It鈥檚 hard to beat sitting on lush lawns, enjoying activities for the kids and witnessing stunning 1,500 pound animals leap with their riders over 1.5 to 1.6 metre obstacles.
It鈥檚 all part of the excitement everyone is invited to at Thunderbird Show Park during the Nations Cup and other events.
While show jumping is the prime activity, there鈥檚 plenty more to see and do according to Emily Penn, the press officer for Thunderbird.
鈥淔or children, [we offer] entertainment beyond just the show jumping,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are pony rides, music and food.鈥�
Music on site will include a range of talents such as local singing celebrity Karen Lee Batton and another 91原创 performer, Emily Taylor Adams. Plus when the kids aren鈥檛 moving to the beat of the music or watching the horses, they can get their faces painted.
Spending a part or whole day away from home isn鈥檛 complete without food so there are plenty of options at Thunderbird. Visitors can bring their own picnic or they can take advantage of the Meat 2 Eat or Triple O鈥檚 food trucks. For even more food options turn to the Bale and Bucket for unique, organic tastes or the Cantor Inn for home-style burgers and fries.
鈥淔or adults, it is really impressive seeing the height and power of the horses up close,鈥� Penn noted. 鈥淎dults can also enjoy the shopping and beer garden on-site.鈥�
The beer garden is hosted by Thunderbird鈥檚 own hospitality team featuring the newly created Thunderbird beer made by 91原创鈥檚 Trading Post Brewery & Tasting Room. A number of equestrian-themed vendors will be on-site as well with everything from tack and gear to custom T-Bird merchandise.
Perhaps what appeals most to families about visiting Thunderbird is the affordability. Parking is by donation, given to local organizations. There is no gate fee so attending is free. Plus with the option to bring food or buy on-site, families can choose what their visit is like.
鈥淭here is tons of room [for picnics or to sit] on the grass as well as free covered stands available that overlook the entire grand prix field,鈥� Penn said.
With the competitors walking throughout the site from stables to show rings this alone allows guests to feel as though they are part of the event, up close and personal with both horses and riders. There can be some competitive excitement as well as spectators cheer for their favourite team or a new horse and rider pair they just met.
鈥淭hunderbird offers competition from pony and junior riders all the way up to grand prix,鈥� she added. 鈥淵ou can be witness to it all, wander and watch ponies jumping and then in the next ring Olympians.鈥�
For anyone who has ever wanted to witness the excitement of high-calibre horse jumping, Thunderbird Show Park is the place to be with all this and then some.
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