona Are Back on Top in Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realty 1.35m Open Jumper Classic
Carla Diewert and WH Corona are on a podium streak. The pair picked up their second win in the Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realty 1.35m Open Jumper Classic in as many weeks on Friday. They also won the YETI 1.30m Open Jumper and were second in the Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m at last week’s April […]
20.04.25 | Lindsay Sceats and Amore From Second Life Z Master $10,000 Maui Jim Grand Prix
Lindsay Sceats (USA) maintains quite a balancing act between her career as a colorectal surgeon and piloting horses to the higher levels, along with being a mom. Proving her mastery Sunday afternoon, she took the win in the $10,000 Maui Jim Grand Prix aboard Amore From Second Life Z, a horse she’s been piloting for […]
20.04.25 | Rider Profile: Ashley McKissock Has Met Her Match in Coralissa
Twenty-three-year-old Ashley McKissock’s show jumping career might have forever changed as a result of her performance in the April Season Opener at Thunderbird Show Park. Partnered with Coralissa, a mare owned by MarBill Hill Farm, McKissock made her U25 division debut in the MarBill Hill U25, powered by Solaris Equestrian and protected by Western Pacific […]
20.04.25 | Costa de Will Z Coasts to Devoucoux Adult Amateur Championship
Nicola Gillam had a stellar first outing in the Devoucoux Adult Amateur Hunters at the April Spring Opener, piloting Laura Williams’ Costa de Will Z to championship honors. At just 7 years old, Costa de Will Z is impressing on all fronts and ready for a successful year in the three-foot division. “I’m lucky enough […]
20.04.25 | Heartvit ZH Makes Hearts Sing in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Hunter Derby
Heartvit ZH made the transition from FEI into the hunter ring last year and has taken to his new job quite well. The 12-year-old Czech Warmblood stallion (Forever van de Noordheuvel x Caesar) has won two consecutive hunter derbies in his new lifestyle, topping Saturday’s Amy Brattebo Real Estate Hunter Derby at the April Season […]
19.04.25 | Carla Diewert and WH Corona Lean on Experience to Top Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realty 1.35m Open Jumper Classic
Carla Diewert (CAN) didn’t know she was going to have to bring her A-game into the Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realty 1.35m Open Jumper Classic on Saturday afternoon. Among a competitive field, all entries jumped clear in the first round, so the win was going to take something great. In her partner WH Corona, a 16-year-old […]
19.04.25 | Anatomy of a Hunter Derby, with Course Designer Kirsten Rodel
On the eve of the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Hunter Derby, featuring sections for Open, Junior/Amateur and Pre-Green riders and horses at 3’6″, 3’3″, and 3’0, we spoke with Kirsten Rodel, who is tasked with designing the track for Saturday afternoon’s class. Hailing from Maple Ridge, BC, Rodel has been course designing for over 10 […]
19.04.25 | Consistency Paves the Way for Sloane Betker and Indiana II
Sloane Betker (CAN) and Indiana II are still new to the U25 levels, but you wouldn’t know it by watching them compete at the 2025 April Season Opener at Thunderbird Show Park. The duo has won both classes in the division so far, winning Wednesday’s MarBill U25 1.35m and following it up with a win […]
23.09.24 | Long & Talisman D Top the 1.30m Grand Prix
Rachel Long had a talisman in the ring and Talisman D under her saddle in the 1.30m Grand Prix on Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park’s BCHJA Fall Finale. The Horseshoe Bend, Idaho-based rider topped an 11-horse jump off on the 7-year-old Swiss Warmblood to take the win in the final Grand Prix of tbird’s 2024 […]
22.09.24 | Rider Profile: Charlotte Reeve & Corona OS
Three years ago Charlotte Reeve, then 15, had just moved to a new province and a new barn—for the third time in seven years—and was looking for her next horse when Corona OS entered the chat. The Dutch Warmblood gelding had a proven show record, having competed at the Royal Winter Fair with Carly Stevens […]
22.09.24 | Reeve Rallies to Win Equine Essentials CET Regionals
Charlotte Reeve crossed an item off her bucket list on Saturday night: qualify for the CET Nationals in Toronto. “It’s been my goal for probably seven years,” said an elated Reeve. “So it was means a lot to be able to finally go.” The 18-year-old rider, trained by Langley’s Andrea Strain, jumped to the top […]
22.09.24 | Daido van’t Ruytershof Z Wins CSI2* Grand Prix By a Long Chawke
The final international event on Thunderbird Show Park’s 2024 calendar is the CSI2* BCHJA Fall Finale. But it might be better known as The Chawke Show after this week. Husband-and-wife team James and Jacqueline Chawke swept the international division, winning all four classes, including the week’s feature event, the CSI2* Grand Prix. Jacqueline kicked off […]
21.09.24 | Klimach Surges Ahead in Equine Essentials CET Regionals Flat/Gymnastic
Katrina Klimach emerged from the opening Flat/Gymnastics phase of the Equine Essentials CET Regionals a clear leader, posting the only score above 80 and sitting five points ahead of the pack with an 84. Charlotte Reeve sits second (79), followed by Livia Cox (77) ahead of Saturday’s second Jumping phase, after which scores will be combined […]
21.09.24 | Chawke Races Against Himself in CSI2* Winning Round
Langley, BC — In international competition at the BCHJA Fall Finale, James Chawke (IRL) has been trading wins with himself. On Thursday, he bested the CSI2* Qualifier with Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z. On Friday, he was already on top with that 11-year-old gelding when he did himself one better aboard Daido van’t Ruytershof Z, securing a […]
16.09.24 | Williamson Wraps First U25 Season with a Win
At just 16, Locklyn Williamson made his U25 division debut this year at Thunderbird Show Park and his first season couldn’t have ended on a better note. Aboard the 11-year-old Westphalian stallion Cassandro B, he posted the only double clear in the MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix, presented by Solaris Equestrian, on Sunday. It was […]
15.09.24 | Future Vision: The Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Series
Lauren Crooks-Brennan of Crooks Show Jumping has her eye on the future. Since 2019, the Washington-based grand prix rider, together with her husband, James Brennan, has sponsored the Young Horse Series at Thunderbird Show Park. It’s a division that serves their own pipeline for developing show jumping prospects and the industry at large. What inspired […]
15.09.24 | Martinoff Makes Her Mark in Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.45m
Fifteen some years ago, Ayla Martinoff jumped the Maui Jim Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park for the first time. It was her first ever grand prix and it didn’t go to plan. “I only left, like, five jumps up in it,” she laughed. On Saturday evening, the Langley-based rider found redemption on her homebred […]
14.09.24 | Q&A with Canadian Hunter Derby Series Champion Ashley Arnoldt
Ashley Arnoldt and Light My Fire reclaimed the Canadian Hunter Derby Series championship on Friday. It’s their third consecutive year winning the title and they did it in the CWD saddle they won the year prior. In 2024, the spectacularly consistent pair earned top five finishes in four of the six Amy Brattebo Real Estate […]
14.09.24 | Meet This Week’s Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Series Winners
Saturday saw the final leg of the 2024 Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Series at Thunderbird Show Park and this week’s winners were as diverse as they are promising. The Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Series is designed to encourage the development of young show jumping talent. These classes are one of the season’s special […]
14.09.24 | Epp & Heartvit ZH Hit Their Stride in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Open Canadian Hunter Derby
Tracey Epp’s Heartvit ZH is a double threat. The 11-year-old Czech Warmblood breeding stallion competes in the both the international jumper and the international hunter rings. “I’ve had him about a year and a half,” said Epp. “The first year I jumped him in the three star [FEI events] and this year was the first […]
13.09.24 | Stevens “Jet Sets” to MarBill Hill U25 Win
Clear rounds were in short supply in the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m, powered by Solaris Equestrian, on Friday. Joey Rycroft’s 1.40m speed course saw rails fall throughout and it wasn’t until the third from last combination took to the tbird Arena that the first zero fault tally appeared on the scoreboard. Carly Stevens (CAN) and […]
13.09.24 | Reeve Rides to First in Thunderbird Good Hands & Seat Final
There were tears in Charlotte Reeve’s eyes as she exited the ring after the Thunderbird Good Hands & Seat 1.10m Medal Final on Thursday evening. The Coquitlam-based junior rider made her debut appearance in tbird’s namesake equitation final and jumped to the top of the leaderboard with Corona OS. “It means a lot [to win […]
18.08.24 | Chawke & Daido van’t Ruytershof Z Do the Double in CSI3* ATCO Cup
James Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z entered the Fort Grand Prix Arena with a slightly new look on Sunday, but they produced the same result as the week prior—a Grand Prix victory. In a King Edward-esque tack modification, the pair were absent a brow band from their bridle in the CSI3* ATCO Cup. Chawke […]
18.08.24 | Easy Does It for Bourgeois & Flinton M in Domino High Voltage Grand Prix 1.40m
Sometimes less really is more. One week ago at Thunderbird Show Park, Kendall Bourgeois (USA) and Flinton M recorded their best FEI result of the year when they finished second—by just two tenths of a second!—in the CSI3* JustWorld International Winning Round 1.45m during the Summer Fort Welcome. This week, they’ve dropped down a division […]
18.08.24 | Chernoff and Fay Reconnect in MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — First to go in an eight-horse jump-off for the MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m, Stella Chernoff (CAN) and Fay decided to play a game of ‘Catch Me If You Can.’ They put the pressure on their competitors with a strong clear effort, crossing the timers of Joey Rycroft’s (CAN) short course in […]
18.08.24 | Foster Finds the Winning Formula in CSI3* Kubota Canada Winning Round
Langley, BC — When Tiffany Foster (CAN) brought Com Es Ta into the Fort Grand Prix Arena for the CSI3* Kubota Canada Winning Round competition, she decided to let the mare loose. Foster set out to use the Summer Fort Welcome and Summer Fort Classic at tbird to test some new “theories” with the 10-year-old Oldenburg […]
17.08.24 | No Stirrup, No Problem for Chawke in CSI3* The Keg Qualifier
Langley, BC — As James Chawke (IRL) went over his plan for the jump-off with Nacara van Berkenbroek Z in the CSI3* The Keg Qualifier 1.50m, his peers surmised that the winner would do eight strides to the final fence. Then Chawke lost a stirrup. Working with Conor Swail (IRL), known for his own frequent acrobatics […]
16.08.24 | Horse Profile: Northern Light Is Stepping into Big Shoes
In June, Tiffany Foster (CAN) announced the retirement of her longtime partner, Artisan Farm’s Brighton, celebrating the gelding’s remarkable career with a beautiful ceremony at the Odlum Brown BC Open. “There will never be another horse like Brighty for me. Anyone who knows him knows how special he is,” Foster shared in a heartfelt Instagram […]
16.08.24 | Confidence Builds for Stephenson in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC —After breaking through with a victory in the MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix at the Summer Fort Welcome, Olivia Stephenson (CAN) is riding a win streak. The Calgary native—who turns 18 next week—topped Friday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.40m speed competition with her partner of two years, Deister Z. The winning time was 61.89 seconds—nearly […]
16.08.24 | Kendall & Nicole Bourgeois Divide and Conquer at Imagination Lane
For Kendall and Nicole Bourgeois, Thunderbird Show Park is their home away from home. The sisters, who together run Imagination Lane out of West Linn, OR, have been competing in Langley since they were in grade school. With both girls exhibiting talent in the saddle from an early age, family and friends planted the seed and […]
16.08.24 | Tic Tac Toe Tops Foxstone Stable USHJA International Hunter Derby
Langley, BC — The seasoned 17-year-old gelding Tic Tac Toe has mostly been competing at the 3′ and 3’3″ heights as he’s entered his late teens. But Thursday at Thunderbird Show Park, the striking bay gelding emphatically stated that he’s happy to step back up when asked. Kendall Bourgeois and her sister Nicole—who won both the 3’/3’3″ […]
16.08.24 | Nizri Gets the Advantage in CSI3* YETI Challenge
Langley, BC — Simon Nizri (MEX) found himself in a two-horse race for victory Thursday in the CSI3* YETI Challenge at Thunderbird Show Park. Though there was little time to spare in his warm-up, he made sure to watch Ayla Martinoff’s (CAN) round before him. And then he capitalized on his advantage as the final rider […]
15.08.24 | Laurie Goes Gate to Wire in CSI3* George & Dianne Tidball Legacy Welcome
Langley, BC — Katie Laurie (AUS) and Cera Caruso were excellent pathfinders in the CSI3* George & Dianne Tidball Legacy Welcome. Jumping first in the 31-strong field, they not only showed their competitors how to execute a clear round over Joey Rycroft’s (CAN) speed track, but they also demonstrated how to win it. No one came within […]
15.08.24 | Munro Makes the Grade in MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Langley, BC — When Dylan Munro (CAN) enters the ring to compete, he remembers a piece of advice from his employer, Ben Asselin (CAN). “Ben has always told me to trust in all the work, the countless hours put in at home, and my connection with my horse,” he said. That was Munro’s recipe for success […]
11.08.24 | Chawke Finds More in CSI3* Steel-Craft Doors Grand Prix
Langley, BC —James Chawke (IRL) is still learning about his 10-year-old Zangersheide mare, Daido van’t Ruytershof Z. After winning Wednesday’s CSI3* tbird Speed 1.45m, Chawke shared that he thought the quick-footed bay would make a useful ranking horse. But she might have even more in the tank. Chawke and his horse added a second international victory […]
11.08.24 | Golestanian is Golden in Equestrian Canada Open Classic Benefit
Langley, BC — The Equestrian Canada Open Classic was an all-day affair Sunday, spanning sections held at the 1.0m, 1.10m and 1.15m heights. The winner—determined by the fastest jump-off across the sections—wasn’t decided until the final few horses, as Summun Golestanian (CAN) rode his own Goldmine to the win. The special class benefits #WeRideTogether, a nonprofit organization […]
11.08.24 | King Catches a Win in Bradon Equestrian Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — Kyle King (USA) came to the Summer Fort Welcome loaded with horsepower. Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules limited athletes to three CSI3* entries, so that left King—based locally out of Langley, BC—with four additional mounts to jump the the Bradon Equestrian Grand Prix 1.40m. The odds of a victory for his stable […]
11.08.24 | Martinoff & Calloway Keep Their Cool in CSI3* JustWorld Int’l Winning Round
When Ayla Martinoff drove her trailer out of Thunderbird Show Park in July, she was riding a high—and a three-class win streak with Calloway. This week, they’re back at tbird and picked up right where they left off. Making their first ever international 1.45m appearance, Martinoff and the 10-year-old grey topped a 10-horse jump off […]
10.08.24 | Stephenson & Chaccalanda Save Best for Last in MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m
Olivia Stephenson (CAN) has been knocking at the door of a MarBill Hill U25 win all week at tbird’s Summer Fort Welcome. She was third in Wednesday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.35m on Deister Z and again in Thursday’s 1.40m Speed on Chaccalanda. On Saturday, she cracked the code for the win. As the final pair […]
10.08.24 | FOBI Six Bar Soars to 1.70m in Three-Way Tie
Friday evening’s FOBI Six Bar competition topped out at a substantial 1.70m height. But not because the horses couldn’t jump higher. That’s where the standards stopped. Twelve pairs, featuring both professional and amateur riders, contested the high jumping competition in the Thunderbird Arena. The fences started at 1.0m and went up by 0.1m with every […]
10.08.24 | Foster Flies to Win in CSI3* Heavy Metal & Equipment 1.50m
Tiffany Foster did not get to be the no. 1 ranked female rider in the world by resting on her laurels. But even by equestrian standards, her work ethic borders on super human. The three-time Canadian Olympian arrived in Langley on Wednesday evening, straight from the Paris Games where she represented Canada with Figor. Less than 48 […]
9.08.24 | Bourgeois Is Two-Times a Winner in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Derby
Nicole Bourgeois doesn’t always win the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Derby at Thunderbird Show Park, but when she does, it’s decisively. Bourgeois and Wayfinder jumped to the top of the 3’6 section on Thursday, followed closely by her other mount, Vinco Blanco Van Overis Z in second place. In a tbird first, the American hunter […]
9.08.24 | Pretty Is as Pretty Women Does in CSI3* YETI Challenge
When Katie Laurie posts about the striking chestnut Pretty Women on Instagram, she includes the hashtag #perfectprincess. They’re not simply sweet words, though. It’s strategy. “If she knows you love her, she tries her heart out,” said Laurie. “She’s a mare in that way. She just likes it her own way.” Owned by Langley-based amateur […]
9.08.24 | Tomb Tops MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Greg Tomb was beaming with pride on the sidelines as he watched his daughter, Reagan, and his horse, Jus De Seminka, capture their first U25 win in the Fort Grand Prix Arena on Thursday. As pathfinders in the ring, Reagan (USA) and the 10-year-old KWPN mare rose to course designer Peter Holmes’ challenge in the […]
8.08.24 | Chawke It Up to Speed in Summer Fort Welcome Opener
James Chawke brought a fresh string to the CSI3* Summer Fort Welcome, the first of back-to-back weeks of international jumping at Thunderbird Show Park this month. The question was how fresh? The Irish rider tested the waters on Wednesday, jumping a few fences in the CSI3* Happy Welcome 1.40m with both Daido Van’t Ruytershof Z […]
8.08.24 | Munro Trusts in the Homework in MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Gryffindor House in the fictional world of Harry Potter favours students who are bold, courageous, and adventurous. The same qualities could describe Dylan Munro’s U25 winning mount Gryffindor de Hay. “He’s probably my favorite [horse] to ride right now,” said the 22-year-old Canadian rider. “He’s really simple. He’s such a straightforward dude. Nothing really seems […]
8.07.24 | Martinoff Makes It a Winning Weekend With Odlum Brown Ltd Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — It was a winning weekend at the Western Family for Ayla Martinoff (CAN). Hot off a win in Friday’s Highland Farms Ltd Welcome and a pair of second place finishes in the YETI Welcome and the Langley Grand Prix the week prior at tbird, the 34-year old is riding a streak. And […]
6.07.24 | Bohlin Saves Best for Last in Betker Family Jr/Am Hunt & Handy 2’6″/2’9″
Langley, BC — Elizabeth Bohlin (USA) was the final rider to enter the ring for the Betker Family Jr/Am Hunt & Handy 2’6″/2’9″ Friday evening at Thunderbird Show Park. It was a long wait through the class of 34 combinations through the multi-phase, single round competition. But Bohlin hadn’t paid much attention to how the class […]
6.07.24 | Martinoff Flies to First in Highland Farms Ltd Welcome 1.40m
Langley, BC — A week ago at Thunderbird Show Park’s West Coast Classic, Ayla Martinoff (CAN) brought home a lot of blue rosettes, finishing second in both the YETI Welcome and the Langley Grand Prix. So when she felt the win within her grasp in the Highland Farms Ltd Welcome Friday at the Western Family, she […]
5.07.24 | Garner Unveils a Star in Team Obsidian Hunt & Go Derby 3’6″/3’3″
Langley, BC — Each time Lindsay Garner enters the ring with Kate Churchfield’s Coralina, she is left with fewer questions and more answers. The 10-year-old mare only began her career in the hunter ring this summer after being imported from Germany. Thursday’s Team Obsidian Hunt & Go Derby was the mare’s third ever derby start. Inexperience […]
1.07.24 | Ackerman Finds More in tbird Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic 1.30m
Langley, BC — Jaimie Ackerman (CAN) knew her horse Driek was in winning form when the 16-year-old gelding had the energy to try to unseat her in the warm-up ahead of a four-horse jump-off in the tbird Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic 1.30m. “[Then] I almost came off in the victory gallop,” Ackerman said, laughingly. “So, he’s kind […]
30.06.24 | Keith Makes It a Double in Langley Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — Kassidy Keith (CAN) started a streak Sunday on closing day of the West Coast Classic. After winning Saturday’s feature class in the “Seize the Day” Speed Derby with Evita, she made it a double aboard her longtime partner Havana in the Langley Grand Prix 1.40m. First to return in a five-horse jump-off over […]
30.06.24 | Keith Rallies in “Seize the Day” Speed Derby 1.25m
Langley, BC — Kassidy Keith (CAN) had mixed emotions while walking the course for the “Seize the Day” Speed Derby, held in memory of Vicki Gourlay Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park. Keith had two mounts coming forward of varying experience levels for the uniquely formatted class, which brought a myriad of beautifully decorated, yet eye-catching […]
29.06.24 | Tulloch Thrives Under Pressure in Hammersmith Stables Canadian Derby
Langley, BC — It’s commonplace for a hunter derby to be conducted as a two-round competition. It’s rarer for the phases to be contested over two days. The Hammersmith Stables Canadian Derby was truly an endurance test, and all eyes were on Rodney Tulloch (CAN) and Christine Maclean’s Fleetwood after winning the first phase Friday […]
29.06.24 | Knight’s Confidence Rises in YETI Welcome 1.40m
Langley, BC — Georgia Knight (CAN) has made winning a habit during the 2024 Thunderbird Show Park season. But while the majority of her victories have come against her peers in the U25 division, she added a win in senior company to her resume Friday at tbird’s West Coast Classic. She and her longtime partner, Ecolano […]
28.06.24 | Groom Spotlight: Paige Bedborough’s Passion Evolves at Keepsake Farms
Langley, BC — Paige Bedborourgh (CAN) waited patiently for an opportunity to work with Cheryl and Kassidy Keith at Keepsake Farms. The Langley, BC native was 16 years old and without a driver’s license (She had a hunter mare instead) when the Keiths informed her that a stall had become available at their sought-after operation. Bedaborough […]
3.06.24 | Artisan Farms’ Brighton Retires from the Sport
Langley, BC — On Saturday, Tiffany Foster (CAN) announced the retirement of her longtime partner Brighton from international sport. “There will never be another horse like Brighty for me. Anyone who knows him knows how special he is,” Foster shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. “He is the smartest horse I’ver ever ridden and the most […]
2.06.24 | Career Win for Jacobs in CSI4* Odlum Brown Grand Prix 1.50m
Langley, BC — When Charlotte Jacobs (USA) first sat on Rincoola Milsean as an 8-year-old, she wasn’t at all sure what heights the tiny, 15.2-hand Irish Sport Horse gelding would be able to reach in the sport. But she knew she liked him, and she recalls her first ride on the spirited chestnut as the best […]
2.06.24 | Chawke Best Again in tbird Winning Round 1.40m
Langley, BC — James Chawke (IRL) admits, he doesn’t know so much about Liaraldra. He learned Sunday that the 8-year-old KWPN mare can most definitely win. One of the last to jump in the tbird Winning Round 1.40m, the pair swept to the top of the class and couldn’t be caught, clocking in with a winning time of […]
2.06.24 | Horse Spotlight: Tornado’s Whirlwind World Cup Journey Brings Wireman to Top of Sport
Langley, BC — When Skylar Wireman (USA) brought Tornado to the 2023 Sacramento International Horse Show, jumping the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier was not in her plans. After all, Wireman had only recently returned to the saddle from an injury that caused her to miss the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), and she had […]
2.06.24 | Fleetwood Adds to Legacy in Forest Edge Farm USHJA International Hunter Derby
Langley, BC — When Rodney Tulloch (CAN) entered the ring aboard Fleetwood for the USHJA International Hunter Derby—the highlight of World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week at Thunderbird Show Park—he could feel that his mount was dialed in. When the 13-year-old grey Westphalian gelding known by many as “Mashmallow” is on his game, he’s proven hard […]
2.06.24 | Chawke Makes It a Double in CSI4* 1.45m
Langley, BC — Heading into the Odlum Brown BC Open at Thunderbird Show Park, James Chawke (IRL) had never before won an international competition at the four-star level. He’s now won two—with two different horses. After capturing Thursday’s CSI4* 1.45m speed competition with Vanessa Mannix’s One Edition, Chawke prevailed again in Saturday’s CSI4* 1.45m jump-off […]
1.06.24 | Martin Makes Statement in CSI4* FOBI Qualifier 1.50m
Langley, BC — The jump-off of the CSI4* FOBI Qualifier Friday at Thunderbird Show Park was a who’s who of elite show jumping talent. Among the 10 athletes to advance to Colm Quinn’s (IRL) shortened track in the Thunderbird Arena were no fewer than five Olympians; two more veterans of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ […]
31.05.24 | Nassar Wins Numbers Game in CSI4* West Coast Cup 1.45m
Lagnely, BC — The CSI4* West Coast Cup 1.45m Friday morning proved to be quite a numbers game, and Nayel Nassar (EGY) caught on quickly. Colm Quinn’s (IRL) first round track tested riders with a robust track and a tight time allowed, and after 20 combinations jumped the first round, just two advanced to the jump-off. […]
31.05.24 | Partridge Notches 1-2 Finish in USHJA National Hunter Derby
Langley, BC — Quinn Partridge led wire-to-wire in Thursday evening’s USHJA National Hunter Derby at tbird, securing a 1-2 finish for owners Effortless Equestrian Farm during World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week. Partridge rode Falkor to the top of the class with a score of 176, followed closely behind by VDL Iglesias (173). Donna Wnuk […]
30.05.24 | Chawke Saves Best for Last in CSI4* 1.45m
Langley, BC — With one horse-and-rider combination remaining in the CSI4* 1.45m at Thunderbird Show Park, it appeared as if Nayel Nassar (EGY) would lead another victory lap aboard Ivory TCS, who won the CSI5* Winning Round 1.50m competition less than a week ago in the Thunderbird Arena. But James Chawke (IRL) had other ideas. Last […]
29.05.24 | Rider Spotlight: “Derby Dustin” Has Found His Niche
Langley, BC — The nickname “Derby Dustin” implies a certain level of hunter derby success, and the feature class of the hunter division has brought out the best in Vernon, BC native Dustin Goodwin. Goodwin captured the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Hunter Derby 3’6″ at tbird’s Canadian Open and will bring forward the exciting mare […]
27.05.24 | Deja Vu for Friesen in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC — Looking at the results of Sunday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.40m, you’d have to do a double take. The results off the jump-off class were nearly identical to Friday’s speed competition, with the top two placings unchanged. For the second consecutive class, Charlie Jones (GBR) and Macho-Blue PS took a strong lead, only […]
26.05.24 | Ballard Records Milestone Victory in CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix
Langley, BC — As Erynn Ballard (CAN) prepared to walk into the Thunderbird Arena for the jump-off of the CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix, she verified her plan with her business partner, Ilan Ferder. “I’m going fast, right?” she asked. “You’re going to win,” he replied. Ferder was right, and Ballard collected the first five-star Grand […]
26.05.24 | Nassar Makes the Right Call in CSI5* Winning Round 1.50m
Langley, BC — As Nayel Nassar (EGY) readied for the winner’s round of the CSI5* Winning Round 1.50m with Ivory TCS, he weighed his options. There were two plays: Take the spookier route inside to the ATCO oxer two fences from home, or go quickly around. He determined that going around and utilizing his mount’s […]
26.05.24 | Trelawny Trailblaizers Pick Up Where They Left Off in MLSJ Team Event
Langley, BC — The Trelawny Trailblazers ended the 2023 Major League Show Jumping season as the overall champions, dominating the league with 148 points—nearly 30 more than the runners-up, Team Roadrunners. Entering the 2024 season, their roster appeared largely unchanged, with Daniel Bluman (ISR), Lillie Keenan (USA), Darragh Kenny (IRL), and Conor Swail (IRL) all returning […]
26.05.24 | Goodwin Builds Winning “Reputation” in Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Hunter Derby 3’6″ Open
Langley, BC — When Dustin Goodwin (CAN) was first introduced to the Holsteiner mare Reputation, he had to trust his instincts. Reputation was a 1.45m Grand Prix horse turned exciting hunter prospect in Germany, and there was a line of interest. He had to put down a deposit—after only watching a video from his friend and […]
25.05.24 | Pals Gets Motivated for CSI2* Wyndham St John Memorial Grand Prix
Langley, BC — Johnny Pals (NED) has been carefully managing Chacco’s Girl’s schedule, and he decided that if the jump-off got too large in the CSI2* Wyndham St John Memorial Grand Prix 1.45m, he’d save his mount for another day. After jumping a beautiful first round clear, Pals’ friend Matthew Sampson (GBR) approached him ahead of […]
25.05.24 | “Stan’s the Man” in CSI5* Uryadi’s Village Qualifier
Langley, BC — Conor Swail (IRL) has always felt at home at Thunderbird Show Park. The County Down, native was based out of Ontario when working his first North American job at Lothlorien Farm, and he’s made winning a habit over the course of the last decade at tbird. But his mount Casturano lived even closer. […]
25.05.24 | Frisen Bookends Podium in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC — Early in the starting order of the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m, Charlie Jones (GBR) took more than six seconds off the leading time, making a strong statement. It quickly became apparent that it was going to take a big effort to best the Birmingham, England native and Katie Harris’ Macho-Blue PS. More than […]
24.05.24 | Bond Logs Winning Miles in CSI2* Qualifier
Langley, BC — Work and play converged for Ashlee Bond in the CSI2* Qualifier, as international competition kicked off Friday at tbird in the Fort Grand Prix Arena. Bond stepped the 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding Tangassini up to international 1.45m competition for the first time, and the chestnut proved to be a quick study, besting a 17-horse jump-off. […]
23.05.24 | Major League Show Jumping Kicks Off Fourth Season at Thunderbird Show Park
When it comes to Major League Show Jumping, the stakes are most definitely raised. The MLSJ circuit made its debut in 2021, and the annual North American five-star show series kicks off its fourth season this week in Langley at tbird’s Canadian Premier, which has become the venue’s biggest event of the year. With 10 […]
23.05.24 | Erynn Ballard’s (Olympic) Time is Now
Langley, BC – When it comes to playing the long game, Erynn Ballard (CAN) is a master of craft. She’s pretty talented at show jumping, too. The world’s second-ranked female jumping athlete is a championship veteran, having represented Canada at the 2022 FEI World Jumping Championships; the 2023 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final; the 2019 […]
23.05.24 | Macari Celebrates with MarBill Hill U25 1.35m Win
Langley, BC – Tanimara Macari (MEX) doesn’t have much time left in the U25 division, but she’s making it count. The Cancun, MEX native celebrated her 25th birthday Wednesday at Thunderbird Show Park with a win in the MarBill Hill U25 1.35m, powered by Solaris Equestrian. Macari bested a 13-horse jump-off with her and Diego Vivero’s 9-year-old […]
23.05.24 | Meet the MLSJ Course Designer: Gregory Bodo
France’s Gregory Bodo will set the test for the world’s most prestigious championship this summer. The Frenchman has been tapped to co-lead the course designing team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games alongside Spain’s Santiago Varela. It’s a dream come true for Bodo and career making achievement. This week, Bodo is at Thunderbird Show Park […]
28.04.24 | Rider Profile: Young Horse Lessons Extend Beyond the Saddle for Andrew More
Langley, BC —It’s not unusual for a professional in the equestrian industry to have a side hustle. Andrew More has taken that to the next level. The well-established Calgary-based professional has two full-time jobs. Not only does he run Iron Stone Farms alongside his wife Erin Taylor More, but he’s also (hardly an also-ran) the manager […]
28.04.24 | Mimosa MHJ, Casallina Shine in Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Showcase
Langley, BC — For young horses, development comes in various forms and at a very wide range of paces. With every round acting as a learning and information gathering experience, clear rounds can be hard to come by. That was truly the case as the Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Showcase series kicked off for 6- […]
28.04.24 | Keepsake Kiddos Claim tbird Hunter Derby Teams Challenge
Langley, BC —Amanda Sinnett, Sophie Tupper and Dane Anson will leave the Spring Festival with an extra “keepsake.” The trio, who called themselves the “Keepsake Kiddos,” linked up to win the tbird Hunter Derby Teams Challenge. The unique competition features teams of three horse-and-rider combinations, each of which jumps a course of fences at a different height—2’6″, […]
27.04.24 | Can’t Catch Keith in tbird Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — You’d be hard pressed to find a sport more difficult to predict than show jumping. That is, unless you’re watching Kassidy Keith (CAN) and Havana jump 1.40m at Thunderbird Show Park. “I would say that at 1.40m, Havana is always on her game. I can trust her 100%, and I can always count on […]
26.04.24 | tbird Grand Prix is a Family Affair for Sorine and Taylor Winther
Taylor Winther grew up watching her mother jump at the Grand Prix level. And while she was always full of admiration for the way Sorine Winther tackled the largest tracks at the horse show, she didn’t have much of an interest in joining her—at least, not at first. “I watched her jump at Spruce Meadows […]
22.04.24 | Keith Cruises to Victory in Maui Jim 1.40m Grand Prix
Kassidy Keith (CAN) doesn’t always win in the Grand Prix ring at Thunderbird Show Park, but when she does it’s usually with Havana. The veteran pair started their 2024 season at tbird’s April Season Opener the same way they ended the previous one—with a victory. In September 2023, Keith and her speedy bay capped their U25 […]
21.04.24 | Mache Masters Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Hunter Derby
Chloe Mache (CAN) recorded a milestone victory Saturday at tbird, as the junior rider bested a field of accomplished professionals in the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Canadian Hunter Derby. It marked the first derby win at the 3’6″ height for Mache, whose winning partner was her longtime mount, St Martin’s Lane. The pair boasted a […]
20.04.24 | Knight Completes Sweep in MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park, things came in threes. Georgia Knight (CAN) bested a three-horse jump-off to win a third consecutive U25 competition in the Thunderbird Arena, completing a clean sweep of the division at the April Season Opener. She left all the jumps up over Chris Jones’ 1.40m first round track […]
20.04.24 | Knight Impresses Again in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC – Georgia Knight (CAN) had a plan for Chris Jones’ speed track in the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m. Then she changed it. With longtime mount Ecolano vs Romano, it proved to be the winning move. She and “Romeo” produced the only clear round of the afternoon to earn a second consecutive win in the division […]
19.04.24 | Horse Profile: Light My Fire
When Ashley Arnoldt first watched a video of Light My Fire, the 2012 Hanoverian stallion was in Germany, competing in the 1.40m division. She was initially impressed by his scope, jumping form and rideability. “A big thing that kind of drew me to him was that he’s partially related to [my U25 jumper] Lestat OLD […]
18.04.24 | Timing is Right for Natalie Popham and Jillz at Thunderbird Show Park
Natalie Popham got introduced to high performance equestrian sport later than many of her peers contesting the MarBill Hill U25 division at Thunderbird Show Park. The 21-year-old young professional, based out of Victoria Island, Vancouver with Lizzy Gingras’ New Heights Equestrian, didn’t get her feet wet in competitive equestrian sport until she was in her […]
17.04.24 | Knight Dominates MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Twenty-year-old Georgia Knight has entered the 2024 show season at Thunderbird Show Park with a new mindset. But the results have quickly proven to be the same. Knight, tbird’s 2023 MarBill Hill U25 overall series champion, claimed the top two spots in Wednesday’s U25 1.35m jump-off class at the April Season Opener, taking the win […]
17.04.24 | tbird Announces Livestreaming Partnership with Horse & Country
Leading international equestrian sports network Horse & Country (H&C) will provide extensive livestreaming from Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. The entire tbird hunter/jumper competition series, which encompasses 10 events from April to September 2024, will be streamed live and FREE on Horse & Country’s streaming service H&C+ and within an H&C+ player on […]
16.04.24 | Fobi AI Signs Multi-Year Agreement to Provide Digital Services to tbird for the 2024 & 2025 Show Seasons
Fobi AI Inc. (FOBI:TSXV) (FOBIF:OTCQB), an industry leader in harnessing AI and data intelligence to enable digital transformation, is pleased to announce it has signed a two-year agreement with Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) for the 2024 and 2025 show seasons. Throughout the multi-year agreement, Fobi will provide digital credentials for tbird show attendees, exhibitors, VIPs, […]
24.09.23 | Chawke Saves Best for Last in Hillcrest Show Jumping “Seize the Day” Grand Prix 1.30m
Langley, BC – Through 18 riders in an action-packed jump-off in the Hillcrest Show Jumping “Seize the Day” Grand Prix 1.30m, the leaderboard couldn’t have been much closer. First and second were separated by a half-second. So, too, were third through eighth. Then James Chawke entered the arena and blew the entire class open. Last to […]
23.09.23 | Betker Moves Up in Equine Essentials CET Regionals
Langley, BC — Throughout the two days of competition at the Equine Essentials CET Regionals in the indoor arena at Thunderbird Show Park, Sloane Betker kept herself in the hunt. She didn’t win either of the Flat/Gymnastic or Jumping Phases, but she was close, finishing third and fifth, respectively. That was all she needed to […]
23.09.23 | No Bridle, No Problem for O’Neill and Clockwise of Greenhill Z in CSI3* tbird Grand Prix
Langley, BC – Two fences from home in the first round of the CSI3* tbird Grand Prix Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park, a clear round looked unlikely for Uma O’Neill (NZL) and Clockwise of Greenhill Z. Heading toward the penultimate vertical, Clockwise’s bridle slipped over his ears. The tack fell beneath his nose, but the stallion […]
23.09.23 | Cerolino Makes Strides in CSI3* Winning Round 1.45m
Langley, BC – Last to return in the CSI3* Winning Round 1.45m Friday evening at Thunderbird Show Park, Kyle King (USA) had only himself to beat for a second consecutive victory aboard Odysseus. On paper, “Odie” was the undeniably faster horse of his two mounts. But on this occasion, it was stride that prevailed over footspeed. […]
22.09.23 | Meet 2023 U25 Series Champion Georgia Knight
When 19-year-old Georgia Knight laid out her short- and long-term goals for her 2023 season at Thunderbird Show Park, she hoped she could get her feet wet in the U25 division—that way, she could be a real contender in 2024. She may have underestimated herself. Knight, 19, won her U25 debut at tbird in May, […]
22.09.23 | Plans Come Together for Ifko in CSI3* tbird Qualifier
Langley, BC – Jim Ifko (CAN) had a plan for the CSI3* tbird Qualifier before he even saw the class’s course map. His goal was simply to keep his horse relaxed and to not let too much out of the tank ahead of Saturday’s CSI3* Grand Prix. “I was hoping that we’d have just a comfortable round—[but] […]
21.09.23 | King Commands CSI3* tbird Speed 1.40m
Langley, BC – Wednesday at Thunderbird Show Park, it appeared as though Kyle King (USA) was in a race against himself. He and Patricia Vasey’s Odysseus positively blew the field away in the CSI3* tbird Speed 1.40m, the opening international class of the final competition of tbird’s 50th Anniversary season. Crossing the timers […]
20.09.23 | Returning Champions Presented at BCHJA Finale CSI3*
Langley, BC — Thunderbird Show Park hosts the final event of its 2023 season this week in Langley with the BCHJA Fall Finale, featuring three-star international competition and the CSI3* $100,000 Grand Prix. Thirty-five equine athletes were brought forward Tuesday for the international horse inspection—a competitive group of horse-and-rider combinations already with winning records during tbird’s […]
21.08.23 | Montserrat OS Breaks Through With MarBill Hill U25 1.40m Win
Langley, BC — Over the last two weeks at Thunderbird Show Park, Charlie Jones (GBR) and 8-year-old Montserrat OS have been mightily close to victory. The pair finished second in the U25 division at last week’s Summer Fort Welcome, and at the Summer Fort Classic, they were runner-up in the Diamond Valley Ranch U10 Young Horse […]
21.08.23 | Rhapsody Meets Potential in Domino High Voltage Grand Prix 1.40m
Langley, BC — When Sarah Lottis (CAN) traveled to Europe and saw a 4-year-old named Rhapsody, she didn’t need to be convinced that the young horse had talent. “The way that he was and the way that he free jumped at only four years old really made us think that he was going to be […]
21.08.23 | Sampson Shines in CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix 1.50m
Langley, BC — Following the awards presentation for the CSI3* ATCO Cup Grand Prix 1.50m Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park, you might not have recognized the class winner. Equine America Ivanhoe GPH could be found standing still as a statue as a young child reached up tentatively to stroke his muzzle. “He’s very sweet. He won’t […]
20.08.23 | Stephenson Gets Confident Win in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC — Olivia Stephenson had two mounts in Saturday’s MarBill Hill U25 1.40m. She felt all the confidence aboard Chaccalanda, an experienced mare with results up to the five-star level with her former rider. With Deister Z, she was experiencing more of a “learning curve.” But things came together for Stephenson and Deister Z, […]
20.08.23 | Foster Makes Her Target in CSI3* Kubota Canada Winning Round 1.45m
Langley, BC – With a large string of international mounts, Tiffany Foster (CAN) arrived at Thunderbird Show Park in August with a strategic plan to maximize results for a group of young, up-and-coming horses. The Summer Fort Classic CSI3* was made the target for 9-year-old Jetouelle-S, as Foster stepped the elegant bay mare up to 1.45m […]
19.08.23 | Duff Delivers in CSI3* Paladin Cup
Langley, BC — Jaclyn Duff (CAN) always knew she had a special horse in Eblesse, but she’s had to be patient with the now 14-year-old KWPN gelding. Friday evening at Thunderbird Show Park, her fortitude was rewarded, as the pair came together to win the CSI3* Paladin Cup 1.50m. Besting a nine-horse jump-off, the duo crossed […]
18.08.23 | Chernoff is Champion of MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Langley, BC — Stella Chernoff has been partnered with Stump Lake Ranch and Cattle Co’s Fay for more than five years. But they don’t get to spend much time together. Chernoff, 19, studies at Queen’s University in Ontario, and for eight months of the year, she steps away from the saddle to focus entirely on […]
18.08.23 | Victorious Reunion for Sampson and Curraghgraigue Obos Flight in CSI3* tbird Challenge
Langley, BC — Matt Sampson (GBR) couldn’t quite call his partner in the CSI3* tbird Challenge a “catch ride.” But it had been a while since he’d shown the 11-year-old Curraghgraigue Obos Flight. Flying in from Europe for the Summer Fort Classic CSI3*, Sampson reunited with the gelding for a win in Thursday’s CSI3* tbird Challenge. […]
18.08.23 | Betker Bests Pros in Foxstone Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby
Langley, BC — Sixteen-year-old Sloane Betker (CAN) recorded the biggest win of her young career Thursday at Thunderbird Show Park, besting the Foxstone Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby. The teenager—fresh off representing her country in the North American Youth Championships (USA)—rode her own Crack to victory with a final score of 343. Nicole Bourgeois (USA) […]
17.08.23 | Chad Can’t Be Caught in CSI3* George & Dianne Tidball Legacy 1.45m
Langley, BC – Kara Chad (CAN) and Easy Boy d’Aubey Z positively laid down the gauntlet in Wednesday’s CSI3* George and Dianne Tidball Legacy 1.45m. Second to jump Peter Holmes’ (CAN) 1.45m speed track, the pair blazed a trail, leaving out strides in four places on course. No one could match their performance, and they held […]
16.08.23 | Contenders Converge at Summer Fort Classic CSI3*
Langley, BC – International competition at Thunderbird Show Park is a special occasion, and Kassidy Keith (CAN) dressed for it. Keith and her CSI3* entry Havana received the Equi-Products Best Dressed Award, receiving a $100 gift card at Tuesday’s FEI jog for the CSI3* Summer Fort Classic. Forty athletes presented 56 horses Tuesday afternoon. With seven nations represented, […]
14.08.23 | Foster is Best Again in CSI3* The Keg Grand Prix
Langley, BC — As Tiffany Foster exited the Fort Grand Prix Arena sporting a red rosette and a winner’s cooler, a young fan shouted out to her. “Did you win?” she asked. Foster shouted back at her, “Yes!” In fact, Foster ran her FEI winning streak to three Sunday at tbird, besting the CSI3* The Keg […]
13.08.23 | Morin Masters MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC — Brooke Morin (USA) jumped her first five-star competition over the summer, but at the Summer Fort Welcome CSI3*, she made a conscious decision to step down from the FEI ranks to the U25 division. The move paid off, as she and her longtime partner NKH Carrido impressed in the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m […]
13.08.23 | Another Day, Another Chad Family Win in Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m
The ingate was crowded when Bretton Chad (CAN) entered the Fort Grand Prix Arena for the jump-off of the Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m. Bretton’s sister Kara Chad (CAN)—fresh off a win in the CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Winning Round 1.45m—and significant other Charlie Jones (GBR) walked under the tower on horseback with their rooting interest […]
13.08.23 | Stettner Stars in MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC — Anderson Lima’s (BRA) course in the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m proved a difficult code to crack Saturday afternoon. The speed test saw just a single clear round from its 19 competitors, with the win going to Jaydan Stettner (CAN) and Ielinea JTL. The pair finished their round with a clear score card, crossing […]
13.08.23 | Field Chases Chawke in Diamond Valley Ranch U10 Young Horse 1.35m
Langley, BC — James Chawke (IRL) had a single target at the Summer Fort Welcome for Alison Locke’s Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z. He met it. Chawke and the talented 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding prevailed in a thrilling 12-horse jump-off in the Diamond Valley Ranch Under-10 Young Horse 1.35m. The pair crossed the timers of Anderson Lima’s (MEX) […]
13.08.23 | Chad Tops Charitable CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Winning Round
Langley, BC – Kara Chad (CAN) has had the ride on Easy Boy d’Aubey Z for less than three months. But you wouldn’t have known it watching the pair in the CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Winning Round Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park. The duo looked like longtime partners as they made light work of the uniquely formatted […]
12.08.23 | Foster and Electrique Charge to Victory in CSI3* Steel-Craft Doors 1.50m
Langley, BC — Tiffany Foster (CAN) recorded her second international win of the week Friday at Thunderbird Show Park, besting a four-horse jump-off aboard 5 Roosters’ Electrique in the CSI3* Steel-Craft Doors 1.50m. Foster is seeing success at both ends of the spectrum when it comes to her string. After winning the CSI3* tbird Speed Thursday […]
11.08.23 | Tulloch Triumphs with Casalito’s Boy in DIHP Canadian Hunter Derby
Langley, BC — Over the summer in Langley, professional Rodney Tulloch (CAN) was tasked with a most difficult assignment. His client Jaclyn Jarrell was on the hunt for a new horse, but she had specific instructions: Her next mount had to be a “unicorn.” After all, the horse would be taking over for another that […]
11.08.23 | Kruger Executes in CSI3* tbird 1.40m Challenge
Langley, BC – The CSI3* tbird 1.40m Challenge came down to a match race Thursday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park. Having the advantageous position of following her lone opponent in Laura Jane Tidball (CAN), Katie Kruger (CAN) knew exactly what she’d have to do to claim the second international victory of her career. But her winning strategy […]
11.08.23 | Chernoff Saves Best for Last in MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Langley, BC — The Summer Fort Welcome’s U25 division kicked off Thursday with the MarBill Hill U25 1.35m jump-off class—and a win for Stella Chernoff (CAN). In a seven-horse jump-off, Georgia Knight (CAN) and Ecolano vs Romano were holding onto a commanding lead of more than five seconds when Chernoff entered the ring, last to […]
10.08.23 | “Easy” Win for Tiffany Foster and Brighton in CSI3* tbird Speed 1.45m
At 17 years old, Artisan Farms’ Brighton is still at the top of his game. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and her longtime mount put the strength of their 10-year partnership on display Wednesday at Thunderbird Show Park, recording a confident win in the CSI3* tbird Speed on the opening day of international competition at the CSI3* […]
9.08.23 | Summer Fort Welcome Kicks Off Three-Star Double at Thunderbird Show Park
Langley, BC – Two consecutive weeks of international three-star competition highlight the August series at Thunderbird Show Park, as 43 horses jogged for inspection Tuesday for the CSI3* Summer Fort Welcome. Nineteen athletes will represent the home nation, led by two-time Olympian Tiffany Foster. Based out of a new facility just a stone’s throw from tbird, Foster […]
31.07.23 | Erin Silo’s “Dance Monkey” Scores New Personal Best
Canadian dressage rider Erin Silo didn’t have the ride she was hoping for on Saturday at the Thunderbird Dressage CDI, presented by Winifred Steinkopf Hall, Gordon & Wendy Christoff, and Blue Heron Farm. Come Sunday, she turned that setback into a comeback. Aboard her nine-year-old KWPN gelding Jett, Silo scored a win and a new […]
30.07.23 | Gloria Schriever Has “Best of Both Worlds” & Personal Best in Hilton
“We always joke when [Hilton] comes out of the ring, ‘Oh, my mom’s so happy. Her boy did so well!’ And she’ll say, ‘My girl did well, too,’” laughed Gloria Schriever. The Canadian rider, 36, may be the one in the saddle, but she’ll be the first to tell you that the striking black gelding […]
30.07.23 | Jennifer Williams Trusts the Training with Joppe K
USA’s Jennifer Williams and Joppe K moved up the leaderboard on Saturday at the Thunderbird Dressage CDI, presented by Winifred Steinkopf Hall, Gordon & Wendy Christoff, and Blue Heron Farm, to captured their third CDI3* win in the past five weeks. In a head to head competition against Friday’s CDI3* winners Pia Fortmüller and Frieda, […]
29.07.23 | Pia Fortmüller and Frieda Get in the Grand Prix Groove
Pia Fortmüller and Frieda are no strangers to the pressures of CDI competition. Partnered since 2013, the Canadian rider and 2011 black Hanoverian mare first began touring the 20 x 60 in 2015, methodically advancing from green horse to Grand Prix over the past decade. They’ve earned 18 CDI podium finishes since 2016, including nine […]
29.07.23 | Shelley Lawder and Balancee Step into Small Tour Win
Canadian dressage rider and 2023 Pan American Games hopeful Shelley Lawder had a mission with Balancee heading into the Thunderbird Dressage CDI Show, presented by Winifred Steinkopf Hall, Gordon & Wendy Christoff, and Blue Heron Farm. “We’ve been trying really, really hard to crack the 70s since March. And we finally did it!” smiled the […]
19.06.23 | Lawder Finds Balancee in the Music and the Moment
In ballet, a balancé is a beautiful rocking step where a dancer moves while alternating balance between their feet in a three-step “down, up, down” motion with the legs. In dressage, Balancee is the name of Shelley Lawder’s upcoming international mount and the winner of Sunday’s FEI Intermediate 1 Freestyle CDI1*, sponsored by Bonnie Brae […]
18.06.23 | Erin Silo Rides Every Stride to Second CDI1* Win
Erin Silo (CAN) was feeling the pressure on Saturday ahead of the FEI Intermediate I CDI1*, sponsored by Bonnie Brae Farm, at the Touch of Class Dressage Show. Hot off an international win in Friday’s Prix St. Georges CDI1*, her first with the nine-year-old KWPN gelding Jett, and contesting their second ever CDI1* event, expectations […]
18.06.23 | Joppe K Carries Confidence Forward, Earns Second Personal Best at Touch of Class
Langley, BC — American dressage rider Jennifer Williams had one focus in mind for Joppe K heading into Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, sponsored by Wendy Christoff of Delta BC, at the Touch of Class Dressage Show: fitness. “I think, at this point, he really just needs to be fitter in the test,” she […]
17.06.23 | Erin Silo “Jetts” to CDI1* Prix St. Georges Victory
In 2020, Erin Silo (CAN) was shopping for a dressage horse to develop. She’d been on the hunt for months, but was having little luck. “I vetted one in Poland. I vetted one in Langley. I’d gone to North Carolina. I had gone to Alberta. And then covid happened and I kind of gave up […]
17.06.23 | Williams and Joppe K Score First Big Tour Win and Personal Best in Langley
Langley, BC — Jennifer Williams (USA) and Joppe K logged their first CDI3* win on Friday in the Touch of Class CDI Dressage show at Thunderbird Show Park. It’s news that will surprise exactly no one who has been following their career. They’ve been a formidable partnership since the start. Williams discovered Joppe K as […]
4.06.23 | Double Take! Team Ireland Takes the CSIO5* Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada—Again
It was deja vu in the $400,000 CSIO5* Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada. For the second year in a row, Team Ireland jumped to the top of the leaderboard to close out the Odlum Brown BC Open CSIO5* tournament at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC. Under a pristine blue sky and in […]
4.06.23 | Third Time’s the Charm for King & Cerolino
American Kyle King is not accustomed to taking the ‘conservative clear’ — he’s only done it twice in his career and both times with Ilan Feder’s 10-year-old Holsteiner Cerolino. On Saturday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park, it was the smart strategy in the 1.50m CSIO5* Paladin Cup. As the final of six horses to take […]
4.06.23 | History and Hard Work Pay Off for Barisoff and Quincy in DIHP Canadian Hunter Derby 3’6”.
Patience paid off Saturday afternoon for Mariah Barisoff, who topped the $3,000 DIHP Canadian Hunter Derby 3’6” Open with her horse Quincy at Thunderbird Show Park’s Odllum Brown BC Open. The pair finished on a score of 102, just a half-point ahead of runners-up Ashley Arnold and Light My Fire (101.5). Sloane Betker and Crack […]
3.06.23 | Lambre Can’t Be Caught in CSI2* JustWorld International Grand Prix
Approaching the halfway mark of the CSI2* JustWorld International Grand Prix Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park, Santiago Lambre (BRA) and The Diamant Rose Z stood alone, having produced the only clear round in the class up to that point. It would prove to be a foreshadowing of what was to come. Four other riders would […]
3.06.23 | Fairy Tale Ending for Shawn Casady & NKH Cento Blue in CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix
The stars aligned for Shawn Casady (USA) Friday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park, as the 28-year-old recorded the biggest victory of his career with NKH Cento Blue in the CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix. It took nearly a third of the class for a clean round to materialize over Peter Holmes’ (CAN) track, and it was […]
3.06.23 | tbird Pays Your Tab: Five Show For Free at BC Open
The tbird show office has become a most festive location on Friday afternoons. Thunderbird Show Park brought five entry fees to $0 to kick off the weekend at the Odlum Brown BC Open, as part of the “tbird Pays Your Tab” initiative. During each of tbird’s 10 major show tournaments, five exhibitors are chosen at […]
2.06.23 | Jordan Coyle and Ariso Find Mutual Respect the Key to Success in CSIO5* West Coast Cup
Like in any good relationship, there is always a certain amount of give and take. Ireland’s Jordan Coyle and Ariso have found their middle ground, taking the win in the CSIO5* West Coast Cup 1.45m Friday afternoon at tbird’s Odium Brown BC Open. Of 10 who qualified to jump the short course set by Peter […]
2.06.23 | Robitaille Gets Rolling With Ester de Maugre in CSI2* Friends of tbird 1.45m
Alison Robitaille’s (USA) familiarization with new mount Ester de Maugre has been one of experimentation. A tack adjustment and the identification of a preferred grass surface proved to be the winning formula Friday at Thunderbird Show Park’s Odlum Brown BC Open. Robitaille and the quick-footed 9-year-old mare recorded the first international victory of their young […]
2.06.23 | Patricio Pasquel Opens Odlum Brown BC Open with a Win in CSIO5* Nations Welcome
A huge week of international show jumping kicked off at the Odlum Brown BC Open Thursday with speed being the name of the game for CSI2* and CSIO5* competitors all day. In the feature class of the day, the $38,500 CSIO5* Nations Welcome, world no. 8 Conor Swail (IRL) was third in the ring of […]
29.05.23 | It’s Game Over for Erynn Ballard in CSI2* Grand Prix
A top Canadian female rider led another victory gallop at Thunderbird Sunday afternoon, to close out the MLSJ Canadian Premier Week for 2023. Former leading female rider in the world, Erynn Ballard piloted Game Over with precision and tact to a double-clear, shaving 0.09 of a second off Conor Swail’s time to cross the finish […]
29.05.23 | Nicole Bourgeois Finds Way to Top of 7Up Stables USHJA International 3’6” Hunter Derby
Nicole Bourgeois of Wilsonville, Oregon, captured the $25,000 USHJA International 3’6” Hunter Derby with Wayfinder owned by Hilary Sosne. Leading from start to finish with an overall score of 348, Bourgeois topped her closest competitor Samantha Smith with Pierre, by a full 22 points. When asked about her strategy for the two rounds, Bourgeois was […]
28.05.23 | Young Brit Charlie Jones Tops the $15,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m Grand Prix… And it All Started With a Girl
Charlie Jones (GBR) took top honours in Sunday’s $15,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m Grand Prix to cap the U25 division at Thunderbird Show Park’s 2023 Canadian Premier week. When asked how he came to be here, from his native Warwickshire, England, the nephew of Olympic gold medalist Nick Skelton replied with a smile “Well, I […]
28.05.23 | Tiffany Foster Comes Full Circle with First 5* Star Grand Prix Win
It’s hard not to lead with a bit of a cliché following Tiffany Foster’s win in Saturday’s CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park. “Hometown Hero” seems the obvious choice, Foster having grown up here and going on to represent Canada at the Olympics. (She’s currently is the highest placed Canadian rider on the […]
27.05.23 | Eye Candy Jumpers Takes Top Two Spots in Winning Round 1.50m
In a jump-off field of ten, it’s almost a given there will be an Irish rider somewhere in the mix. Saturday afternoon was no exception at tbird’s MLSJ Canadian Premier. FEI Nations Cup™ Final individual silver and team gold medalist Paul O’Shea was almost casually efficient in his approach to riding at speed with Squirt […]
27.05.23 | Team Eye Candy Takes the Season Opener of 2023 MLSJ Team Competition, presented by Premier Equestrian
Three seconds is about the time it takes you to sneeze. Or if it’s added to your jumping score in a Major League Show Jumping gold medal round, the time it takes to hand the gold to Team Eye Candy and settle for silver. That’s exactly what happened Friday night at Thunderbird Show Park in […]
27.05.23 | Daniel Coyle Guides Jasper to First FEI Win in the CSI2* Cabana Coast Qualifier
Any horse person will tell you the old expression “the best laid plans gang aft awry” is never more true than with horses. And Daniel Coyle can attest to that following his win with Jasper in Thursday morning’s CSI2* Cabana Coast Qualifier 1.45m speed class at Thunderbird Show Park to come out ahead in the […]
26.05.23 | Luck and Learning Are the Perfect Combination for Daniel Coyle and Gisborne VDL
Ireland’s Daniel Coyle topped a baker’s dozen jumping off for $142,400 in the CSI5* 1.50m Thursday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park, kicking off five star competition at MLSJ Canadian Premier week. Under picture perfect skies Coyle brought Ariel Grange’s Gisborne VDL into the Thunderbird Jumper Arena to tackle Olaf Petersen’s short track. They followed Canada’s Ali Ramsay, […]
26.05.23 | Jikke-Cara and Alison Robitaille Hop to the Top of the CSI2* 1.40m Two-Phase
It wasn’t Alison Robitaille’s intention to go fast or be particularly competitive in Thursday morning ’s CSI2* 1.40m Two-Phase with Jikke-Cara, it being their first time out on the grass field of the Fort Grand Prix Arena at Thunderbird Show Park. But “Bunny Rabbit” as she is known in the barn (because she looks like […]
25.05.23 | Georgia Knight and Onyx Debut at No. 1 in the MarBill Hill U25
In decisive style, Georgia Knight, 19, of Victoria, BC, and her mount Onyx captured the win in the $5,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.35m class Wednesday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park—their very first U25 competition together. Topping a field of 25 young riders from Canada, the United States and Mexico, including many experienced riders, Knight bested […]
30.04.23 | Keith and Havana Turn Up the Heat in tbird Grand Prix
If Kassidy Keith (CAN) experienced a sense of deja vu Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park, it wouldn’t surprise many—certainly not those in attendance at the $10,000 tbird Grand Prix 1.40m at the Spring Festival. For the second consecutive week, Keith and her longtime mount Havana led the victory lap following the feature class of the week’s competition. Besting a […]
29.04.23 | McLean, Wall and Arnoldt Shine in tbird Hunter Teams
For barn mates Hazel McLean, Ruby Wall and Ashley Arnoldt, cheering each other on at the show ring is nothing new. But sharing scores was. Friday at Thunderbird Show Park, McLean (Northwind After Eight), Wall (Momma Citta) and Arnoldt (Light My Fire)—all of whom train with Eliza Hunt at Delta, BC’s Obsidian Hunter Jumper—joined forces […]
24.04.23 | Keith Picks Up Where She Left Off in Maui Jim Grand Prix
Langley, BC — The last time Kassidy Keith (CAN) showed at Thunderbird Show Park, she brought the 2022 show season to a close with a win in the CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix. As the 2023 April Season Opener kicked off tbird’s 50th Anniversary show season, Keith wasted no time returning to the front of […]
23.04.23 | Betker Bests Elders in DIHP Canadian Hunter Derby Open
Langley, BC – Youth prevailed in the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) Canadian Hunter Derby Open 3’6″ Saturday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park’s April Season Opener, with 10th grader Sloane Betker besting a group of professionals aboard her longtime partner, Kensington. Held in a one-round format, the Canadian Hunter Derby is judged as a handy class. Judges […]
23.04.23 | Martinoff Makes It Happen in Emily Sandhack Open Classic
Ayla Martinoff (CAN) wore many hats in Saturday’s Emily Sandhack Open Classic 1.35m at the 2023 April Season Opener. With two mounts in the class, she was not just the rider, trainer and owner. She also bred both horses, including her winning mount, 9-year-old Calloway. In Calloway’s first show since October, the grey showed little […]
22.04.23 | Pedersen Tops New Stride TB Jumper Challenge
There was just one clear round in the $1,500 New Stride TB Jumper Challenge Friday afternoon. Maya Pedersen (CAN) and From the Ashes executed their two rounds on a confident, forward rhythm to secure the victory in the .85m competition, exclusively for Thoroughbreds. The winning time was 37.83 seconds. Kim Boyle (USA) and Split the […]
22.04.23 | This One’s on tbird: Fifty Free Weeks of Horse Showing Kick Off at April Season Opener
Langley, BC – For professional Holly Grayton, the start of the 2023 show season at Thunderbird Show Park will forever be synonymous with a big win—in the show office! She and her husband Alex Grayton own and operate Grayton Farms out of Calgary, Alberta and migrate to Langley each year, compiling a lot of entries for their […]
25.09.22 | Keith Stands Alone at the Top in CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix
Langley, BC – On the final day of the BCHJA Fall Finale at Thunderbird Show Park, Kassidy Keith (CAN) stood in a familiar place—at the top of the U25 division. Last year’s MarBill Hill U25 League champion, Keith and her 9-year-old stallion Fenelon WF produced the only clear round in the CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix […]
25.09.22 | Hunt and Infostar Shine in Friends of the BCHJA Grand Prix 1.30m
Georgia Hunt’s 9-year-old Infostar “isn’t the fastest of horses,” but you wouldn’t know it from watching the Friends of the BCHJA Grand Prix 1.30m. Hunt and they grey mare bested an 18-horse jump-off, crossing the timers of Peter Holmes’ (CAN) short course comfortably in front in 38.28 seconds. Lorrie Jamieson (CAN) and Hooz da Cat […]
25.09.22 | Mache Moves Up in Domino High Voltage CET Regionals
Sixteen-year-old Chloe Mache began her show season in the CET Mini Medal. She ended it the Domino High Voltage CET Regionals Champion. Mache, Vancouver, BC, emerged on top after three phases of Langley’s premier equitation championship, qualifying her for the 2022 CET National Final in Toronto in November. Sloane Betker finished second, with Lily van […]
25.09.22 | King Saves Best for Last in CSI3* tbird Grand Prix
Langley, BC – Kyle King (USA) has only been getting to know SIG Chiari since the spring, but in that time, the 10-year-old has made quite the impression. In Saturday’s CSI3* tbird Grand Prix 1.50m, the athletic bay reaffirmed his rider’s belief with a convincing victory—the first international win of their partnership. Last to go in a […]
23.09.22 | Francken Notches Milestone in CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Langley, BC – Twenty-year-old Jarne Francken (BEL) was looking for a job in his hometown of Antwerp, Belgium, when his neighbor proposed an idea to him. Would he might like to work in North America? “It took me about two minutes to think about it,” Francken said. That neighbor, Michael Koronpis, was close friends with […]
22.09.22 | Fenelon WF Flourishes in CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
In the last six months, Kassidy Keith (CAN) has felt a difference in her 9-year-old stallion, Fenelon WF. The bay Irish Sport Horse took his first U25 win in August at the Summer Fort Festival, and Thursday at tbird, he and his rider were again best in the CSIU25-A MarBill Hill U25 1.35m—the pair’s first […]
22.09.22 | Ifko and Un Diamant des Forets Show Need for Speed in CSI3* tbird Qualifier 1.45m
Langley, BC – Jim Ifko (CAN) had a specific plan of attack Thursday for the large 13-horse jump-off that had assembled for the CSI3* tbird Qualifier 1.45m. Ifko identified two distinct gallop lanes in Peter Holmes’ (CAN) short track, and he knew his competitors would be making the most of those opportunities. He hoped he could set […]
22.09.22 | King Gets Next Generation Win in CSI3* tbird 1.40m
Langley, BC – Heading into the BCHJA Fall Finale at Thunderbird Show Park, Kyle King (USA) had to shorten his stirrups. The three horses he brought forward for the final international competition of tbird’s 2022 show season are built a bit differently from his current top group of equine athletes. While the likes of Enzo, Chess and […]
21.09.22 | BCHJA Fall Finale Showcases CSI3* and CSIU25 Competition at Thunderbird Show Park
Langley, BC — There’s just one more week of international competition at Thunderbird Show Park in 2022. The BCHJA Fall Finale concludes the annual FEI calendar in Langley, Sept. 21–25, 2022. The Finale boasts both CSI3* and CSIU25 divisions, giving up-and-coming combinations the chance to compete at the international level. Fifty three horses from both […]
29.08.22 | Stephenson and Deister Z Have Quick Success in MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix
Olivia Stephenson thrives off a fast pace—and not just in a jump-off. Stephenson, 16, rode Deister Z to the win in Sunday’s MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix at tbird, besting a four-horse jump-off. She acquired her mount as a birthday present—just last week—and Deister Z himself was imported less than two months ago. Needless to […]
29.08.22 | Morin Gets Milestone Victory in CSI2* Paladin Risk Solutions Grand Prix
Brooke Morin (USA) walked under the tower and into the Fort Grand Prix Arena for the CSI2* Paladin Risk Solutions Grand Prix knowing that in order to win her first international Grand Prix, she’d have to beat her coach. “I was going to be happy either way. Kyle was going to win if I didn’t! […]
27.08.22 | Ackerman Rides to ‘Dream’ Victory in CSI2* tbird 1.45m
Langley, BC – As amateur rider Jaimie Ackerman (CAN) crossed the finish timers in the jump-off of the CSI2* tbird 1.45m, her first reaction was one of sheer disbelief. “It’s a dream. You just don’t expect to go into a CSI2* FEI class when you’re [also] working a full-time job and pull off something like that,” she […]
26.08.22 | Partridge and Chaperone Make it a Double in Foxstone Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby
After topping the Canadian Hunter Derby at the Summer Fort Classic, Quinn Partridge (USA) and Chaperone upped the ante and recorded their second straight derby victory at Thunderbird Show Park, this time in the Foxstone Stables USHJA International Hunter Derby. Partridge and Emma Lorimer’s 12-year-old gelding topped the premier event of tbird’s World Championship Hunter […]
26.08.22 | Winther Blair Rides Homebred to Victory in MarBill Hill U25 1.35m
Taylor Winther Blair (CAN) made her U25 debut just one week ago with Cella at the Summer Fort Classic. In the first U25 event of the Summer Fort Festival, she and her homebred mare Cella topped the MarBill Hill U25 1.35m. Besting a six-horse jump-off, Blair and her 9-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare crossed the times […]
24.08.22 | Blanchette and Carnlea Premier Balou Take the Win in Stride in CSI2* tbird Speed 1.40m
Langley, BC – Robert Blanchette (IRL) has his eyes set on the CSI2* Paladin Risk Solutions Grand Prix Sunday at the Summer Fort Festival for his up-and-coming 8-year-old, Carnlea Premier Balou. So when he entered the ring for the CSI2* tbird Speed 1.40m, he didn’t want to let too much out of the tank. That comfortable pace […]
24.08.22 | Three-Week FEI Circuit Comes to a Climax at Summer Fort Festival CSI2*
Langley, BC — Thunderbird Show Park’s three-week FEI circuit comes to a climax this week at the CSI2* Summer Fort Festival, showcasing both veterans and exciting young talent. Thirty-eight horses representing 29 FEI athletes jogged for inspection Tuesday at tbird. International competition begins Wednesday, Aug. 24 in the Fort Grand Prix Arena with the CSI2* tbird […]
22.08.22 | Same Result, Different Horse: Fitzgerald Wins Again in MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m
A day after topping the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m speed class with Pasquinelle, Emily Fitzgerald (CAN) led the victory lap again the MarBill Hill U25 Grand Prix 1.40m, this time with Coco du Houlbec Z. Jumping double-clear over Anderson Lima’s (BRA) tracks, Fitzgerald came away a comfortable winner over Stella Chernoff (CAN), who finished both […]
22.08.22 | Sampson and Elisa BJX Rise to the Occasion in ATCO Cup Grand Prix 1.50m
Ten-year-old Oldenburg mare Elisa BJX has plenty of experience going against the clock. After all, she and rider Matthew Sampson (GBR) topped the Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m at the Summer Fort Welcome by nearly three seconds. The mare is less experienced jumping the 1.50m height, but when Sampson entered the Fort Grand Prix Arena […]
21.08.22 | Partridge and Chaperone ‘Go Big’ in Tidball Legacy Canadian Hunter Derby Open 3’6”
Quinn Partridge (USA) has a motto when it comes to hunter derby competition: “With the derbies, for me it’s always, ‘Go big or go home, and learn from it if you make the mistake.’” Partridge rode Emma Lorimer’s Chaperone to top honors in the Open 3’6” section of the Tidball Legacy Canadian Hunter Derby, a […]
21.08.22 | Cook Tops ‘Nail-biting’ CSI3* Kubota Canada Winning Round 1.45m
Shauna Cook (CAN) had one hyphenated word to describe her win in the CSI3* Kubota Canada Winning Round 1.45m: “nail-biting.” After her first round with Caya in the uniquely formatted class, Cook was unsure whether she’d even make the second round, for which only the top 10 combinations return. Ultimately, she’d just qualify as the […]
20.08.22 | Fitzgerald Stands Alone at the Top in MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m
When Emily Fitzgerald (CAN) entered the Fort Grand Prix Arena with Pasquinelle, 12 of the 15 entries in the MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m had jumped, but none had produced a clear round over Anderson Lima’s (BRA) 1.40m speed track. Having already ridden the course once aboard Coco du Houlbec Z, Fitzgerald knew what she […]
20.08.22 | Morin Makes Moves in CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Cup
The youngest rider in the field led the victory lap in the CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Cup 1.50m Friday at Thunderbird Show Park, as 19-year-old Brooke Morin (USA) earned her first international victory with NKH Carrido. The young rider bested a five-horse jump-off set by Anderson Lima (BRA), crossing the timers nearly two seconds best. The […]
20.08.22 | Gatlin Finds Winning Gear in CSI3* 1.35m
Joie Gatlin (USA) knows 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Koddac van het Indihof well, but until earlier this month, it had been more than a year since they’d been partnered as a horse-and-rider combination. Gatlin is enjoying getting reacquainted with the veteran gelding, and everything came together for her with a win in the CSI3* tbird […]
19.08.22 | Year of Progress Leads Munro to MarBill Hill U25 League 1.35m Victory
Last summer at Thunderbird Show Park, Dylan Munro (CAN) and Face to Face were jumping 1.20m. This year, they won the MarBill Hill U25 League 1.35m to kick off the U25 division at the Summer Fort Classic. Last to go in a six-horse jump-off, the pair came away with a comfortable victory. Their winning time […]
19.08.22 | Devrainne Gets First FEI Win in CSI3* tbird Challenge
Two jumps in to Anderson Lima’s (BRA) 1.40m track in the CSI3* tbird Challenge, Sebastien Devrainne (FRA) knew he had to reset. His mount, the 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding Carre D’as Lili was getting a bit strong heading toward the first combination on course, so he took a moment to regain some rideability. It was […]
18.08.22 | Chawke and Howard du Seigneur Find Their Competitive Edge in CSI3* George and Dianne Tidball Legacy 1.45m
James Chawke (IRL) stepped Ramsay Equestrian’s Howard du Seigneur up to the 1.45m height for the first time at last week’s Summer Fort Welcome CSI3*. It took only a week for the pair to record a victory at the height—their first international win as a partnership. They topped Wednesday’s CSI3* George and Dianne Tidball Legacy 1.45m, […]
17.08.22 | Competition Heats Up at Summer Fort Classic CSI3*
Langley, BC — The second of three consecutive weeks of international competition at Thunderbird Show Park kicked off Tuesday, and ahead of a most busy September in Canadian show jumping sport, an influx of athletes arrived in Langley for the Summer Fort Classic CSI3*. Eighty five horses were presented at the afternoon’s horse inspection. They will […]
15.08.22 | Sampson Fires Again in Maui Jim Grand Prix
Matthew Sampson (GBR) recorded his sixth win of the Summer Fort Welcome in the Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m, the national standard feature of the week at tbird. Those wins came with a remarkable four different horses. Elisa BJX was one of two horses to record multiple victories. In the Maui Jim Grand Prix, the […]
15.08.22 | King Defends Home Turf in CSI3* ONNI Grand Prix 1.50m
Heading into the CSI3* ONNI Grand Prix, Kyle King (USA) found himself playing the role of the bridesmaid. In the CSI3* tbird Speed 1.45m, he finished third to Matthew Sampson (GBR). In the Maui Jim Grand Prix (national standard), he finished second to Sampson. After 13 of 14 horses jumped off in the CSI3* ONNI […]
14.08.22 | Cook and Caya Sparkle in CSI3* Winning Round 1.45m
Shauna Cook is grateful that she listened to her mother. After all, when she first tried the Hanoverian mare Caya in Germany, she wasn’t convinced the mare was the right match. But her mom, Sheilagh Kelly was, and she was right. Cook and Caya topped the CSI3* Winning Round 1.45m Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park, […]
14.08.22 | Riddle Runs Away with Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realtor 1.35m
Maddy Riddle (CAN) has only been partnered with Fair Katie VDH for a few months, but you wouldn’t know it watching them. The pair won their second international class of the week in the CSI3* Emily Sandhack Equestrian Realtor 1.35m. Riddle and Brian Wander Helm’s 12-year-old mare were the only combination to produce a double-clear […]
13.08.22 | A Gallop Gets the Win for Jaimie Ackerman and Driek in CSI3* tbird 1.35m
Clear rounds were hard to come by in the CSI3* tbird 1.35m. Jaimie Ackerman (CAN) and Driek posted the only double-clear performance to take the win, crossing the timers of Peter Holmes’ shortened track in 41.22 seconds. Bretton Chad (CAN) and Zirkana Adelheid Z finished second as the only other combination to make the jump-off; […]
13.08.22 | Sampson Starts a Streak in Steel-Craft Doors Cup 1.50m
Matthew Sampson (GBR) did not take long to start a winning streak at Thunderbird Show Park. In his first trip to Langley, he won his second international competition in the span of three days Friday, topping an eight-horse jump-off in the CSI3* Steel-Craft Doors Cup with Ebolensky. It was a comfortable victory, both in appearance […]
12.08.22 | Bourgeois Dominates Amy Brattebo Real Estate USHJA National Hunter Derby
No rider was busier in the Amy Brattebo Real Estate USHJA National Hunter Derby than Nicole Bourgeois. The Sherwood, OR based professional brought five entries forward to the class and ultimately claimed four of the top five placings. That included the victory, which came aboard Hilary Sonse’s 9-year-old gelding Wayfinder. The pair received scores of […]
12.08.22 | Rufer Has Winning Reunion in CSI3* Maui Jim Challenge 1.40m
As of a week ago, Karrie Rufer (USA) hadn’t shown Vertige de Galarzacs in nearly two years. Thursday at Thunderbird Show Park, she realized the time apart may have done the partnership some good. The duo bested a 10-horse jump-off to win the CSI3* Maui Jim Challenge 1.40m. They crossed the timers of Peter Holmes’ […]
11.08.22 | Matthew Sampson Inches Away With CSI3* tbird Speed 1.45M Victory
Langley, BC – Aug. 10, 2022 —Matthew Sampson (GBR) has quickly made an impression in his Thunderbird Show Park debut. The 31-year-old managed to beat the venue’s winningest rider in Conor Swail (IRL) in the feature class of the Summer Fort Welcome’s opening day. He and the Evison family’s Curraghgraigue Obos Flight won the CSI3* tbird […]
10.08.22 | Three Weeks of International Competition Kick Off at tbird’s Summer Fort Welcome CSI3*
Langley, BC — Aug. 9, 2022 — The depth of talent at Thunderbird Show Park will be showcased over the course of the next three weeks in Langley, as tbird kicks off a three-week stint of international competition Aug. 10–14 with the Summer Fort Welcome CSI3*. The schedule has expanded to offer a 1.35m division in […]
10.07.22 | I. Zapo Takes Statement Win in Odlum Brown Ltd Grand Prix
One could say the odds were in Kyle King’s (USA) favour Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park. Bringing forward four horses for the Odlum Brown Ltd. Grand Prix, he was the busiest rider on course. But his winning mount not only surprised him; the horse also made a believer out of his owner. Besting a seven-horse jump-off that […]
9.07.22 | Refreshing Win for Courchaine and Lemonade BF in CSJ 6-Year-Old Showcase
At Bosch Farms in Red Deer County, Alberta, Femke Courchaine (CAN) and her team have made a habit out of breeding winners, particularly in tbird’s young horse divisions. On Saturday at the Western Family, Courchaine rode two homebreds to wins in the Crooks Show Jumping Young Horse Showcase, topping the 4-Year-Old class with Nacho Libre […]
9.07.22 | King Impresses With ‘Beyond Her Years’ Syrah du Pieroux Z in Crooks Show Jumping 7-Year-Old Showcase
Kyle King (USA) has high hopes for his 7-year-old mare Syrah du Pieroux Z, and Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park’s Western Family, the chestnut Zangersheide (Silver Deux de Virton H D C—Elize de Brinco) showed yet another dimension in winning the Crooks Show Jumping 7-Year-Old Showcase, the day’s feature in the Fort Grand Prix Arena. […]
8.07.22 | Ashley Arnoldt ‘Lights Up’ DHP Canadian Hunter Derby
Jennifer Arnoldt’s Light My Fire has found his calling in the hunter ring. The 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion was imported from Germany in March 2021 as a jumper, but after showing up to 1.35m in North America, his rider Ashley Arnoldt thought his talents might be better suited elsewhere. Now a top Amateur-Owner hunter and the […]
8.07.22 | Student Beats Coach in 1.40m Welcome
Heading into the jump-off for the 1.40m Welcome at Thunderbird Show Park’s Western Family show, 19-year-old Brooke Morin (USA) knew she had a tough act to follow. Second to jump over Joey Rycroft’s (CAN) shortened course, Morin’s coach Kyle King (USA) had set a tough standard and was leading the class. But after his round, […]
3.07.22 | Manifesting her Dreams: Ella McCaw Captures MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m
Chief is taking Ella McCaw (USA) to heights she never thought possible. Sunday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park, the pair jumped to the win in the $15,000 MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m during Thunderbird Show Park’s West Coast Classic. Clear rounds weren’t abundant in the difficult class, with only McCaw and Thursday’s U25 winner, Hayley […]
3.07.22 | King Is Crowned in Grand Prix 1.40m
Nine pairs jumped clear in the $20,000 Grand Prix 1.40m Sunday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park. Hometown hero Kyle King (USA) made up one third of that lineup. With three attempts to top the class come jump-off time, King sealed the deal with the final horse on course, Dustin 254. “He was probably my most […]
2.07.22 | Keith Captures MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m
Kassidy Keith is making waves with Cheryl Keith’s Havana. The pair, proving their incredible bond established over six years, sped to the win in Saturday’s $5,000 MarBill Hill U25 League 1.40m. Over Peter Holmes’ speed track, the young athletes adapted their game plans to ride for the quickest first-round time in an effort to jump […]
2.07.22 | Out with the Old, In with the New: Tulloch and Goodwin Top tbird Hunt & Handy
Juniors, amateurs and professionals alike took to the various sections of the $10,000 tbird Hunt & Handy Saturday afternoon in the Grand Hunter Arena at Thunderbird Show Park. Held first at the 3’6” fence height, followed by the 3’ to 3’3” fence heights, competitors tried their hand at a track designed by Kirsten Rodel meant to […]
1.07.22 | Not Always Easy: Prather Prevails in 1.40m Welcome
Long-term partnerships are becoming synonymous with the West Coast Classic in 2022. Friday afternoon, Justin Prather (CAN) took the victory in the $5,000 1.40m Welcome at Thunderbird Show Park aboard EZ Ace, a horse he’s had since it was just three years old. Over the Peter Holmes-designed track on the Fort Grand Prix Arena, 10 […]
30.06.22 | Mercer Masters MarBill Hill U25 League 1.35m
If someone had told Hayley Mercer (CAN) she would be winning U25 classes with her partner Crown Royal when she bought him as a 5-year-old, she probably would not have believed it. Thursday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park, the now 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding, did precisely that, helping her secure the win in the $5,000 […]
5.06.22 | Fernandez Is First Again in CSIOJ* BB Equestrian Junior Grand Prix
A day after topping the podium in the CSIOJ* Junior Nations Cup at tbird, Federica Fernandez (MEX) finished on top again in the CSIOJ* BB Equestrian Junior Grand Prix, the final event of the Odlum Brown BC Open’s international division for junior riders. Fernandez, 16, and Seltique bested a compact jump-off field that saw just […]
5.06.22 | Ireland Excels in CSIO5* Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada
Langley, BC – Ireland is at home at Thunderbird Show Park. Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake’s squad has made the podium in every Nations Cup event since 2017, and they recorded a second win in that span Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park, running away with the 2022 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada. “Every result here […]
4.06.22 | Mexico Shows Mature Poise in CSIOJ* Junior Nations Cup
Heading into the second round of the CSIOJ Nations Cup, Team Mexico needed a rally. The four-rider squad of Sofia Michel, Ana Sofia Legorreta Hernandez, Federica Fernandez and Xaviera Maurer Buch sat behind both Canada and the United States on a score of 9, and Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin needed to keep his squad focused. […]
4.06.22 | Teddy Z Takes a “Schott” at CSI2* tbird Grand Prix
Callie Schott (USA) has taken some time to get to know Teddy Z—not because she and the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding weren’t initially seeing eye to eye. Instead, the established professional—a longtime assistant to Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) before taking up the job as professional at Southern Arches—was dealing with injury. Schott was out […]
4.06.22 | Coyle Flies to CSIO5* tbird Cup Victory
Langley, BC – As the 12 combinations took on the jump-off of the CSIO5* tbird Cup Saturday at Thunderbird Show Park, the standard got faster and faster. But Daniel Coyle (IRL) admitted, his mount Oak Grove’s Carlyle isn’t always a fan of picking up the pace. “He doesn’t like to go fast. He’s a strange horse that […]
3.06.22 | Bond “Risks It” for the Win in CSI2* Friends of tbird
Ashlee Bond (ISR) knew that she had done her homework right with Contefina LVF in the CSI2* Friends of tbird to kick off international competition Friday in the Thunderbird Jumper Arena. Bond and the 10-year-old American Holsteiner mare bested a 19-horse jump-off by more than three seconds, crossing the timers of Peter Holmes’ (CAN) shortened […]
3.06.22 | Efficient CSIO5* West Coast Cup Win for Jacqueline Steffens and Cat Ninja
Cat Ninja gave Jacqueline Steffens (CAN) her fist individual five-star victory in December at Thermal (USA). The duo added a second Friday at tbird in the CSIO5* West Coast Cup. In a class with 10 clear first rounds, just three combinations could execute a second clear effort over Peter Holmes’ (CAN) shortened 1.45m track. Smart […]
3.06.22 | Pair of Firsts Come for Farrington in CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix
Langley, BC – The list of five-star grand prix victories for World Kent Farrington (USA) is lengthy. But the World No. 7 recorded a new milestone Friday at Thunderbird Show Park, when the Olympic silver medalist recorded his first five-star grand prix victory at Thunderbird Show Park, riding his own Orafina to the top of the […]
2.06.22 | Robert Blanchette (IRL) and Carnlea Premier Balou win $1,000 CSI2* tbird Welcome 1.40m
Robert Blanchette (IRL) and Carnlea Premier Balou kicked off the day with a win in the $1,000 CSI2* tbird Welcome 1.40m, the 8-year-old gelding’s international debut. According to JUMPR App, Blanchette jumps clear 60% of the time in international classes at the 1.40m height, finishing in the top 10 55% of the time since 2015. […]
2.06.22 | Farrington Trains For Success in CSIO5* Happy Welcome
World No. 7 Kent Farrington (USA) used the $8,800 CSIO5* Happy Welcome 1.45m as a training opportunity for rising talent Chato Lou. “He’s a younger horse I have coming up. He’s naturally very fast,” Farrington said. “I’m actually trying to train him a little bit to learn to keep his keep his mind under control and […]
2.06.22 | Swail Sweeps in for CSIO5* Nations Welcome Win
Langley, BC – Conor Swail (IRL) entered Thunderbird Show Park’s Fort Grand Prix Arena for the $37,200 CSIO5* Nations Welcome 1.50m aboard Theo 160 with one objective in mind. “His job today was to win, and I know that if I do it right, he does it right, and we have a good chance,” Swail said. “Thankfully it […]
29.05.22 | Anya Bereznicki Makes Back-to-Back Wins in the MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Anya Bereznicki (CAN) refuses to bring her “princess” mare Diazella out for more than two classes per competition. Less has proven to be more. Bereznicki, 18, and her 14-year-old Holsteiner mare won the two classes they contested at tbird’s Canadian Premier, capturing the $15,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m Sunday after winning Friday’s U25 speed contest. […]
29.05.22 | Swail and Nadal Hero & DB Repeat in CSI5* Winning Round 1.50m
Sunday was a good day to be named Nadal. Across the Atlantic, tennis legend Rafael Nadal won his fourth round match at the French Open; he seeks his 14th win in the tennis major. At tbird, Conor Swail’s (IRL) Nadal Hero & DB won his second five-star event of the week; the 9-year-old chestnut stallion […]
29.05.22 | Jordan Coyle and Ariso Prove Uncatchable in CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix
Langley, BC – May 29, 2022 – In a jump-off of 10 of North America’s finest riders, at first glance, it appeared as though the $218,000 CSI5* Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park would be decided only after the lead had changed hands several times. No one told Jordan Coyle (IRL). Returning second over […]
28.05.22 | Daniel Coyle Makes It a Double in $37,000 Grand Prix CSI2*
The first class of the day Saturday invited CSI2* athletes back to the Fort Grand Prix Arena for the $37,000 Grand Prix CSI2*. With 41 entries coming forward, the field was competitive and Grant’s course was built for the occasion. With tricky elements challenging both horse and rider on course, rails fell everywhere across the […]
28.05.22 | Team Helios Hails Major League Show Jumping Season Opener
Langley, BC – May 28, 2022 – The feature event of the 2022 Canadian Premier welcomed spectators to the Fort Grand Prix Arena at Thunderbird Show Park for the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) Team Competition CSI5*. Eight MLSJ teams took turns jumping a challenging 1.50m track designed by Canada’s Peter Grant to vie for a podium […]
27.05.22 | Bereznicki Bests $5,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m
Young riders had their second chance at scoring the top spot in their division in the $5,000 MarBill Hill U25 1.40m. Moved into the Thunderbird Jumper Arena to preserve the pristine conditions on the grass, 28 young athletes took on the 1.40m track, set in a speed format, and attempted to navigate the course clear […]
27.05.22 | Daniel Coyle Dominates All-Irish Podium in $37,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2*
The luck of the Irish began early Friday with the $37,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2*, welcoming 51 competitors and concluding with an all-Irish podium topped by Daniel Coyle and Ivory TCS. Riders were intentional while also practical, keeping their tracks efficient without dropping rails in attempt to qualify for Saturday’s $37,000 Grand Prix CSI2*. Coyle […]
27.05.22 | Conor Swail Shines Brightly in $8,800 Maui Jim 1.45m Speed CSI5*
Beginning Friday’s competition for the CSI5* athletes, 21 pairs took on the $8,800 Maui Jim 1.45m Speed CSI5* in the Fort Grand Prix Arena. Over an 11-obstacle track designed by Grant, Rawlins and Wong, speed was the name of the game, a game that Ireland’s Conor Swail understood well. Aboard a newer mount, Nadal Hero […]
27.05.22 | Nassar Nabs Win in CabanaCoast 1.50m Jump-Off CSI5*
Langley, BC – May 27, 2022 – International competition resumed Friday at Thunderbird Show Park as athletes braved the rain to jump for significant prize money and coveted qualification for the weekend’s biggest classes. The Fort Grand Prix Arena held three FEI classes, all of which brought thrilling sport to spectators. The day concluded with the […]
26.05.22 | Riddle Rides to First FEI Win in Two Phase 1.40m CSI2*
Opening FEI competition Thursday morning was the $1,000 Two Phase 1.40m CSI2* with Maddy Riddle (CAN) and her mount Cato Minor J, a 15-year-old Westphalian, capturing the rider’s first ever FEI victory. Fifty-eight horse-and-rider combinations tested the Peter Grant-designed track. Featuring 12 numbered obstacles in total, the course allowed riders to navigate the first seven […]
26.05.22 | Korotkin Cruises to Capture Two Phase 1.40m CSI5* to Kick Off Major League Show Jumping
Langley, BC – May 26, 2022 – FEI competition commenced Thursday as competitors brought forth their mounts for the opening day of Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Thunderbird Show Park. Winning the first CSI5* event, the $1,000 Two Phase 1.40m CSI5*, was Tanner Korotkin (USA) and NE – President Van Koekshof. Eighty competitors came forward in […]
14.03.22 | Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup 2022
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup returns to Langley for 2022 during the Odlum Brown BC Open tournament in June. After having to cancel the event for the past two years due to Public Health Orders surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to hosting this esteemed event once again at tbird!
14.03.22 | Major League Show Jumping kicks off the 2022 circuit atThunderbird Show Park
WHAT IS MLSJ? Major League Show Jumping or “the League” in short was created as a unique opportunity to elevate 5* Show Jumping in North America. In partnership with some of the top hosting venues in Canada, the USA and Mexico,
14.03.22 | ShowPlus Protection
Protect Your Passion. All competitors, horse and rider, are now protected at tbird through ShowPlus protection in case of injury. ShowPlus is the first protection program of its kind, helping show organizers shield their competitors from the uncertainties that come with equestrian sport.Since its inception in 2020,.
14.03.22 | Entries Opening for 2022 Show Season
FEB 15
April Season Opener,Canadian Premier & BC Open
MAR 22
Summer Fort Welcome, Classic & Festival
MAR 29
West Coast Classic, WesternFamily, Harvest Celebration & BCHJA Fall Finale
April Season Opener,Canadian Premier & BC Open
MAR 22
Summer Fort Welcome, Classic & Festival
MAR 29
West Coast Classic, WesternFamily, Harvest Celebration & BCHJA Fall Finale
Accepting Entries on showgroundslive.com
