Thunderbird Show Park is busy this month hosting several three-star grand prixes and about 950 horses. 

It's a unique opportunity for the next generation of riders to come out and compete with the overlapping Olympics in Paris, explained president and CEO Chris Pack. 

"A three-star is an opportunity show where people move up and horses are moving up, and it's a big test for riders who have not done a three star yet," he said. 

World ranking points, given out by the FEI (the world governing body for horse sport, equivalent to FIFA for soccer) position the rider against everyone around the world, regardless of age, gender, and country. 

鈥淪how jumping is so unique and incredible in that sense, as it鈥檚 purely based on results of your competitions. These highly sought after points as awarded on a scale, which mainly depends on how much prize money was offered in the events you competed in, and thus your results in those competitions earn you the world-ranking points," Pack explained.

He added that it's inspiring for those up-and-coming riders to compete at tbird during the Olympics, given the four riders in Paris have previously competed at tbird during their career 鈥� including 91原创's Tiffany Foster. 

The show park had it's first big three-star event last Sunday sponsored by The Keg for the $75,000 Steel-Craft Doors Grand Prix 1.50m, where Ireland's James Chawke won first place aboard Daido Van't Ruytershof Z. 

It's relationships like this and a shared love for equestrian sports that has allowed tbird to grow and develop into one of the premiere show jumping destinations in the world. 

Thanks to such partnerships, plus sponsors and supporters, that such a designation is even possible, Pack noted. 

鈥淭he value of sponsorships in equestrian sport is something that is drastically different than most other international professional sporting types,鈥� he said.

鈥淏y that I mean, it鈥檚 the reason that we can not only host high-level FEI five-star events, but it鈥檚 also the backbone of our annual capital improvement plan and the backbone of what we pay out in prize money," Pack shared.

For the two weeks of the Fort Summer Welcome and Fort Summer Classic, $275,000 USD will be given out at the FEI three-star events. 

The finale of the Fort Summer Classic series is on Sunday, Aug. 18, for the three-star $100,000 ATCO Cup 1.50m. 

"ATCO is a longtime partner, they're an amazing corporate partner and they're also the lead partner for the invictus games coming to Vancouver this year," Pack said.

Tbird鈥檚 top partners include Longines, Odlum Brown, ATCO, The Keg, Paladin Risk Solutions, Major League Show Jumping, and SHOW+.

鈥淥ver the past 20 years that I have been a part of Thunderbird, we have been so honoured and privileged to build some amazing relationships with many businesses and individuals. Without these amazing supporters, we would not be able to attract over 1,000 horses to our major events,鈥� said Pack.

This support has also allowed tbird to make improvements for both the rider, horse, and spectator experiences. 

"This year our improvements were on the functionality side, such as the space for the Pink Soiree, which offers an elevated experience from grandstand seating undercover," Pack said. 

Because the VIP section often sold out quickly, Pack said it was decided to offer the Pink Soiree during the grand prixes so guests still had an option for a special experience. 

General admission for tbird events is $10 per person, with children five and younger admitted for free. 

The Pink Soiree experience is also being held for the Aug. 18 event and tickets start at $95 each. 

Tickets can be purchased online at . 

The public is asked to enter the gates at 6975 248 St.