Dr. h.c. Thomas Straumann awards Linda Southern-Heathcott the Award of Honour at the 2026 CHI Classics Basel © Fotografie Stuppia GmbH
January, 11 2026 (Spruce Meadows) — The 2026 prestigious Award of Honour has been presented to Linda Southern-Heathcott, President & CEO of Spruce Meadows. The Award acknowledges Linda’s decades of leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the equestrian community and beyond.
For the past 15 years, the Award of Honour (presented at the CHI Classics Basel) has recognized individuals whose contributions have meaningfully shaped the sport and its global culture. Spruce Meadows—celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025—stands as a testament to that spirit, uniting people from around the world through a shared passion for horses, excellence, and community.
Acknowledging the Award of Honour own milestone year, the distinction now includes not only the iconic golden horse with blue eyes but also a CHF 25,000 (~$48,000 CAD) contribution to a charity chosen by the recipient.
Linda selected the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation, the official charitable arm of Spruce Meadows, proudly formed in 2015. The Foundation is committed to supporting education, health, wellness, amateur and grassroots sport and raises funds throughout the year for these key areas.
As part of her visit to Spruce Meadows in September 2025, the Duchess of Edinburgh toured Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society of Calgary which has benefited through support by the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation. © Spruce Meadows Media/Kevin Udahl
Many of the Foundation’s initiatives place horses at their core, including Opening Gaits (therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities), Can Praxis (equine-assisted therapy for veterans and first responders), and several other impactful, equine-centred programs.
Spruce Meadows Contact: ashley.jimenez@sprucemeadows.com / 403.369.1306
Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation Contact: drew.gusztak@sprucemeadows.com / 403.999.0193
