Touchdown at YYC for the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5*/2*

^{The 2023 Spruce Meadows charter aircraft touched down at YYC this evening - © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Touchdown at YYC for the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5*/2*

September 2, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - The arrival of the first of the Spruce Meadows charter aircraft signifies the beginning of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ for many. Earlier this evening a Boeing 747 carrying 46 of the top equine athletes from around the world touched down at the Calgary International Airport.

^{Leone Jei (SUI) unloads off his pallet with professional groom Sean Vard © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Accompanied by a host of professional grooms and vets throughout the flight and met by dozens more, the horses unloaded to the world class facilities of the International Animal Lounge. Champion horses including former CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex winner, Venard de Cerisy (SUI), and Rolex Grand Slam event winner, Leone Jei (SUI), were amongst those to disembark the plane.

^{Vernard de Cerisy makes his way onto the trailer to depart from YYC to Spruce Meadows © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

In addition to the equine athletes, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Trophy, memorabilia, over two tonnes of fresh Dutch Flowers, sculptures that will be for sale at part of the MARKT. at the ‘Masters’ and a special “sport surprise” were offloaded and transported to Spruce Meadows.

The smooth and seamless process of international horse transport takes a whole team of people to ensure the top notch care of the precious cargo. Thank you to all the staff at YYC, YYC Freight, CBSA, CFIA, Film Logic Customs Brokers, Swissport, Overseas Horse Services, International Animal Lounge, Foothills Horse Transport, ground services team in Liège, Belgium and all our volunteers for their help ahead of the week’s competitions.

^{The Boeing 747 makes its way into YYC © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

^{The 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ begins Wednesday, September 6  © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Sport at the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5*/2*

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ takes place September 6-10, 2023 with exciting competitions each day on the International Ring and newly renovated All Canada Ring. Fans can look forward to the following competition schedule each day:

Wednesday, September 6
International Ring
Cardel Homes (1.45m)
TELUS Cup (1.50m)

All Canada Ring
The Fantastic 4 (1.20m)
The Mustangs (1.30m)
Richardson Wealth Cup (1.40m)

Thursday, September 7
International Ring
ATCO Cup (1.50m)
CANA Cup (1.55m)

All Canada Ring
NOV Tuboscope Cup (1.20m)
Oxford Properties Cup (1.30m)
PwC Cup (1.40m)

Friday, September 8
International Ring
Paramount Resources CSI2* Grand Prix (1.45m)
Tourmaline Cup (1.60m)
ATCO Electric Six Bar

All Canada Ring
Philips, Hagar & North Cup (1.30m)
Horseware Ireland Cup (1.20m)

Saturday, September 9
International Ring
Suncor Winning Round (1.50m)
BMO Nations’ Cup (1.60m)

Sunday, September 10
International Ring
Enbridge Cup (1.50m)
CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex (1.60m)

^{Complimentary pony rides are included with your daily admission at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

Full Week of Fun for the Whole Family

While some of the world’s best riders and horses compete throughout the week for top honors and the world’s largest purse, outside the competition rings, there’s plenty of entertainment and activities for guests of all ages.

Noteworthy highlights this year include the enthralling Blacksmith World Championships, presented by Halo. This captivating farrier competition showcases their adeptness in horse forge with welding, shoeing, and forging. Guests can also look forward to Jonathan Field Horsemanship Demonstrations, Grand Prix Dressage demonstrations by rider Pia Fortmuller (CAN) in the Riding Hall daily, complete with a spotlight performance on the International Ring during Friday’s WestJet Evening of the Horse, and Diamond Willow Vaulting with their harmonious demonstrations of “gymnastics on horseback” throughout the week.

Outside of those mentioned, there is a full itinerary of additional demonstrations all week at the ‘Masters’. The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Musical Ride; Show Jumping 101; Saddle Demos with DK Saddlery; Corgi Races; Brown Bear Woman Indigenous Education and more! Also included with daily admission for the kids (or kids at heart) is the Petting Zoo and Pony Rides.

Check the daily schedules on the Spruce Meadows Official Website to see what’s happening and when each day of the ‘Masters’.