On Friday, June 3th, Thunderbird Stadium in Langley hosts Canadian Olympic athletes in the first Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, Jumping event.
When I asked my girls if they wanted to go to this event, they weren’t sure what to expect. So I said “Did you know these horses can jump as high as cars?” and my cheeky middle daughter deadpanned “Cars don’t jump.”
After we all had a laugh (I couldn’t believe she said that!) we decided that we are definitely going to go to Thunderbird to watch these amazing athletes and show next Friday, June 3rd.
This event marks the first time an Olympic calibre FEI (International Equestrian Federation) equestrian team jumping competition will take place in British Columbia. Canadian Olympians and other top athletes from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Ireland and Belgium will come together to compete for their country’s chance to compete at the international equestrian championship later this year.
You can pre-purchase parking and reserved seats here.
Horse jumping is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete equally as athletes. The Nations Cup is the only team event in equestrian competition. Up to 300 top level horses and rider will compete in teams of four to race for top spot to represent their country at the world finals.
Team Canada will feature local athlete and Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster and Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze. Foster, originally from North Vancouver, was Canada’s youngest equestrian competitor at the 2012 Olympic Games.
This is a family-friendly event:
- Pony rides for the kids
- Face painting
- Chance to meet the horses and riders
- Cheer on Team Canada
- See if horses can jump as high and wide as a car
- Free event and free parking
- Bring a picnic dinner or buy dinner on site
- Stroller parking available
- Opportunity to meet the athletes
- Stadium seating with a vista over the whole course
- Experience a window into the equestrian life
The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™
Where: Thunderbird Show Park
Location: 24550-72nd Ave, Langley, BC (just minutes off of Highway 1)
Date: June 3, 2016
When: 4:00-6:30pm
You can reserve seats and parking here.
“We are excited to welcome Canadian Olympians, Vancouver’s own Tiffany Foster and gold medalist Eric Lamaze to headline this event. Having the Nations Cup come to the Vancouver area is an amazing opportunity to introduce kids of all ages to the athleticism and gracefulness of horses jumping. We’ve turned the event into a fun family evening out,” says Chris Pack, Vice President of Operations at Thunderbird Show Park.
*Photos by: Aimée Makris, Thunderbird Show Park
*Sponsored by Thunderbird Show Park