The North American Riders Group (NARG) released its hotly anticipated annual rankings on February 4, and The Royal Horse Show has received the honour of being named the top indoor event of the 2013 season.

Ranked fourth overall, The Royal received a total score of 90 per cent. Categories evaluated include footing, stabling, courses, ceremony, the quality of all aspects of production and prize money/cost of showing.

"To say we are thrilled would be an understatement," commented Brian O'Leary, 2013 Horse Show Chairman. "As anyone who runs a horse show knows, it is not a solo effort. We take very seriously these rankings, but also the suggestions which come with the report, and we have made significant changes and improvements over the past two years as a result. To have our efforts rewarded in this way is exciting and appreciated. We are humbled to be in such good company."

The purpose of the North American Riders Group is to improve the quality of competitive show jumping in North America. The Top 25 list recognizes ‘destination’ events that ‘prepare, challenge and reward the best horse and rider combinations.’

Rising from 17th in 2011 to 10th in 2012 and finally fourth in 2013, The Royal Horse Show sits firmly among the very best of the best. Top marks went again to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, but venerable events such as Devon, the Hampton Classic and the Washington International are included in the Top 25.

The report called The Royal a ‘spectacular sport horse tournament’ with a ‘sensational show jumping atmosphere.’

Read the full report here.

The 2014 Royal Horse Show runs November 7-16, at the Ricoh Coliseum.

Beth Underhill and Viggo took the runner-up spot in the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships during the 2013 Royal Horse Show. The image that appears below, by Ben Radvanyi, has been nominated as a contender for the 2013 Canadian Newswire photo of the year. To vote for this image, click here.

(The Royal Horse Show)