Fifty Years of Spruce Meadows – A Legacy in the Making
Photo: Spruce Meadows Media – Mike Sturk
As Spruce Meadows marks its 50th anniversary since its official opening in 1975, we reflect on five decades of excellence, legacy, and horsemanship at one of the world’s most iconic equestrian venues – brought to life through a curated selection of historic images.
Through triumphs, tradition, and transformation, these images capture the spirit and story of Spruce Meadows – a venue that has shaped the past, and continues to define the future, of international equestrian sport.
1970s
We begin in the 1970s – the decade that gave rise to Spruce Meadows. Four archival photographs showcase early ambition, family commitment, and the foundations of a legacy that would reshape the sport of show jumping….
Interview with Mario Deslauriers
What are your earliest memories of Spruce Meadows, i.e., the first time you visited, either as a spectator or as a competitor?
My first time at Spruce Meadows was in 1977 when I was 14 years old and at that time in Canada we had teams through the provinces. So, Alberta had a team, as did Quebec, and Alberta, and I think even British Colombia had a team, too. I was competing as a junior rider then.
I remember it very clearly – it was in the fall, and I knew Linda [Southern-Heathcott, President & CEO of Spruce Meadows], as she came out east to compete with us in the Toronto area….
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