Spruce Meadows National and Summer Tournaments

Exclusive to Alberta Equine… On-Line

June 12, 2006

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Calgary, AB --- 3 photos included! The “National” at Spruce Meadows marks the first major event of the summer season, and the 31st since its inception in 1976. From a modest start in 1976, Spruce Meadows has grown to become the premier Show Jumping venue in the world – a title proudly held by the venue for the past four years.

It’s not hard to see why Spruce Meadows is such a success. The well cared for grounds just outside of Calgary are wonderful, full of flowers and colourful show jumping arenas. Horses and riders work out in the training arenas, and employees, along with volunteers driving golf carts, make sure that visitors are well looked after. Families gather around and watch the action, and the whole beautifully organized, bustling scene creates a cheerful yet serene atmosphere. Even the dogs (lots of dogs!) checking out the scene, are behaving nicely to one another!

This atmosphere proves that Co-Chairmen Ron and Marg Southern’s founding ideals are flourishing. Their four basic tenets are the organization and hosting of world-class tournaments, the breeding of quality Hanoverian horses, the training and development of athletes and facilities that are open to the public year round, for anyone who is interested in experiencing the equine world. As Ron Southern points out, “We’ve always felt that we have to deliver back to the community, and it was Marge's idea – what a brilliant idea – to create a place that every member of the family can enjoy…its our goal to continue to make this the most beautiful venue in Canada.”

Southern reminds us that the facility is not only a major employer, but also a major tourist draw aside from the thousands of show jumping athletes that flock to Spruce Meadows from all over the world each year. “I can’t believe the people, achievements and quality”, he says quietly. “words fail me when I try to express how I feel.” Looking back, it is not hard to understand why Southern feels this way. Back in 1976, Spruce Meadows was able to offer $174,000 in prize money; this year they’ll offer $6,387,250. Back then, there were 62 permanent stalls/stables, and now there are 830. 6.7 million people have attended the tournaments over the years, and there’s more than $52 million in capital investments.

These days, Linda Southern-Heathcott is President and CEO of Spruce Meadows. “This is an exciting time for us,” she says, “with lots of opportunities on the road ahead. I believe in what my Mom and Dad built – yes, it’s about community, but it’s also about adventure, excitement!” Spruce Meadows has recently acquired an eighteen-acre parcel adjacent to their property, and plans for developing the land are still up in the air. Ron Southern invites anyone with ideas as to how the land could be used to send their ideas along. “Just come and revisit it thirty years from now” he says with a chuckle, “it will be different!”

Down in Stable F, horses, riders, grooms, family members and the inevitable dogs are working or relaxing as they contemplate upcoming competitions. Horses are getting a welcome shower bath after long ‘plane rides. This is a microcosm of the whole venue, where horses and riders from all over the world share space with local riders like Allen Kruger, who has traveled from his farm at Leduc AB with his gelding Pleasure Time. Kruger is a true Albertan who started show jumping about eight years ago. “I came late to jumping”, he says, “When I was younger, I didn’t have time for hunters, just wanted tractors!” His responsibility was to drive local competitors and their mounts to the various shows. Then one summer, watching show jumping, he realized, “maybe I can ride – and now I can’t get away from it!”

Kruger will be competing in the 1.30m, 1.40 m and also the 1.50m events on various horses during the summer tournaments at Spruce Meadows.

There’s a new event on the Spruce Meadows scene this year, the “Skyliner” a four-day tournament from June 22 to 25 that invites junior and amateur riders to come and test out how it feels to compete in this special venue. Linda Southern-Heathcott dreamed up this event, "to live vicariously through the young people", she jokes, but in reality, it's a really excellent opportunity opening up for young and amateur show jumpers. Competitions Manager Jon Garner is pleased to introduce this quality experience. “We’ve had a really big response to this event”, he says, "we thought we'd get maybe 200 responses, but we've had 500 entries and committed sponsors – our family of sponsors are all involved.” This unique tournament will feature 1.10 m to 1.40 m competitions, along with a chance to show what can be achieved jumping in this first class facility.

So, thirty-one years and counting, Spruce Meadows has lined up a great 2006 Summer Season!

For more information on Spruce Meadows, log onto www.sprucemeadows.com

Spruce Meadows Events Still to Come are:


Continental             June 14-18, 2006        
Skyliner                June 22-25, 2006        
Canada One              June 29 - July 2, 2006  
North American          July 5-9, 2006  
Masters                 September 6-10, 2006    
Harvest Classic         October 19-22, 2006     
Oktoberfest             October 25-29, 2006     
Pony Classic            November 3 & 4, 2006

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