GlobeQuest: The Orb Odyssey at Spruce Meadows!
An immersive experience that combines the magic of discovery, the beauty of blown glass, and the chance to win an incredible prize! Have some fun and explore our property in search of these elusive Glass Orbs.
Starting this year at the 'National', we will have an array of hand-made glass orbs, about the size of an orange, hidden around the Spruce Meadows' grounds and awaiting your discovery. There are a select few orbs that hold an extra special allure in stunning tones of jewel green, blue, and red and the remaining orbs are translucent and therefore tricky to see.
Each Orb will have a QR code on the bottom and this code will take you to our dedicated registration site, where you can enter your discovery into the contest. The grand prize? A Reserved Table in the West Grandstand for the summer tournaments of 2025 and International Christmas Market Tickets at Spruce Meadows this year! Just a few taps on your smartphone, and you'll be one step closer to the grand prize. And yes–you get to KEEP your beautiful Orb!
Please remember, only one Orb per family for the year, as we want to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for ALL participants. If you find more than one, please leave it in place or re-hide it for the next person. If you choose to re-hide an Orb please be sure to follow the rules and stay off private property, the jumping rings, or the stabling areas.
And hey–be PROUD of your find and post a photo of you and your Orb on social media! Be sure to tag us at @spruce_meadows with the hashtag #sprucemeadowsglobequest and we will also feature your photos here on our website!
Whether you're an avid adventurer, a passionate equestrian enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, GlobeQuest: The Orb Odyssey at Spruce Meadows is something you won't want to miss.
FOUND AN ORB? REGISTER IT HERE
Details
WHEN:
The hunt will take place during the opening hours of our four show-jumping events at Spruce Meadows in 2024.
- ‘National’, presented by ROLEX | June 12–16
- ‘Canada Day Celebrations’ | June 30
- ‘North American’, presented by ROLEX | July 3–7
- ‘Masters’ | September 4–8
If the Orbs have not been found, they will be gathered and placed in a different spot.
WHAT:
Glass Orbs have a letter (indicating the tournament), number, and are stamped with the shape of a Jumping Horse. A new set of Orbs will be hidden at each of the events listed above. All glass orbs are clear glass except for 23 unique ones at each show jumping event. There will also be a single glass horseshoe to find! It'll enter you into the contest, the same as the orbs but it's an extra special keepsake. If you find an Orb we ask that you register it by clicking the link below. And yes, you can keep your Orb or horseshoe!
WHERE:
Glass Orbs will be hidden on the grounds of Spruce Meadows. They will be on the main grounds and never in a building or stabling area, pastures, private property, and NEVER in jumping rings. You will never have to dismantle a stone wall or anything else to find an Orb. Please leave the property undisturbed!
From the pond at the front of the property, west to the Congress Hall, north to Founders Plaza, and south to ATCO Field–the Orbs will be hidden in all these areas so keep your eyes open!
WHO:
Anybody!
The Artist–Mandy Patchin
Mandy Patchin of Glass House Xperience
Mandy Patchin owner and artist at Glass House Xperience was introduced to glass blowing in 2011. By enrolling in a weekend, “introduction to glass blowing” course. She says she will never forget the moment she stood in front of the glory hole (the name the instructor gave for the reheating). She was taken by the heat, the fire, and the excitement immediately.
Glass Blowing is a technique, dating back to the first century, using a metal blowing tube, molten glass, sometimes forms to create unique glassware such as cups, vases, and more. The metal blow hole allows the gaffer (glassblower) to add air and inflate the molten glass “blob” to form the desired shape (cup, vase, etc.).
For Mandy, glass blowing is a dance with fire, enjoying the fluidity of the molten glass and the endless possibilities to create something new and unique every time she works with a “blob” of glass.
Blown glass is made by introducing a bubble into the interior of the molten hot glass, this is done on a hollow pipe that you blow into to inflate. The glass itself is made using various techniques when introducing color and pattern to blown glass they can vary in complexity, but all blown glass is made on a hollow pipe using air to inflate.
Clear Glass is made using the three following ingredients, silica (sand) soda lime, and potash when mixed and heated to 2150F it becomes molten. To make glass color we add different metals and elements.
FOUND AN ORB? REGISTER IT HERE
