The Thunderbird Show Park has been named among the top two equestrian facilities on the continent by the North American Riders Group (NARG).

At their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, (NARG) named Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB and Thunderbird Show Park as the top two venues.

Jane Tidball, president and tournament director of the Park, and Laura Balisky (nee Tidball), two-time Canadian Equestrian Olympian, represented Thunderbird at the announcement in Wellington, Fla.

Thunderbird Show Park will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and remains a family business.

Founded in 1973 by George and Dianne Tidball, Thunderbird operates under the guidance of Jane, Laura, Stephen Tidball who owns Tidball Construction, the builders of the Show Park, and Kathy Robbins (nee Tidball), director of food services & customer experience.

George and Dianne Tidball were inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame at the Royal Winter Fair in 2010.

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

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

Jane Tidball, who succeeded her mother Dianne as the President of the Park, continues to champion these values.

"Our vision is to showcase every aspect of our sport, from short stirrup to World Cup, hunters to jumpers, and one of the Park's drawing cards for top competitors is what the North American Riders Group noted as our crowning glory - one of the best jumping fields in North America," Tidball said. "We celebrate the horse, strive for excellent competition in all breeds and disciplines, and throw in a whole lot of West Coast hospitality."

World Cup events bring some of North America's most celebrated riders to Langley each summer. Having hosted Eric Lamaze, Ian Millar, Yann Candele, Rich Fellers, Eddie Macken and Jennifer Crooks over the years, the last two seasons have seen Richard Spooner, Jill Henselwood, Ashlee Bond, Jaime Azcarraga and Pablo Barrios join the ranks of Thunderbird alumni.

The equestrian industry contributes approximately $771 million annually to the B.C. economy, of which Thunderbird Show Park plays a significant role.

The 2012 season marks the return of two World Cup events and their continued drive to develop competitive hunter classes in the Pacific Northwest. With an evolving showcase of events and the largest annual prizing in their history, over $800,000, the park is set for another tremendous year.

The North American Riders Group unites professional riders and trainers with a common goal of growing equestrian sport on the continent through improved quality of competitive events.

Founded in 2008 by Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward and others, the NARG effects change through constructive criticism and positive influence on the industry's governing bodies.

In its 39th season, Thunderbird will welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to their six major tournaments from May and September.

During each tournament, the 85-acre equestrian show grounds in Langley features both amateur and professional riders in hunter and jumper classes from Wednesday to Sunday.

The Park is open daily to the public during tournaments with general admission grandstand seating around the Fort Grand Prix Field.

Visit www.thunderbirdshowpark.com for more information