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National Horse Show Remains a Fixture in Top Rankings from NARG

Lexington, KY – February 20, 2015 – Once again the National Horse Show has been recognized as one of the very best horse shows in North America by NARG, the North American Riders Group. This year, finishing in the top ten in the rankings, the show is ranked as one of the three best horse shows in the United States.

Two Canadian shows, the legendary Spruce Meadows and the show at Thunderbird, once again took home the top two spots.

The North American Riders Group (NARG), representing the riders and owners in North America, is comprised of the top horsemen from the United States, Canada and Mexico and was formed with the goal of improving the sport of show jumping.

The NARG report stated, “The National Horse Show, America’s oldest indoor event, has retaken its original name, and Canadian Pacific has come on board as the title sponsor for 2015. The Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park is certainly one of the best indoor arenas devoted to horse sport, and now in its fourth year at this pristine location, The National Horse Show once again ranks high on the NARG Top 25.”

The 2015 CP National Horse Show runs October 27th through November 1st, 2015 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

“The quality of footing in the arena and the stabling, with large stalls close to the action, are both outstanding,” the report continued. “Many of the unique and high-quality jumps come from the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The new location for the Rider Lounge is excellent – easily accessible from the in-gate, yet in a place where you could see the action, with great food. Located on the other side of the arena, The Taylor Harris Club and Gracie’s are both well run and well attended.”

“As always, the National Horse Show takes this award and the NARG suggestions for improvement to heart,” said Mason Phelps, Jr., the President of the National Horse Show Association. “We’re proud to be recognized as one of the best horse shows in North America. We work very hard to make this show the best it can be.”

The NARG report went on to note, “The pending partnership with Longines, combined with the title sponsorship of Canadian Pacific, may present a unique opportunity to tackle the issues of generating an audience and creating a tradition. Another interesting aspect of the coming season is that the Breeders Cup will be running on the same weekend as the National. With huge potential to pique the interest of thousands of thoroughbred racing fans, some innovative marketing ideas should be underway,” they said.

“Absolutely,” Phelps stated. “The Breeders Cup offers unique opportunity and, at the same time, a different challenge to bring additional spectators to the National. All of us are working very hard on the promotional aspects of the show.”

Hunter Harrison, the CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway and Chairman of the Board of the National Horse Show Association of America, said of the new sponsorship, “The National Horse Show, one of America’s really special equestrian events, is a great showcase for Canadian Pacific as we continue to increase our participation in the United States.”

“Lexington, the Horse Capitol of the World, and the Kentucky Horse Park, home of the Rolex Three-Day Event that brings in thousands of fans each year, should be fertile ground for community outreach. The National Horse show is one of North America’s outstanding indoor competitions. Spread the word!” the NARG report concluded.

The 2014 National Horse Show again scored an excellent 88% in the NARG rankings.

“As I said last year, the management at the National Horse Show will keep a laser focus on improvements,” Phelps said. “We have a great team in place headed by manager Hugh Kincannon and we’re looking forward to working with our new title sponsor CP and the continuing sponsorship from generous companies like Taylor Harris Insurance Services.”

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s show has been designated a CSI-W 5* show by the FEI. The International Open Jumpers will compete for over a half a million dollars in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

The world’s best international competitors return for the 2015 National Horse Show, which will take place October 27th through November 1st, 2015 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

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