Thank you for helping us soar!

The ‘Spruce Meadows story’ has been told many times over the last 50 years; my mother and father found a cattle feedlot and, with little more than a dream, pieced together what would eventually become one of the world’s leading show jumping venues.

But like all great stories, it is often those in the supporting roles that bring the main character’s vision to life; the true heroes.

In our story, our heroes are our fans, athletes, staff, volunteers, media—and our sponsors. Incredibly, in the last half-century, we have been able to award more than $200 million in sponsor-funded prize money to athletes from more than 60 nations, from the pony divisions to the world’s top show jumpers. Thank You.

Put simply, without the backing of our amazing corporate partners, there would be no Spruce Meadows.

This year, as we head into our 50th Anniversary in 2025, we would like to especially highlight our sponsors. As is the case with most high-level sports, prize money is naturally the big draw—the magnet that brings the ‘mettle’.

Our sponsors have put the wind in our sails, the pep in our stride, and the literal spring in our step.

Incredibly, a dozen companies, or their predecessors, have been with us since the beginning–for 50 years! These brands include ATCO, AKITA Drilling, BMO, RBC, Trimac, CPKC (formerly CP), CANA, Chrysler (Stellantis), Cenovus (formerly Encana and PanCanadian), Bennett Jones, Aon (formerly Reed Shaw Stenhouse) and Coril Holdings (formerly Woodlands).

Those who have been with us for 35 years or more include Rolex, Pepsi, Sun Life, PwC, ATB, TELUS (formerly AGT), Enbridge (formerly IPL Energy, formerly Interhome Energy, formerly Home Oil), and WCD (formerly FujiFilm).

There are very few sporting venues, the world over, that can boast this type of enduring long-term relationship.

These long-standing commitments are a personal treasure to me, and a source of great pride for the family.

I like to think this reflects a continuing return on investment, a demonstration of diligence and care, and an enduring value in a partnership with Spruce Meadows.

I feel this same level of appreciation for all of our dedicated sponsors, big and small, who are instrumental to our success; as we continue to progress into a full-scale Sports and Entertainment District, Spruce Meadows is always aiming to meet the needs of Calgarians, and beyond, in increasingly new and exciting ways, and our partners are with us every step of the way.

In 2025, we will offer $11.4 million total prize money across our five major tournaments – the ‘Continental’, ‘National’, ‘Pan American’, ‘North American’, and the ‘Masters’.

Of particular note, there will be a $5 million prize purse for the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, the finale grand prix competition during the ‘Masters’. This is a $2 million increase on the regular $3 million offering and will make it one of the biggest sporting awards in all of Canada, as well as the biggest show jumping prize anywhere in the world.

An amazing feat for a one-time cattle feedlot in the Canadian prairies.

Not surprisingly, we have already seen an uptick in interest from the world’s greatest show jumpers following this announcement.

In summary, I simply want to extend the sincerest, heartfelt thank you to all of our corporate partners, old and new, who have made the legacy of my mother, father, and the entire family, and my lifelong journey, possible.

That, and Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful holiday season, and we will see you back here next year, as we joyfully celebrate Spruce Meadows’ 50th Anniversary, hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder.

Yours Faithfully,

Linda Southern-Heathcott
President & CEO, Spruce Meadows