Countdown to the 2022 Spruce Meadows 'Masters'

All Things Equestrian

Spruce Meadows (August 31, 2022) - Among all the new and exciting features to enjoy at this year's Spruce Meadows 'Masters', there will be the spectacular dressage performance on Friday, September 9, part of the WestJet Evening of the Horse. Canadian CDI dressage winners Ryan Torkkeli and Pia Fortmuller will take centre stage and perform under the lights on the International Ring following the conclusion of the ATCO Electric Six Bar. Additional International Ring performances by Torkkeli and Fortmuller can be seen on Thursday, September 8 and on Sunday, September 11 prior to the start of the CP 'International', presented by Rolex.

Torkkeli and Fortmuller will also be one of the many demonstrations taking place throughout the week of the 'Masters' in the Equi-Plex and Riding Hall. In addition to the CDI dressage winner's demonstration, vaulting by Diamond Willow Vaulting, horsemanship 101, floral arrangement design with Holland's Heleen Valstar, course designing and more are scheduled throughout the week. 

Steve Gurdat (SUI) & Venard de Cerisy, winners of the 2021 CP 'International', presented by Rolex
 © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Countdown to the 2022 Spruce Meadows 'Masters'

The venue with its global reputation has firmly taken root and established itself as the leading venue in the world for International Show Jumping. Now, on the heels of a very successful expanded return to play Spruce Meadows Summer Series the final two tournaments of the Spruce Meadows FEI Tournament Season are ready to take flight. 
 
The Continental CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex starts September 1 and previews the 'Masters' Tournament. It wraps with the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Sunday, September 4. Competitions take place on the North American and All Alberta Rings and general admission tickets are available for fans who want to cheer on their favourite riders.

Over the last four decades, riders from over 60 nations have come through the iconic Spruce Meadows Clock Tower to test their mettle. This year, seven out of the 10 top-ranked* riders in the world will embark on Spruce Meadows for the 'Masters' (September 7-11, 2022) including 2022 World Championships individual gold medalist Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE) and silver medalist Jerome Guery (BEL).
 
From big, to fast, to bold; the courses presented to the athletes throughout the week will be designed by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). As one might expect, the toughest events with the most significant rewards of the Tournament run from Friday – Sunday on the Spruce Meadows International Ring.

 Brian Moran (CAN) tied for first in the 2021 ATCO Electric Six Bar - © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Opening with sport for Friday's WestJet Evening of the Horse, the Tourmaline Cup followed by the ATCO Electric Six Bar; a fan favourite event at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. The night will conclude with a spectacular performance by Canadian CDI dressage winners Ryan Torkkeli and Pia Fortmuller under the lights followed by a musical performance by the Household Cavalry Band and a high-level drone show. 

Saturday features the BMO Nations’ Cup.  The eight teams, including the gold and silver medalists from the 2022 World Championships, Sweden and the Netherlands, will contest one of Show Jumping’s most coveted team titles. Prior to the BMO Nations’ Cup, fans will be treated to the Suncor Winning Round. 

 Steve Guerdat (SUI) winner of the 2021 CP 'International', presented by Rolex, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
  - © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
  
Sunday of the ‘Masters’ never disappoints. It is simply the highlight of the international show jumping calendar.  Considered one of the biggest day on the annual FEI calendar, a staggering $2,500,000 is up for grabs in the CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex. The most prestigious Grand Prix in the sport, the CP ‘International’ is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and offers the sport’s biggest, most technical, and demanding test.

After a historic performance in 2015 Scott Brash (GBR), who jumped to the Rolex Grand Slam victory and accomplished what many believed to be impossible, Brash (part of the bronze medal team at the 2022 World Championship) returns looking for his third win in the event.  
 
 The pressure will also be on with 7 of the top 10 ranked*  riders in the world will contest along with last year's winner, Steve Guerdat (SUI) and current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping contender, Gerrit Nieberg (GER), for the coveted title of Champion of the CP 'International', presented by Rolex.

 *as of August 24, 2022 - new FEI world rankings will be released first week of September 2022

More Than Show Jumping

The Spruce Meadows 'Masters' has something for everyone. In addition to top international show jumping, spectators and fans alike will be able to enjoy shopping over 70 vendors and original fine art, equine-inspired demonstrations, FireFit Championships, live music, entertainment and pageantry throughout the week*. The grounds will also be decorated to the nines with classic cars and carriages, fresh-cut flowers from Holland and photo op spaces for all those Instagram-worthy moments.

 A number of beautiful fine art pieces on display at the 2019 Spruce Meadows 'Masters' - © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

The Horizon's Pavilion will host a Gin Lounge surrounded by artists and their original fine art while the Equi-Plex will feature a unique shopping experience and the Skyline Lounge  - both locations will be open daily throughout the 'Masters'.

On Friday, September 9 the Equi-Plex will also be home to the wildly popular BMO Nations' Cup Team Autograph Session from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm.

 The BMO Nations' Cup Team Autograph signing can be found in the Equi-Plex on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 1:30pm-2:30pm
  © Spruce Meadows Media/Ted Rhodes

Visit the WestJet International Plaza and celebrate ATCO's 75th Anniversary in their pavilion stocked with family-friendly activities including the Winds of Time Booth. You'll find the TELUS Pavilion right next door where a donation to the Future is Friendly Foundation will get you this year's TELUS Pony (stuffed animal). 

Daniel Bluman (ISR) poses with a fan in the Rolex Grand Slam Experience Booth - © Spruce Meadows Media/Ted Rhodes

Up in the Founders Plaza you'll find more shopping and the Rolex Grand Slam Experience Booth. Check out historic memorabilia from Grand Slam Grand Prix winners, ride in the CP 'International', presented by Rolex Grand Prix using virtual reality or jump into the photo booth and make your own "Grand Slam" moment.

Don't miss out on this year's Spruce Meadows 'Masters' - for more information and to get tickets visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
 
 *Schedule and activities vary by day