Tag Archives: Spruce Meadows

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jaime Azcarraga and Anton Win $400,000 RBC Grand Prix

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Jaime Azcarraga and Anton clear the ROLEX jump. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman Speed to Victory in $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse

Calgary, AB, Canada – June 7, 2014 – The highlight event of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, featured some of the best show jumping athletes in the world in the exciting $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by ROLEX. Leading that field was Jaime Azcarraga of Mexico on Anton, who was victorious over Jonathan McCrea (USA) with Special Lux and Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) riding Quilebo du Tillard. In the $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse, Shane Sweetnam and Fineman were fastest for the win.

The ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, is the first of five tournaments in the Summer Series and concludes Sunday, June 8, with the 210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby.

Watch an interview with Jaime Azcarraga!

Thirty-seven combinations attempted the first round course set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, and just five were able to find the clear path to the jump-off.

Jorge noted, “The level of horses and riders was very high. I had in mind to have a difficult course. It’s a five-star and $400,000, so I built the course thinking about that. In the morning I really had to worry about the shades on the course. I think the footing was amazing. We had a lot of four-faulters, so we could easily have had eight or nine clear rounds. Jaime and Enrique were both here at seven o’clock in the morning, so I had to say the ring’s not ready yet! It shows that it pays off to be early. It was a day of great sport.”

Watch highlights of Saturday’s competition at the ‘National’!

Riding in the first phase of 13 horses in the morning, Azcarraga and Anton, his 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Marlone x Orville, were the first to go in the jump-off. The big bay horse set an unbeatable time of 46.48 seconds with no faults for victory.

“It was a long day,” Azcarraga said with a smile. “To start at nine o’clock, you have to maintain your concentration for a long period of time. It was good because he got a long rest, more than four hours. He was fresh and ready. I just waited here, watched the Parcours de Chasse and tried to maintain calm. It always hard to be the first one, but I tried to set the pace. I had some fast riders behind me, so I knew I had to leave it all as the first round.”

Following Azcarraga was fellow Mexican rider Enrique Gonzalez on Quilebo du Tillard, who were also clear and quick in 48.90 seconds, which would slot them in third place at the end of the class.

Kirsten Coe and Baronez, owned by Ilan Ferder, Lovsta Stuteri, and Tal Milstein, were close to the winning time in 46.73 seconds, but a rail at the last oxer left them in fifth place.

Jonathan McCrea and Special Lux
Jonathan McCrea and Special Lux

Now riding for the United States, Jonathan McCrea and Candy Tribble’s Special Lux cleared all the jumps on course with ease, but were just off the pace in 46.55 seconds for second place.

In the first round, McCrea and Special Lux had a bobble on course. McCrea explained, “When I went in, I didn’t show him the wall. I didn’t expect him to spook, and he held off it a little bit. And then I was like, ‘Oh boy, I’m in trouble here.’ The triple bar wasn’t so pretty. For the grace of God the rail stayed there. Then I had to go Irish, back to my roots. I had to change my plan to the liverpool in-and-out. Originally I planned nine (strides), but I was going up and not across, so I figured we’d better go forward. After that, he was normal.”

Last in the jump-off was Kent Farrington (USA), the winner of this class for the past two years, on Voyeur, owned by Amalaya Investments. Farrington was fast enough in 44.50 seconds, but they had four faults at the triple bar on course for fourth place.

McCrea and Special Lux, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Lux x Collie Mor Hill, haven’t even been together for a year, but the talented horse has moved up from the 1.40m classes last year after winning the Five-Year-Old and Six-Year-Old championships in Ireland and placing third as a seven-year-old in Aachen. When asked to describe Special Lux, McCrea said, “He’s Irish! He’s been a winner his whole life. His jumping style is definitely a little different. He’s so careful; he doesn’t want to hit a rail. He’s still green at this level.”

Gonzalez has worked with Quilebo du Tillard, his 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by For Pleasure x Quat Sous, since he was coming seven years old and had to work on rideability. “For the first couple years, he was quite difficult,” he revealed. “He was strong and he has, like we say in the horse world, a ‘French mouth.’ He was a little bit tough. Last year I did the 1.50m classes here and he loved the ring, he loved the place. He jumped really good last year, so I was pretty comfortable this week. I trusted him. I just jumped him in one class before the grand prix, and he was really, really good. I was very happy with the way he jumped today.”

It is believed that this is the first time two riders from Mexico were in the medals in a grand prix at Spruce Meadows. “We have some super riders and really nice wins, but I think this is the first time,” Gonzalez said. “It’s an honor to perform this way against the best riders of the world, and to be able to be sitting here.”

Azcarraga competed at the CSIO in Xalapa, Mexico, before coming to Spruce Meadows, and he has had Anton for two years. With a solid effort in Xalapa, he felt that he was ready, but noted that coming to a five-star at Spruce Meadows was different, especially considering this was Anton’s first international show. “Since I jumped the first day, I felt like [he] liked the course here. The footing was unbelievable, and the conditions were perfect,” he said. “It was a bit shocking when I walked the course, the height. In the morning I was saying to Guilherme, ‘Oh my God, I hope he can jump this.’ He has the heart of a champion, and he likes to fight.”

Azcarraga hasn’t been to Spruce Meadows since 2009, but he started his 2014 season with a bang after winning last night’s $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m Winning Round class with Matador and now taking the biggest class of the ‘National’ Tournament. Azcarraga was second in this grand prix in 2008 with Presley Boy. He smiled, “It was the best week of my life, unbelievable.”

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman
Shane Sweetnam and Fineman

Sweetnam Speeds to the Win

In the $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse 1.45m, the course featured 14 numbered obstacles, including the table bank and small derby bank with a jump at the bottom. The format was faults converted, so even with a rail down, competitors could do well if they were fast enough.

The early leader was Hector Florentino (DOM) on Anemone’s Vicky, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms. They set the time at 84.71 seconds. Nine horses later, it was Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Oakland Ventures LLC’s Fantasy who brought the winning time down to 79.982 seconds, which would hold up for second place.

Coming close was fellow Irishman Conor Swail on Susan Grange’s Ariana, who stopped the clock in 80.703 seconds for third place.

Sweetnam made it an Irish sweep of the top ribbons when he and Fineman, an 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Feliciano x Beach Boy, sped through the course, staying low and fast over the jumps and finishing in 79.254 seconds.

Having the chance to ride in a variety of classes and derbies growing up is what Sweetnam believes gives the Irish riders a slight edge. “I think we’re quite good at the derbies because we do it when we’re kids. We do it on small, medium, large ponies; we learn at an early age. Normally we don’t have the sun! Normally it’s raining when we do the derby,” he smiled.

Sweetnam had gone earlier in the class with Cyklon 1083, and Sweetnam said he “made a little bit of a mistake with him,” which he corrected on Fineman. “When I was going up, it’s a hard enough entry on the bank with the little gate, and I took a pull and I shouldn’t have taken a pull. I should have kept going,” he said.

He knew the times posted by Kenny and Swail and what he would have to do to get that winning time. “Darragh and Conor are very fast riders, I know they’re fast. After I had gone with Cyklon – he was 81 (seconds) with a fence down – then I knew, if I was going to break 79 (seconds), what I had to do in some places and take more risk,” he explained.

Sweetnam sold Fineman at the beginning of the year, so he was happy to have the ride back just a week before the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, especially since the “versatile” horse can fill a variety of roles in speeds, derbies, 1.50m, and more. “It was good timing,” he affirmed. “He’s just a very versatile horse, and you can do a lot of things with him. He’s jumped indoors. He’s a great horse that way, you can do anything you want and know with him that as fast as I go, he’ll try as hard as he can.”

Sweetnam and Fineman will contest tomorrow’s $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby.

The Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament concludes with tomorrow’s competition, the $40,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics 1.45m Speed and the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kenny Continues Dream of a Week, Azcarraga Is Best in Winning Round at Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament

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Darragh Kenny and Picolo. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – June 6, 2014 – Ireland’s Darragh Kenny continued a stellar week at the ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, when he won the $35,000 Encana Cup 1.45m with Picolo. Jaime Azcarraga (MEX) and Matador were victorious in the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m Winning Round class.

The ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, is the first of five tournaments in the Summer Series and runs through Sunday, June 8. The highlight of the week is Saturday’s $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by ROLEX. Also on Saturday is the $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse, while the 210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby is on Sunday, June 8.

Watch highlights from Friday at the ‘National’!

For his second International Ring win ever, Darragh Kenny set an early unbeatable pace with Oakland Ventures LLC’s Picolo. The 11-horse jump-off in the $35,000 Encana Cup 1.45m was stacked full of big names like Spooner, Foster, Lamaze, and Ward, but Kenny and Picolo completed the jump-off course in their usual smooth fashion in 38.90 seconds. They were 1.3 seconds faster than Richard Spooner (USA) and Amparo Z, owned by Legacy Stables LLC (40.23 seconds). Third place went to Mac Cone (CAN) on Vannety B. They finished in 40.80 seconds.

“I knew there were a lot of people in the jump-off that were very fast,” Kenny acknowledged. “I had to go early in the jump-off. He’s a very capable horse; he’s very fast. I thought I’d just go for it and leave the door closed. Lucky enough, that worked out for me.”

Kenny was full of praise for Picolo, who is an 11-year-old gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Alme. “He just wins and wins and wins and tries so hard,” he said. “When you get a horse that wants to do that much for you, it’s incredible.”

This is only the second year that Kenny has shown at Spruce Meadows; last year he came with more clients and only had one horse for the major classes. “Now I’m lucky; I have a couple of very good owners and some really nice horses, and I get to do this at the level I want to do it at,” he said.

In just three days, Kenny has had 13 top three finishes across four competition rings on eight different horses. When asked if he thought he would have a week like this, he replied, “No, I didn’t. I know I have some good horses and some very competitive horses, but you have the best riders in the world here. To try and beat them is very, very difficult. It’s extremely difficult to win here. To do that, I’m very lucky. It’s all about what you’re riding. You can do the best you can, but if you’re riding something that doesn’t want to win, you have no chance.”

Kenny praised the facility of Spruce Meadows, with the variety of classes, competition rings, and support available. “It’s incredible that we have these sponsors and the chance to jump for this prize money in this ring. The feeling when you win here is unbelievable. To win twice in one week (in the International Ring), I’m very happy with that,” he smiled.

He continued, “It’s probably the most amazing facility in the world for show jumping. I love jumping on grass. I grew up in Ireland and always jumped on grass. To have the footing that they have here is absolutely brilliant. They have so many rings, and you can do so many things here.”

Azcarraga Tips Swail in Winning Round

The $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup Winning Round 1.50m had just 22 entries, but the exciting format brought back the top 10 to compete for speed in the second round. Going last in the class, Azcarraga knew exactly what he needed to accomplish, and he sped to victory in 45.77 seconds. He was chasing a time of 46.00 seconds set by Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. Third place went to Ambosell I and Pablo Barrios (VEN), who stopped the clock in 46.31 seconds.

Jaime Azcarraga and Matador
Jaime Azcarraga and Matador

“I was able to see [Conor] because he went right in front of me. I was lucky to be behind because he was running really fast and I had to catch him,” Azcarraga said.

Azcarraga is a familiar face at Spruce Meadows, having first come to compete in 1985, and he has won through four decades. He was the winner of this class in 2008 on Forastero and is known for riding the famous stallions Chin Chin and Presley Boy. Azcarraga found Matador, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Indoctro x Corland, as a seven-year-old and has brought him along in preparation for top competitions. This is the horse’s second international competition.

“He really likes to do the job,” Azcarraga said of Matador. “He was very good on Wednesday, so I tried to ride him good, and he did the job. It feels good to work with the horses. Every horse is different and some take more time to develop. Matador is 12 years old now, and I think he’s ready.”

As an amateur rider, Azcarraga splits his time between riding “every day” in Mexico and running his family’s business. Azcarraga recalled, “I’m very happy to be here again. It’s tough to win here at Spruce Meadows. I was telling Norman Dello Joio, that to come from Mexico with the level we have, to jump here in the five-star is really shocking, to come here and see the fences. I try to come in the summers and do some trips for international shows. I have to take care of the business in Mexico, so it’s not so easy to go out and compete. But if you come here, you always keep the level. In the summer it’s a good place to stay in front.”

It was a great return to the International Ring for Swail, who severed his Achilles tendon riding Ariana at the Royal Winter Fair this past November. He has been off for more than six months.

“One of most difficult things is the mental side of it, where you have to wait for such a long time. When I got the injury, I was unaware of how big an injury it was. It’s a big ligament to damage for a show jumping rider,” he explained. “I have to say though, I got through it fine. It’s just a matter of getting healthy and being able to do the job. It’s fabulous to be back.”

Conor Swail and Martha Louise
Conor Swail and Martha Louise

Swail is very happy to be back in the ring and in the victory gallop. He said, “I thought today I was going to get in that winner’s circle. Ariana was third the other day and she was leading for a long time, and I thought that would have been nice. The horses are nice and fresh. I’m a little rusty still, so hopefully there is more to come. I’m delighted with how [Martha Louise] went today; she jumped a fabulous round. It was very fast. I’m happy to be second. It wasn’t our day today, but hopefully it’s just around the corner.”

Tomorrow’s schedule brings the highlight of the week, the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by ROLEX. Phase I begins at 9 a.m. MST, and Phase II will kick off at 2 p.m. MST. In between, the $60,000 Transcanada Parcours de Chasse speed class will run. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lamaze and Powerplay Make It Two in a Row in $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m at Spruce Meadows

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Eric Lamaze and Powerplay. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – June 5, 2014 – The ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, continued with three major competitions in the International Ring at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Topping the $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m was Eric Lamaze on Powerplay, who were also yesterday’s big winners. Earlier in the day, winners included Darragh Kenny (IRL) with his first-ever International Ring victory and McLain Ward, who added another first place prize to the two he earned on Wednesday.

Watch highlights from competition on Thursday at the ‘National’!

The ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, is the first of five tournaments in the Summer Series and runs through Sunday, June 8. The highlight of the week is Saturday’s $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex. This week’s top classes include: the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m on Friday, June 6, the $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse on Saturday, June 7, and the 210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby on Sunday, June 8.

The course designer for the ‘National’ Tournament in the International Ring is Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. Thirty-six entries went to post in the first round of the $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m, and 10 found the path to a clear round and the jump-off.

Jorge noted that he is building for an extremely high quality of horses and riders at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, so he has to be exact in his design. “The time allowed is playing a big part. The footing here, the horses are jumping really comfortable out of it, really confident. That makes our job harder, but in a good way. We don’t want to overdo it in the first week, but I think it’s going to be a really good competition on Saturday,” he said.

First in the jump-off was the new combination of Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Tripple X III. They set a quick leading time of 41.99 seconds, which would hold up for second place at the end of the class.

Eight horses later, Lamaze and Powerplay, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Casall x Limbus, who were able to catch Foster’s time. They made quick rollbacks on course and lowered the leading time to 40.86 seconds.

“The final line, I did one less stride. Tiffany asked me before she went if she should do eight (strides) in the last line, and I said since she didn’t know the horse all that well, it wasn’t a great idea. So I knew where to beat her!” Lamaze joked.

Foster retorted, “I even asked him to go slow, and he didn’t. Today I said to Eric, ‘How fast should I go?’ and he said, ‘Just go as fast as you’re comfortable and feel.’ So I thought, ‘All right, I’ll go pretty fast!’ He just keeps getting better and better. Obviously Ben Maher did an amazing job, and now I just get to have some fun.”

Lamaze also picked up third place on Zigali P S, also owned by Artisan Farms LLC. They had a time of 42.49 seconds.

Foster said that her relationship with Tripple X III felt strong from the beginning. “The ones that I’ve ridden so far jump big jumps and [have] been really, really scopey, brave, and safe. He feels pretty fast,” she revealed. “This is the seventh class I’ve ever jumped him in. When I tried him, he felt pretty comfortable already. Sometimes horses you just feel good on right away, and he’s been like that.”

With tonight’s win, Lamaze passed the $4 million earning mark, now having $4,034,357 as the leader of the Top 20 Prize Money Winnings in the history of Spruce Meadows.

Lamaze was very happy to get a second win at the ‘National.’ He said, “It was a great evening. The courses have been challenging. Guilherme was a little more lenient with the time allowed tonight than he was yesterday, so there were a few more clears. But the course was hard enough. The distance in the triple combination was very short, and you needed a little scope to get over ‘c’. Like any jump-off at Spruce Meadows, it comes down to speed. Sometimes the luck of the draw decides the winner in the end.”

McLain Ward and Zander
McLain Ward and Zander

Ward Takes Another Win

McLain Ward made up for a mistake in last night’s class when he and Zander had a rail at the last jump to finish second behind Eric Lamaze. In the $33,500 Westmoreland Cup 1.50m, Ward was extremely fast throughout the jump-off course but slowed down to the final vertical, leaving it up and stopping the timers in 31.23 seconds for the win.

“I screwed up in last night’s class,” Ward admitted. “It felt good (today), but I took a pull to the last!”

Despite easing off the pace a bit to the last jump, Ward beat a solid field of competitors. “I knew there were fast ones coming, particularly Darragh. He was good this morning. Eric’s horse is very fast, and obviously he’s on a roll,” he acknowledged. “I just got a little bit lucky.”

Second place went to Lamaze and new mount Fine Lady 5, owned by Artisan Farms LLC. They were just off the pace in 31.30 seconds. Three-tenths of a second slower in 31.67 seconds, Darragh Kenny and Sans Souci Z, owned by Caroline Lloyd, was third.

Ward and Zander took the option at fence 8 on course, the Devil’s Dyke, to prepare for Sunday’s $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup Derby. Ward didn’t mind riding in the rain and cooler weather today either. “It gets warmer and the show gets better with every win!” he joked.

Darragh Kenny Leads First Victory Gallop in the International Ring

The $33,500 ATCO Pipelines Cup 1.45m had a large starting field of 71 entries, and 23 of those moved on to the jump-off. The early leader was Frances Land (USA), who set a blistering pace of 41.40 seconds with Vieanne, which would hold up for second place at the end of the class.

The only one to come close to Land’s time was Darragh Kenny, who rides for Ireland but is based in the United States. He and Picolo, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Alme owned by his Oakland Ventures LLC, were so smooth and quick that even Kenny didn’t know he was fast enough to win. They stopped the timers in 41.04 seconds for victory.

Darragh Kenny and Picolo
Darragh Kenny and Picolo

Before he went in for the jump-off, Kenny said, “I really thought I couldn’t be faster than Frances; she was amazingly fast. I just thought, ‘Ok, I’ll go as quick as I can go and see how it keeps going.’ He’s very, very quick across the ground and quick across the jumps, so that helps him.”

During the jump-off, he still wasn’t sure. “Actually, I turned back to the last double (combination) and was like, ‘I think I’m too slow.’ The announcer said something, but I couldn’t really hear it so I didn’t know. I was like, ‘I’m just going to keep going and hope for the best!’” he smiled.

Kenny found Picolo a year ago during the off week of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. He traveled to Europe and found him through a friend from Cedric Angot. After treating Picolo’s ulcers, Kenny said he has returned to normal and has shown he’s back to his winning ways.

“He’s a super horse, and I really think a lot of him. He always tries to win. He’s so good like that. I’m surprised he did it today. It’s his first day in the ring,” Kenny revealed. “This 1.45m-1.50m, that’s his division. He’s competitive at that. I didn’t really buy him to be a top grand prix horse; I bought him to win classes, and that’s what he does.”

This is Kenny’s first win in the International Ring. “It’s definitely one of the best ways to spend a rainy afternoon! It’s an amazing feeling,” he remarked.

Highlight competitions for Friday at the ‘National’ Tournament, presented by ROLEX, include the $35,000 Encana Cup 1.45m and the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Lamaze, Ward, and Sweetnam Post Victories on Opening Day of Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament

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Eric Lamaze and Powerplay. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – June 4, 2014 – In a day packed full of show jumping, three top athletes posted victories in the International Ring on the opening day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament. In the $85,000 ATB Financial Cup 1.55m, Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Powerplay were victorious. McLain Ward (USA) had two wins today, and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) was also honored in awards presentations.

The ‘National’ Tournament presented by Rolex is the first of five in the Summer Series and runs through Sunday, June 8. The highlight of the week is Saturday’s $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex. This week’s top classes include: the $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m on Thursday, June 5, the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m on Friday, June 6, the $60,000 TransCanada Parcours de Chasse on Saturday, June 7, and the 210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby on Sunday, June 8.

The course designer for the ‘National’ Tournament in the International Ring is Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. He set a testing track in the $85,000 ATB Financial Cup 1.55m jump-off class, where four of 26 total entries advanced to the shortened course.

The first would prove to be the best: when Eric Lamaze and his 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding partner Powerplay blazed around the course with no faults, no one was able to catch them without fault. They set a time of 39.52 seconds for victory.

McLain Ward almost had his third win of the day, but it was not to be when he and Zander pulled the top plank at the final vertical in the jump-off. Their fast time of 37.51 seconds gave them second place.

Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Zara Leandra finished third with four faults in 39.78 seconds, while Sameh El Dahan (EGY) and WKD Pepperpot placed fourth with eight faults in 42.34 seconds.

Lamaze and Powerplay, owned by Artisan Farms LLC, have had a successful spring including a win in the CSI 5* grand prix in La Baule, France. “They’re coming into Spruce Meadows in really good form,” Lamaze noted. “I have a lot of confidence in them. It was a year ago that I rode Powerplay for the first time, and it was a different ending from tonight. He’s come a long way in one year. It’s a different horse now.”

Lamaze described Powerplay as “a bit lazy” and laidback. He laughed, “He’s not the most fun horse to ride in the morning. He’s a funny personality. He’s very spooky; he’s afraid of a lot of things, but he’s brave at the same time. He’s not really a horse that I think I would get along with, but we’ve formed a partnership. We like each other, and I have a lot of respect for him.”

Schooling before the class, Lamaze said he could feel the tension of the riders and sensed the importance of the first day. Leading the victory gallop is something that he will savor from today’s memories.

He expressed, “I love coming to Spruce Meadows. No one will ever get tired of winning here. It’s always special to win any event, especially in the International Ring. There’s a lot of other guys fighting to win. McLain had a fantastic day. I thought for sure he was going to go for a hat trick, and it looked that way until the end. It’s really not easy. These jump-offs are won with very fast rounds. It’s really good sport. We take it seriously.”

“In the old days I took it for granted with this little horse Hickstead,” he continued. “It was a lot easier to win classes. Now that I look back, I wished I enjoyed them a lot more. With La Baule, Rome, winning here, I’m really enjoying myself. I have a new respect for how hard it is to win. These horses are very good horses, but for a long time, one was so extra special that it made my job very easy. I really appreciate now when it goes my way.”

Lamaze also complimented the footing in the International Ring. “I don’t think I’ve ever ridden on better grass footing than tonight. It’s to perfection. As a rider, this is fantastic. The horses love it; it’s not slippery. It’s as good as I’ve ever seen it here,” he said.

McLain Ward and HH Cannavaro
McLain Ward and HH Cannavaro

The third class of the day in the International Ring was the $33,500 Bantrel Cup 1.50m with 47 entries. Sixteen went on to the jump-off, and 12 of those were clear over the second course. The fastest was McLain Ward on HH Cannavaro, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Caplan x Caretino owned by Double H Farm. It was Ward’s second win of the day.

Ward has only ridden HH Cannavaro since March, but they have connected quickly, having won the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show just three weeks ago. Ward has been teaching the talented horse to be faster in jump-offs. “He’s a big jumper, and he really likes to take his time,” he pointed out. “Just like Sapphire years ago, they have to learn to be a quicker horse. But he really allows you to ride him. I was able to make a really good turn on the third jump, and he’s so careful I could run at the last. It worked out our day. A couple of the real fast ones had a rail.”

Unlike his Olympic gold medalist partner Sapphire, HH Cannavaro came to Ward with more experience. “He’s older than when I had Sapphire at first; she did the [Olympic] Games at nine. I got him as a 10-year-old. He had a lot of experience and was ready to be pushed a little bit. We’re thrilled with what he’s doing now,” he said.

Ward was happy to be back at Spruce Meadows with a top string of horses under the renewed partnership with Double H Farm. “This is an incredible event, and the prize money is fantastic. We’re really excited about all our horses and being back together with Hunter Harrison is very exciting for us,” he confirmed. “He really provides us with some great stock. The results always show. When you have the best horses, it helps.”

McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z, owned by Double H Farm, went to the top of the leaderboard after a speedy clear round in 58.581 seconds for victory in the $33,500 Back on Track Cup 1.45m. They beat 54 entries in the one-round class. Angel Karolyi (VEN) and Indiana 127, owned by Hollow Creek Farm, were second with a time of 61.47 seconds. In third place was Conor Swail (IRL) and Susan Grange’s Ariana, who posted a time of 62.00 seconds.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083
Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083

The first class of the day was the $33,500 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.45m speed class with 53 entries, and the win went to Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Cyklon 1083, owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC. Sweetnam and Cyklon recorded a time of 55.20 seconds. They just beat out Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Zeus du Buison Z, who finished in 55.24 seconds. Riding Sheila Sosnow’s Uitteraard, Nayel Nassar (EGY) was third in 56.72 seconds.

The Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament continues tomorrow with the $33,500 ATCO Pipelines Cup 1.45m, $33,500 Westmoreland Cup 1.50m, and $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments to Feature Increased Prize Money and More FEI World Ranking Classes

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Eric Lamaze and Powerplay. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – May 19, 2014 – Spruce Meadows looks forward to welcoming many of the world’s best horses and riders to their Summer Series tournaments in 2014, beginning June 5 and continuing with five tournaments through July 13. The tournaments have a 7% increase in prize money this year, featuring four 5* events and more opportunities to earn important FEI World Ranking points.

Spruce Meadows is home to some of the most prestigious and popular show jumping events in the world, and it is the only place in the summer to get this kind of money and points. Large numbers in entries are expected, and the caliber of riders will be fantastic. In addition to top prize money and the opportunity to gain world ranking points, riders will also look forward to the chance to help their countries qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final.

Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Lamaze of Canada will be competing at Spruce Meadows throughout all five weeks of the Summer Series and is planning on bringing more than 20 horses to show. Lamaze looks forward to the increased prize money in the big divisions as well as the improved category for FEI World Ranking points.

“Obviously, it’s great!” Lamaze proclaimed. “The sport is at a very high level, and the increase in prize money is well-suited to the level of competition. In Calgary, you can move up your world ranking tremendously when you have 45 world ranking classes within a period of five weeks. I don’t think you even have that in Europe.”

All of the 1.55-1.60m division events have a minimum of $85,000 in prize money, which puts them into the next highest category for ranking points, an increase from last year.

The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments start with the ‘National’ CSI 5* Tournament presented by Rolex on June 4-8. Competition that week will feature the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex on Saturday, June 7, as well as the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby on Sunday, June 8. The $85,000 ATB Financial Cup 1.55m will be held Wednesday, June 4, and the $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m will be the highlight on Thursday, June 5.

Jonathan Asselin and Showgirl on the derby bank. Photo © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Jonathan Asselin and Showgirl on the derby bank. Photo © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Spruce Meadows is committed to helping develop a new generation of ‘Derby’ horses. They invite all athletes nominating in the FEI divisions to consider entering the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby and the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic 1.50m Derby to appreciate its unparalleled competitive experience and reap some of its well-deserved rewards. In 2014, the Derby’s heights and widths will be more inviting. All riders who complete the course will be presented with $5,000.

The ‘Continental’ CSIO 5* Tournament will run the following week from June 12-15, featuring the $125,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Scotiabank on Friday, June 13, and the $210,000 CP Grand Prix on Sunday, June 15. The $85,000 Husky Energy Classic 1.50m will be featured on Thursday, June 12, and the $85,000 Talisman Energy Cup 1.50m will be the highlight on Saturday, June 14.

Spruce Meadows is host to one of only three Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ events in North America, which will be a qualifier for countries in the region hoping to attend the series final in Barcelona, Spain, in October. Since less than five teams are invited to the qualifier at Spruce Meadows, the countries from this region can have two teams, which is a great development opportunity for Canada, USA, and Mexico, without having to travel all the way to Europe.

Lamaze explained that all of the summer shows, along with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, will be great help to the Canadian team as they prepare for this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

“Calgary has always been the best preparation you can do for a major games,” Lamaze stated. “In the last few major championships, as far as I can remember, the Canadian riders standing on the podium competed at Calgary as part of their preparation. Spruce Meadows is a high-level facility with high-level competition. It’s great preparation.”

In addition to the great prize money, increased level of FEI World Ranking points, and excellent preparation for WEG, Lamaze also looks forward to the opportunity to show in a fantastic venue while bringing along some young horses and riders.

“We have several young horses that are going, and I really look forward to their development,” he noted. “People think that Calgary is all about the grand prix level, but we are also bringing young horses and young riders. The experience they gain in Calgary helps them to become something special in the future.”

The summer competition continues with three more weeks following a break after the ‘National’ and ‘Continental’ Tournaments. The ‘Canada One’ CSI 4* Tournament is next on the schedule on June 26-29, featuring the $125,000 ESSO Imperial Oil Challenge 1.55m competition on Sunday, June 29.

The ‘North American’ CSI 5* Tournament will be held July 2-6, featuring the $210,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 5. The $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic 1.50m Derby will be the highlight on Sunday, July 6. There will also be the $85,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.55m competition on Wednesday, July 2, and the $85,000 Progress Energy Cup 1.55m on Thursday, July 3, as well as the $85,000 TD Cup 1.50m on Saturday, July 5, and the $85,000 Enbridge Cup 1.50m on Sunday, July 6.

Concluding the summer tournaments, the ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* Tournament will run July 10-13, featuring the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex on Sunday, July 13.

As always, Spruce Meadows also offers a full schedule of events for junior and amateur jumper riders. Make your plans to visit Spruce Meadows this year and see the best show jumping action in the world!

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Pieter Devos and Candy Win $1 Million CN International at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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Pieter Devos and Candy. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 8, 2013 – The highlight event of the season wrapped up the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ with some of the best show jumping competition in the world. Pieter Devos of Belgium rode Candy to victory in the $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, over Olympic gold medalist Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Nasa and France’s Penelope Leprevost with Nayana.

The opening field had 39 entries, and the top 12 returned for the second round over courses set by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. The riders praised Palacios’ course design, and Guerdat noted, “I think Leopoldo has done a really, really good job this week. It was strong, it was big, but today I can’t say there was anything that was too much.”

The challenging first round had eight clear rounds, and the first to return over the second course was Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) on Nippon d’Elle. They had trouble at the double combination to end up eliminated. Shane Breen (IRL) and Balloon also had a tough day when they accumulated 30 faults to end on a total of 34 for tenth place. Francois Mathy (BEL) on Polinska des Isles added 13 to their original four to finish on a total of 17 and ninth place.

Canada’s Eric Lamaze and Powerplay had two rails and a time fault, and through their 10 total faults, they finished in eighth place.

Next in was Guerdat on Nasa, a 12-year-old Selle Francais mare by Cumano x Prince d’Elle. They were clear in the first round and put in a beautiful second round trip. They stopped the timers in 74.15 seconds, which at the time gave them two time faults. Prior to the next horse starting, the time allowed was raised to 71 seconds, taking Guerdat’s total down to one fault. That fault would be the difference between second place and the opportunity to go to a jump-off for first.

Steve Guerdat and Nasa
Steve Guerdat and Nasa

“I’m really happy about the second place,” Guerdat said. “I know time is always a bit of an issue with me and Nasa. I don’t think she’s a slow horse, but she needs a little bit of time to relax between the fences. I wouldn’t have changed a lot. I think if I wanted to stay clean, I had to make that round that I made. I’m not disappointed at all about the time. I don’t think there was space that I could save time without having a fence down.”

Beezie Madden (USA) and Simon had the dreaded bicycle jump down for faults, but also had one time fault for a total of five and sixth place. Ian Millar (CAN) and Dixson had a miscommunication at fence 5, causing rails to fall. Millar circled to gather himself and went on, but after another rail fell, he retired.

German’s Patrick Stuhlmeyer and Lacan 2 were also victims of the bicycle vertical and with just four faults, they finished in fifth place. Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Taloubet Z looked on form, but a rail at the “a” obstacle of the triple combination gave them four faults as well and fourth place.

Devos and Candy, an 11-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare by Nabab de Reve x Etretat, were the next ones in. In the first round, they went early in the 14th spot, but a quick clear gave them a better place in the order for the second round. The big mare galloped around the course and gave fantastic efforts. Devos lost his stirrup after the triple combination at fence 9, and was able to just get it back in time before fence 10, the CN planks, which was the second to last fence. They cleared the final oxer as the only clean round in a time of 70.99 seconds, just 1/100th of a second inside the time allowed.

“I don’t want to think about it!” Devos laughed afterward about his close time. “I was just in time. Steve was maybe not too happy about that.”

Devos mentioned that losing his stirrup was likely a complication of his injured leg, which happened when he and Candy had a hard fall on Wednesday. Luckily, Candy has no injuries or ill effect from the fall. “My leg was on top of the pole and Candy fell on me. I was really lucky because at the beginning I thought my leg was broken,” he revealed. “I was very lucky that I could ride again and now I win. It’s really bruised and was completely swollen, (but) now it’s okay. I don’t feel the pain now!”

Although he was clear, Devos still had to wait and see what the last two riders would do. World Number One Ben Maher (GBR) and Cella knocked down two jumps for eight faults and seventh place. As the last rider in the ring in both rounds, Penelope Leprevost (FRA) had all of the pressure on her. She relied on Nayana, a 12-year-old Selle Francais mare by Royal Feu x Narcos II. All was going well until fence 10, when they brushed down the top plank to finish with four faults. Leprevost’s faster time in Round One gave her third place.

Penelope Leprevost and Nayana
Penelope Leprevost and Nayana

Leprevost said that Nayana is new to this level. After a strong performance on Wednesday, she changed her plan to take Nayana in the Nations Cup and instead saved her for today’s competition. “My mare was fantastic. She was super the first day, so we changed the plan. We wanted to keep her fresh. I had the plank down, but it was my fault. She is always fighting and she is very brave,” she expressed.

All three of the top horses are mares, and Devos, who is just 27, was able to rely on Candy and the long relationship he has had with her. He started riding Candy as a six-year-old, and after some time off for embryo transfers, she was back with Devos at eight years old. Devos said from there, she jumped right into the bigger levels. Candy’s dam is a full sister to Canada’s iconic show jumper, Big Ben. “She’s really a lovely horse with a super head. She always wants to do her best and she’s just great. She has a lot of scope and she’s careful and she wants to do everything for me,” he described. “She has a really big canter and a lot of scope. The circumstances here were perfect for me.”

As today’s winner, Devos has a chance to win substantial bonus money in The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is host to the second leg after the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen and before December’s CHI Geneva. It is the first global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the Grand Prix at each tournament in succession. Any rider that wins the Grand Prix at each of the three tournaments consecutively will receive €1 million bonus on top of the prize money for each tournament’s Grand Prix. Moreover, any rider that wins two out of the three tournaments’ Grands Prix will also receive a bonus of €500,000 in succession or €250,000 for winning two out of three.

This was Devos’ first time competing at Spruce Meadows and he was awed by the arena when he first stepped into it. “I heard a lot about Spruce Meadows and this great show. I was thinking you would have to come here two or three times before you can perform in a really good way. You have to know and train. For me, it’s a very big surprise that I won here. Now I start to realize what I won and it is just great.”

“It’s a dream come true,” said Devos. “To win here is great, but to win the grand prix is unbelievable.”

Earlier in the day there was another Belgian win, this time for Ludo Philippaerts on Quintender 2 in the $50,000 Telus Cup 1.50m. Philippaerts was the fastest clear over the speed course. Shane Breen (IRL) and Touch of Chilli were second, while Martin Fuchs (SUI) and PSG Future were third.

Spruce Meadows is thrilled to commence another fantastic ‘Masters’ Tournament and thanks all of the exhibitors, sponsors, spectators, staff, and volunteers on an amazing competition.

For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Germany Triumphs in $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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Hans Dieter Dreher and Colore. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Farrington and Blue Angel Take $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m Victory

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 7, 2013 – Saturday at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is always full of national pride, and this year was no different. Eight top teams from around the world went head to head, and the winning nation for the second year in a row was Germany with teammates Hans Dieter Dreher/Colore, Christian Ahlmann/Asca Z, Daniel Deusser/Evita van de Veldballe, and Lars Nieberg/Leonie. Earlier in the day, the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m was held in inclement conditions, but that didn’t bother Kent Farrington (USA) and Blue Angel as they captured their second win of the week. The ‘Masters’ concludes tomorrow with the prestigious $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The action was exciting in the BMO Nations’ Cup as eight teams competed in the first round. The top six returned for the second round; the United States and Switzerland finished with 12 faults in the first round to tie for seventh place. Following the second round, three teams stood on eight faults – Belgium, Germany, and France – and they would proceed to a jump-off. One rider was designated from each team, and it came down to their performances.

First in for the jump-off was Francois Mathy (BEL) on Polinska des Isles, one of only two double clear rounds. They put in a solid ride, but a slip in front of the penultimate oxer caused four faults. Their time of 39.54 seconds would slot them into second place at the end.

Hans Dieter Dreher (GER) and Colore went in next and had speed from the start, with Dreher pushing Colore’s huge stride into overdrive. They finished clear in 40.36 seconds for victory.

As the last in the ring, Penelope Leprevost (FRA) and Dame Blanche van Arenberg had to be quick and clear. But it was not to be, as they pulled a rail at the second jump for four faults. Their slightly slower time of 39.70 seconds left France in third.

Germany stood in the winner’s circle for the ninth time in the history of the Nations Cup at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, going back to 1977 when West Germany was the first champion. This is their second win in a row, and led by Chef d’Equipe Heinrich Engemann, they notched an impressive four clear trips in the first two rounds over a challenging course set by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Weather also played a factor as rain came down during a majority of the competition.

With a clean sheet from Germany’s first three riders in the second round, anchor Lars Nieberg and Leonie, a 10-year-old Westphalian mare by Larenco x Grandeur owned by Josef Waning, did not have to return for the second round. Nieberg was also clear in the first round. Ahlmann, Dreher, and Deusser each had four faults in the first round.

Engemann spoke about his decision to choose Dreher for the jump-off: “Hansi’s horse jumped really well in the first and second round. The horses had not so much experience in this level. We know Hansi is a fighter and he’ll try when he goes in the jump-off. That’s why we put him in the jump-off for us. He did a really good job and we are happy.”

Dreher has been riding Colore, an 11-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Contender x Lord owned by Paul Buecheler, for just 10 months and this was the horse’s first Nations Cup. “Today I’m very, very proud of him,” Dreher expressed. “He jumped amazing today, and I hope it will stay like this. I tried to be clear and as fast as possible. I think it was okay!”

Christian Ahlmann and Asca Z
Christian Ahlmann and Asca Z

Ahlmann was very happy with Asca Z, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Ascari x Carthago Z owned by Stoeterij Zangersheide. “My horse, he jumped really good in the first round,” Ahlmann said. “I was lucky with one down. He has not so many experiences in this kind of level. The second round he felt a lot better and he jumped it much more easy and felt really, really good. He made a really big step forward in these kinds of classes.”

Daniel Deusser and Evita van de Veldballe, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Wandor vd Mispelaere x Clinton owned by Stephex Stables, showed strongly as well. It was also Evita’s first Nations Cup. “She’s just nine years old this year and has not the most experience in classes like that. I thought she did a good job today,” Deusser noted.

Deusser was complimentary of the course design by Palacios, knowing the conditions that affected the grounds. “The ground was okay, but the circumstances were that it rained a lot. It feels different to ride in the sun or rain. It was not crazy big. But the good horses and the non-experienced horses, they all had nearly the same result,” he explained. “The teams were really, really close together in the first round, and we didn’t have any really bad pictures in this class. I think he did a super job today.”

Ahlmann said that the team was pleasantly surprised at their result. “It feels really good, especially since we didn’t expect it,” he affirmed. “We were really motivated, but some of us had our second horses today. We were really happy in the second round. Lars made it possible with his clear at the end (of the first round). Everything worked 100%. We are 100% super happy, especially with Hansi. He did a great job in the jump-off.”

Engemann added, “Spruce Meadows has some of the biggest shows in the world and a really important Nations Cup. When we have an invitation to come here, we want to have a really strong team and try to win. For us it was really important to show, and in the end, we really had to win the class.”

Second place finishers Belgium were led by Mathy and Polinska des Isles, who were double clear. Pieter Devos and Candy had four and zero, Olivier Philippaerts and Cabrio van de Heffinck scored four and one, and Nicola Philippaerts had eight in the first round with Vadetta VH Mettenhof, but returned for an all-important clear in the second round to put them into the jump-off.

Penelope Leprevost and her handy mare Dame Blanche van Arenberg had an impressive double clear performance for France. She was joined by teammates Kevin Staut on Estoy Aqui de Muze HDC (0,4), Eugenie Angot with Old Chap Tame (4,0), and Marc Dilasser on Obiwan de Piliore (4,13) in the third place finish.

Great Britain placed fourth on 13 faults, Canada was fifth with 20, and Ireland scored 21 for sixth place.

Farrington Does It Again

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel
Kent Farrington and Blue Angel

Winning twice during the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is not easily accomplished, but top American rider Kent Farrington showed speed was the key in the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m. He and Blue Angel, an 11-year-old AES mare by Luidam x Ascendent owned by Robin Parsky, returned second to last in the second round. The top eight from the first round came back with a clean slate, and it was Farrington’s ride of 44.26 seconds that secured victory.

While the weather may have been unforgiving, the footing in the International Ring held up well, Farrington said. “I don’t think the ground was that bad, more just uncomfortable. It’s cold and wet, and the ground splashes a little bit. They’ve invested a lot of money into the field here and there is a great base underneath,” he remarked. “Even if it rains a lot, the (horses) still jump pretty good.”

Since speed was the name of the game, Farrington felt he had a bit of an edge. He said, “She’s naturally very fast and she’s a brave horse. She’s competitive all on her own. It’s a matter of trying not to make too many errors and sticking to my plan. She’s naturally fast by herself and I’m a naturally fast rider. It’s a good combination.”

Setting the early pace and slotting into second place was crowd favorite Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Quelmec du Gery, who stopped the clock in 44.41 seconds. Ian Millar (CAN) and Star Power were third in 44.56 seconds.

Lamaze had to move down in the original first round order when Quelmec du Gery pulled a shoe in the warm-up. With the shoe back on and with bell boots, he jumped around well with an incredible hind end clearance at each jump.

Lamazed pointed out, “I used a back pair of boots on him today, which I haven’t used [before]. When I had the skinny down with his back end (earlier in the week), I thought I’d try it. (Former owner) Penelope [Leprevost] said she put these boots on once in a while to really kick his hind end into gear, but told me to be careful because he really reacts. But I like a horse that reacts like that!”

Having only ridden Quelmec du Gery since June, Lamaze has not had a lot of opportunities to push for speed. “The jump-off… I mean, you have Kent and Ben in the back (behind you),” said Lamaze with a smile. “I’ve never gone fast, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it’s $125,000, we’re at the ‘Masters’, let’s learn what he can do. I think he’s going to be a very fast horse actually. He’s very handy to go fast with; it doesn’t matter how fast you get to a fence, he slows up to jump it. I was thrilled.”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ concludes tomorrow with the $50,000 Telus Cup 1.50m speed in the All Canada Ring, then the highlight of the week, the $1 Million CN International. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://www.sprucemeadows.com/press/view_release.jsp?id=314.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Ben Asselin Wins $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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Ben Asselin and Makavoy. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia Clear 1.95m to Win ATCO Electric Six Bar

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 6, 2013 – Speed and power described the two competitions on the schedule today at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. Opening up the evening was the $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m, and the fastest in the jump-off was Calgary’s own Ben Asselin on Makavoy. The $75,000 ATCO Electric Six Bar featured four rounds of thrilling jumping as Martin Fuchs (SUI) cleared 1.95m for victory on Conte Della Caccia. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament hosts the best show jumpers in the world through Sunday, September 8. The highlight events of the week are the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Sunday.

There were 23 entries in the $205,000 Encana Cup, but only three were able to advance to the jump-off in driving rain. First to return was Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Taloubet Z. They had a rail at fence 15, an oxer off a right-hand rollback, for four faults and finished with a time of 46.73 seconds. Francois Mathy (BEL) and Espadon van de Kranenburg also had four faults, but with a slower time of 55.08 seconds.

Last in, Asselin and Makavoy were efficient through the turns and as they cleared the final oxer, the crowd burst into cheers when the scoreboard flashed #1. They posted a time of 53.94 seconds for the win. “We originally had [planned] a pretty fast track to try to have a clear round, but when I walked up everyone told me that both riders had four faults. I took a bit of a risk going so slow in the jump-off because if I had a rail down, I probably would have been third, but Makavoy was just unbelievable. He didn’t want to touch any rails,” Asselin explained.

Staying cool as the last in the ring was something Asselin had to accomplish. “I really had to work on keeping myself cool around the entire track. Even coming down to number one, my heart was racing. Coming down to the last fence I really had to stay cool. When I landed from that last fence all those emotions just let go,” he revealed.

He said of his partner Makavoy, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Hors La Loi II x Ahorn, “He’s quite a little horse, but he has a huge heart. He has a ton of power and has a lot of motor. He’s quite sensitive to ride. He gives you a lot of confidence on that size track. He really takes you down to the jumps and always wants to get to the other side of the jumps. It’s a really fun horse to ride. He’s really quick and he has his own style over the top of the jumps, but he gets himself over them.”

Asselin is just 19 years old, and this was his first win in the International Ring. “It’s surreal,” he said with a huge grin. “I’ve been dreaming about winning in the International Ring forever, let alone in the ‘Masters’ Tournament. The caliber of horses and riders is spectacular all week. I really came into this division as a true rookie. I haven’t done that many tracks this height. I had no plan on winning anything. I have an incredible horse and he showed me he could do it.”

Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia
Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia

Martin Fuchs Clears 1.95m to Win ATCO Electric Six Bar

As the only rider to clear 1.95m, 21-year-old Martin Fuchs of Switzerland took the victory in the $75,000 ATCO Electric Six Bar competition with Conte Della Caccia. It was his second Six Bar win in 2013; he has shown three horses in four Six Bar competitions this year. “It’s cool; I like it a lot,” he smiled.

Joining Fuchs in the fourth and final round, but unable to clear the fences remaining, were Eugenie Angot (FRA) and Pirate Adalou, Lars Nieberg (GER) and Galippo 5, and Shane Breen (IRL) with Touch of Chilli. They tied for second place.

Fuchs has ridden Conte Della Caccia, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Canturo x Corrado I, for a year and a half, and they have moved up to the 1.60m level. Fuchs will compete for Switzerland in tomorrow’s BMO Nations’ Cup and Sunday’s $1 Million CN International.

He noted, “I took him here to Spruce Meadows to do his first five-star Nations’ Cup and grand prix. I think he’s my future horse. He’s not so experienced yet, but I hope to be good tomorrow.”

Fuchs felt that tonight’s Six Bar was great preparation for the weekend. “I knew after the first round that he was in top form and he likes it. With the crowd that really supported me and him, it really helped and he wanted to go bigger and bigger,” he said. “It was a good exercise for him. He’s a really strong horse and he wants to go to the jump. Here he started waiting and in the last round I could give some pressure for the last jump, which I usually cannot do. I think it’s good for tomorrow; he’s waiting and he did some gymnastics today!”

While Fuchs had a fantastic third place finish in the International two years ago, but this was his first win and experience in a winner’s presentation at Spruce Meadows. He said, “I’m really happy and proud. The people stay for the prize giving and stay to watch you. In Europe, in the prize giving you’re alone and you’re looking for the people and nobody’s there to cheer for you. It’s really special for us to come here and to do an extra round and they keep screaming and clapping. It’s really something special.”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continues tomorrow with the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m and the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Strong Start for Eric Lamaze at Spruce Meadows “Masters”

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Eric Lamaze guided Powerplay to a second place finish in the $125,000 CANA Cup. Photo Credit – Spruce Meadows Media Services.

September 5, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta – Canadian Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze is off to a strong start at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” tournament, placing second in the $125,000 CANA Cup on Thursday, September 5.  The five-day international show jumping competition runs September 4 to 8 in Calgary, AB.

Lamaze was one of five riders to successfully negotiate the first round track, featuring jumps set at a height of 1.60m by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela.  In the jump-off, Lamaze guided Powerplay to another clear round, stopping the clock in 44.55 seconds.  It was not quite fast enough, however, to catch Penelope Leprevost of France, who had crossed the timers in 43.77 seconds riding Dame Blanche van Arenberg.

“Powerplay is going to learn to go a bit faster, but he’s not much of a race horse,” said Lamaze of the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding acquired three months ago by owner Artisan Farms.  “He spends a bit of time in the air and he has a big stride, but he’s learned a lot.  Penelope didn’t beat me by that much, though, so he’s getting better at it.”

Of his jump-off strategy, Lamaze noted, “I didn’t see Penelope go.  I just rode the plan that I had made for my horse and I was happy with the pace.  If it was good enough, it was.  If it wasn’t, that was okay, too.  I was happy with the result.”

Lamaze settled for second place and $25,000 in prize money in the $125,000 CANA Cup.  Vancouver’s Tiffany Foster, who is coached by Lamaze, was the next Canadian in the final standings, finishing eighth with Verdi III after incurring one time fault in the opening round.

In preparation for Thursday’s event, Lamaze rode both Powerplay and Quelmec du Gery, a nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Artisan Farms, in the $50,000 1.50m ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup held Wednesday afternoon in the International Ring.  Powerplay jumped double clear to place eighth while Quelmec du Gery, the former ride of Leprevost, jumped clear with one time fault.

“The plan was to do a smaller class yesterday, the 1.50m, and then move Powerplay up to the 1.60m today and get ready for the Nations’ Cup,” explained Lamaze, 45.  “So far, the plan is working beautifully.  I’m very pleased.”

Lamaze and Foster will be teammates for the third year in a row in Saturday’s $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup, riding alongside Lamaze’s 2008 Olympic silver medal teammates Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Mac Cone of King City, ON.  Lamaze will ride Powerplay in the team competition while Foster will ride Verdi III, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding also owned by Artisan Farms.  Both horses were acquired at the end of May from Swiss Olympian Pius Schwizer.

Lamaze will also ride Powerplay in the grand finale, the $1 million CN International, presented by Rolex, on Sunday, September 8.  The grand prix is one of three events comprising the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which offers an unprecedented €1 million in bonus money to any rider who can win all three grand prix events in succession at CHIO Aachen, CSIO Calgary, and CHI Geneva.  To date, Lamaze and his 2008 Olympic gold medal partner, Hickstead, are the only horse-rider combinations to have won all three events.

Based in Vrasene, Belgium, and spending the winter season in Wellington, Florida, Spruce Meadows is the only Canadian venue where Lamaze competes.  Lamaze is the all-time leading money winner at Spruce Meadows, having won more than $3.8 million to date at the Calgary venue alone.  A Rolex testimonee, Lamaze enters Sunday’s $1 million CN International, presented by Rolex, as a two-time winner, having won the prestigious event on two occasions, in 2007 and 2011, riding the legendary Hickstead.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Penelope Leprevost Takes Top Prize in $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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Penelope Leprevost and Dame Blanche van Arenberg. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Swail Goes 1-2 in $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 5, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continued today with two top competitions in the International Ring. Taking the top prize in the $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m was Penelope Leprevost (FRA) and Dame Blanche van Arenberg. The luck of the Irish was with Conor Swail today when he finished first and second in the $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m on Martha Louise and Lansdowne. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament hosts the best show jumpers in the world through Sunday, September 8. The highlight events of the week are the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Sunday.

The $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m had 39 entries, but only five were able to find the clear track to the jump-off. The course designer for this week is Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. First in the jump-off was Olympic gold medalist Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Carpalo. They had eight faults in 43.99 seconds for fifth place.

Leprevost, who has won silver medals at European Championships and FEI World Equestrian Games, and Dame Blanche van Arenberg, a 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare by Clinton x Codexco, were next in and set the winning pace in 43.78 seconds with a clear round.

Leprevost revealed, “This is the first time I’ve gone fast with my mare. The dressage and the control is not perfect, but she always tries. My problem is in the turn; she doesn’t do them so good. The mouth is difficult. But in a straight line, she can go fast. She’s very careful. I tried to do my best.”

World Number One Ben Maher gave it a try on Cella, but a rail in 45.52 seconds left them in third place. The only clear round in the jump-off gave second place to Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Powerplay. They were just off the pace in 44.56 seconds. Beezie Madden, also an Olympic gold medalist, was the last one in with Cortes ‘C’. After an early rail, they slowed down to finish in 48.40 seconds for fourth place.

This was Leprevost’s first time competing at Spruce Meadows, and she has only ridden this horse for four months. However, she felt confident that Dame Blanche van Arenberg would be able to handle the atmosphere of the International Ring. “I’m surprised she went so fast. I’m not surprised that she won. She has a super mind,” she described. “She jumped for the first time in Aachen (too) and was great, so I wasn’t worried about it.”

Regarding Spruce Meadows, she complimented, “It’s unbelievable. We heard a lot of super things about this show, but the difference when you can ride and come in the ring, it’s amazing.”

For Lamaze, setting a plan with his young, talented horse is paramount. “I have to be patient,” he acknowledged. “I don’t know have so many at the moment at this level. I have to do everything right and I have to get to know him and make him a better horse than he is today. I still have to take my time and be realistic about what I do, have a very solid plan, and stick to it. I have a good plan for this horse and so far it’s working.”

When he went in the jump-off today, he was not thinking of getting the most speed out of Powerplay. He explained, “To be honest, Powerplay is going to learn to go a bit faster, but it’s never going to be his forte. He’s not much of a racehorse. He spends a bit of time in the air, and he has a big stride. But he’s learned a lot. I basically didn’t see Penelope go, but I just rode the plan that was challenging enough for my horse, but wasn’t going to destroy my Nations Cup either. For me, I was happy with the pace.”

Swail Leads the Way with Two Horses

In a great display of horsemanship, Ireland’s Conor Swail guided both of his horses to the top of the leaderboard in the $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m. There were 41 entries in the class, and 14 in the jump-off. Swail went fifth in the order on Lansdowne in the jump-off and with a daring approach to the final oxer, he took the lead with a clear round in 37.06 seconds. Six horses later, Swail was back on Martha Louise, and with efficient turns and an open stride, they brought the winning time down to 35.80 seconds for the win. Fellow Irishman Dermott Lennon rode Keonan Stables Ltd’s Hallmark Elite to third place in 37.13 seconds. In fourth was Hans Dieter Dreher (GER) with Magnus Romeo with a time of 38.51 seconds, while Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Early Morning Mist placed fifth with a time of 39.17 seconds.

Conor Swail and Lansdowne
Conor Swail and Lansdowne

“I had an awesome day today,” Swail acknowledged with a big smile. “The two horses were absolutely fabulous. To come first and second in front of the international riders, the fantastic riders that are here, is really special. It’s lovely here and there was a nice crowd here today. It’s always lovely to win at Spruce Meadows.”

In addition to his 1-2 in the International Ring, Swail also won the $15,000 Oxford Properties Group Cup 1.30m with Arista and the $25,000 Phillips, Hager & North Cup 1.40m on Game Ready in the All Canada Ring.

While Swail was quick with Lansdowne, he did feel that Martha Louise, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maoubet de Pleville x Wolfgang, had a good chance of catching him. He explained, “Lansdowne is a big mover, but he’s a little slower than Martha. I knew Martha could probably be a little quicker around the same. I was surprised when she was so fast actually. She was smoking. The first bit was so fast and she turned so well after the wall that I knew all I needed to do was be patient at the last four jumps. She had it done by then.”

Martha Louise has been a proven performer this year for Swail, who sold her to his owners, Susan & Ariel Grange, after the winter circuit. She placed in 11 of 12 classes during the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, and went on to finish in the ribbons at the Dublin CSIO and the three-star events at the P.S.I. FEI European Jumping Championships before coming to the ‘Masters’. She was third yesterday and picked up the win today. “Her record has been absolutely phenomenal here,” Swail affirmed. “She looks like she could be pushing Lansdowne for the top spot, the way she’s been going.”

Swail was pleased with the way Lansdowne has rebounded after jumping in the European Championships in Denmark just 10 days ago. “It was as big as I’ve ever jumped and as big as he’s ever jumped. He struggled a bit and I’m really happy how he’s come out of it. This is the next big test,” he said.

While he plans to show Lansdowne in the BMO Nations Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International on Sunday, his feeling on Saturday will be the deciding factor. “We’ll see how Saturday goes,” he pointed out. “If he handles himself well, I’ll be looking forward to Sunday. If he doesn’t, I don’t have to go. I’m not going to go if I don’t think I can win. There’s always other years, and there’s going to be a lot of years left in that horse. He’s growing all the time. I think hopefully he’ll be a horse to watch out for in the next three or four years.”

Swail added, “I have to thank my owners. I’m so lucky I have some fabulous horses. I’m #36 in the world now, which is the highest ranking I’ve ever been; 37 was my highest before!”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continues tomorrow with the Mercedes-Benz “Evening of the Horse.” It will feature “Name the Foal” contest awards, the $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m, the $75,000 ATCO Electric ‘Circuit’ Six Bar competition, the German State Studs Stallions Spotlight Performance, and a Symphony of Fireworks. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com