The Advantage May 2019

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FEELING THUNDERSTRUCK Thunderbird Show Park, or TBird as it is affectionately called by those enthralled with its magic, is indeed the type of place that can put a spell on you. The equestrian centre is a work of art that has been lovingly crafted over the past 46 years. Thunderbird has a beautiful country setting, meticulous grounds, a very cute vendor village and of course spectacular horses, topped by focused riders. A visit is a must. TBird was founded by the Tidball family in 1973 with the goal of growing the sport of horse jumping in the west. By any definition this has been a success. During preparation for the opening event of the season, the park was full of riders enjoying their sport. Competitors can be seen lunging their horses, this is when you use a long lunge line and have your horse move around you in a big circle. Doing this allows a horse to burn off energy to calm down. Elsewhere in the park riders make their first rounds in the natural looking hunter class ring. This ring is designed to mimic a fox hunt and is used for an event that is scored much like figure skating, on style and quality of movement. Inside a nearby jumper class ring, more riders spend time memorizing the order of jumps and taking trial runs. The jumper class is not about style and is more of a how-high, how-fast sport. A true testament to the popularity of the sport is the diverse range of participants. Young and old, male and female, the sport seems to be enjoyed by everyone. TBird sets itself apart from other facilities in North America by continuously investing in the park. This ongoing development is spurred on by a quote, that has turned into mantra, by the late founder Dianne Tidball, “I want people to wonder as they drive through our entrance gates - What’s new and improved at Thunderbird this year?”. Fulfilling the ambitious vision of Dianne Tidball has been left in the hands of her daughter Jane Tidball - President of TBird, and her right hand man Chris Pack - Chief Operating Officer. Along with their obviously passionate team they march the park forward, in an ever improving rhythm. This year’s big project was adding new barns, there have also been updates to fencing and other small details you’ll enjoy seeing. It’s this commitment to ongoing excellence that has led to the park becoming a truly world class facility. It is recognized as one of the top facilities in North America. 4 The unique 3 point track rollers Kubota RTV’s are almost as numerous as the horses at Tbird
No machine has just one job TBird’s staff are always busy, with all staff having multiple roles. During a tournament the horticulturists become responsible for the rings, and use a fleet of Kubota tractors to groom the footing. TBird’s operators face many variables each day and it shouldn’t be surprising that the versatility of Kubota equipment makes it incredibly valuable to the park. “None of the machines have one use - they are used all the time, for any different tasks. That’s why they have so many hours on them.”, explains Chris Pack. Avenue Machinery is proud that the park has recognized Kubota equipment as the best choice for maintaining such a world class facility. Chris Pack speaks to the leadership role TBird takes in the industry, “Our clients look to us as a testing ground - if we use a footing in the ring then they know they can trust it in their own rings. The equipment is no different, people recognize we are using what works best, we need to!”. Avenue Machinery is pleased to get this vote of confidence from such a respected voice in the equestrian world. As part of Avenue Machinery’s partnership with TBird we sponsor the Kubota $15,000 Grand Prix during the Summer Fort Classic. Trading forks for a bucket the R630 pushes manure Looking at the upcoming schedule, one of the major highlights of the 2019 TBird season will be the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Canada. This in an important event and will take place during the CSIO 5* Odlum Brown BC Open, set for May 28 to June 2. As the last stop before Nations Cup Finals, the biggest event in horse jumping, the event is special as the results will determine which two nations will qualify for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final. This is the third time TBird has hosted the Nations Cup and in December it was announced by the FEI that TBird will hold the event until at least 2021. “Next to the Olympics, the Nations Cup is the crown jewel of equestrian sport. It’s an honour and a thrill to host the final leg of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup”, says Jane Tidball. Being named the ongoing host of this event is a testament to the work that the Thunderbird Show Park team has diligently put in year after year. It’s exciting to think about what is next for the park as they work to continue to build on the TBird legacy. Tickets to events at TBird are available through their website www.tbird.ca. 5
Page 1 and 2: THE MAY 2019 FEEL THE THUNDER P.3 H
Page 3: SPECIAL DELIVERY For four generatio
Page 7 and 8: Great Shot Marc McPherson won the A

The Advantage May 2019

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