The North American Riders Group has published its 2011 rankings of shows, and Spruce Meadows (Alberta) once again topped the list.
Volunteers numerically evaluated 50 of the top horse events in North America and sent the completed evaluations to the NARG Board of Directors for review. Specific categories separated the events into one ring or multi-ring formats prior to evaluation on the merits of their footing, stabling, courses, technical aspects, financial success, type of presentation or ceremony and marketing. The event was judged on the combined score of all sub-categories.
To be eligible for the list, an event had to meet a score of 69 percent. Rankings were based on total score and were numerical. Show managers were given their overall score and NARG board evaluation notes at the conclusion of the review.
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Following Spruce Meadow in the top five rankings were Thunderbird Equestrian Show Park (British Columbia), the Alltech National Horse Show (Ky.), the Devon Horse Show (Pa.), and the Hampton Classic (Bridgehampton, N.Y.). The Devon Horse Show and Old Salem Horse Show (N.Y.) were the most improved from last year.
