Royal Horse Show Voted Top Indoor Event by North American Riders Group

February 24, 2016 - Wellington, FL

The 2015 Royal Horse Show® was ranked the number one indoor event and number three overall in the North American Riders Group’s ‘Top 25 of 2015’ annual listing.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Toronto’s Royal Horse Show was ranked number one indoor horse show and top three overall when the North American Riders Group’s ‘Top 25 of 2015’ was revealed at its annual meeting on February 23 in Wellington, FL.

Used as a benchmark for competitions across the continent, the North American Riders Group’s (NARG) annual ranking employs a wide variety of criteria to assess show jumping events.  Footing, Stabling, Jumps and Courses, Technical Aspects, Financial Aspects, Ceremony, and Marketing are all categories taken into consideration by independent evaluators.

Ranked number five in 2014, the Royal Horse Show has jumped up two placings for a spot in the top three against all shows in North America.  Canadian events swept the top three with Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, once again earning the number one spot followed by Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC.  In addition to being the number three event overall, the Royal Horse Show maintained its position as the best indoor event in North America.

“Now in its 93rd year, the staff knows how to put on an entertaining show that appeals to the public,” read the NARG ‘Top 25 of 2015’ report on the Royal Horse Show, entitled ‘Fit for a King’.  “Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair each year and the Royal Horse Show, the highlight of the Fair, can be assured of sell-out crowds and a super-charged feel, creating an extraordinary atmosphere for top sport.  As the top indoor event in North America in 2015, The Royal is truly an event fit for big prize money and show jumping royalty.”

The 2015 Royal Horse Show saw the debut of the $132,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto, won by two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward of the United States riding HH Azur for Double H Farm.  2002 World Champion Dermott Lennon of Ireland and Loughview Lou Lou finished second while 2015 Pan American Games contender Roberto Teran of Colombia placed third riding Woklahoma, underscoring the international caliber of competitors drawn to the annual Royal Horse Show.  The Royal was one of only four Canadian events to be selected for the newly-formed Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, a qualifying event for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Final to be held in March in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“We are thrilled to retain our number one ranking as the premier indoor horse show in North America and proud to be recognized as the number three event overall by the North American Riders Group,” said Charlie Johnstone, CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.  “Thanks to our committees, volunteers, sponsors and fans whose continued support help make the Royal Horse Show a world-class event.”

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 4-13, 2016, at Exhibition Place in the heart of downtown Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.