“Challenge Accepted” pulls up to YYC ©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
September 5, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) — “Challenge Accepted,” the appropriately named first of two Spruce Meadows-chartered Boeing 747s, touched down at Calgary International Airport (YYC) today, carrying top international equine athletes from Europe ahead of a week of world-class competition at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.
The flight carried 50 champion horses, accompanied throughout their journey by professional grooms, veterinarians and qualified flight crew. After landing, the horses taxied into the world-class International Animal Lounge at YYC, where they were carefully offloaded before continuing their journey to Spruce Meadows.
The horses weren’t the only special cargo on board. More than two tonnes of fresh Dutch flowers, destined to transform the Spruce Meadows grounds for ‘Masters’ week, travelled alongside the equine athletes. Also making the journey was the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
United Touch S & Felicia Wallin touch down in Calgary ©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Among the equine stars making the journey today were United Touch S, ridden by Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Richard Vogel (GER), and Hello Jefferson, the mount of defending CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, champion Scott Brash (GBR). Their arrival adds to an exceptional field of international athletes set to compete throughout the 2026 ‘Masters’.
The arrival of the first charter flight marks the beginning of ‘Masters’ week, with a second Spruce Meadows-chartered 747 scheduled to arrive at YYC later this weekend, bringing another group of elite equine athletes to Calgary.
Hello Jefferson & David Honnet get ready to head to Spruce Meadows from YYC
©Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Once at Spruce Meadows, the horses will settle into their temporary homes, with time for food, water, exercise and rest before competition begins. The teams of grooms and veterinarians will continue to provide around-the-clock care throughout the tournament.
Horses settle into their stabling at Spruce Meadows © Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ runs September 9–13 and will feature some of the biggest names in international show jumping, including the world’s top-ranked athletes.
The horses’ arrival in Calgary is the result of a significant international transportation effort, with teams working across multiple organizations and borders to ensure the equine athletes make the journey safely and comfortably.
With the first flight now on the ground and a second aircraft still to come, collectively over 100 horses will fly in for the ‘Masters.
Competitions for these athletes begin on Wednesday, Sept 9, but you can check out all the ‘Masters’ has to offer early with Preview to the ‘Masters’ taking place Monday, September 7.
Moments at the Meadows
Hello Jefferson confirms the bedding is soft and fluffy at Spruce Meadows
© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
The horses travel in style from YYC to Spruce Meadows
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Flight grooms are with the horses the whole trip here
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Sean Vard helps to unload horses back at Spruce Meadows© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
Sofie Karlsson brings Olympic Gold Medal winner, Checker 47 to settle in at Spruce Meadows© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk
Competition Highlights
Valclav Stanek (CZE) and Quintin tied for first in the 2025 ATCO Electric Six Bar and set a new record of 2.13m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Wednesday, September 9: Opening Day
Opening day of the ‘Masters’ is always an exciting one, as many horses and riders make their first trip through the iconic Clock Tower and onto the International Ring. The day features top-level competition, including the TELUS Cup 1.50m and the Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m. The top three finishers in each competition are guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
Thursday, September 10: Senior’s Day
Seniors 65+ receive complimentary admission to the grounds, where they can enjoy a full day of world-class show jumping. The ATCO Cup 1.50m and CANA Cup 1.60m will showcase top international competition, with athletes looking to secure valuable results and qualify for Sunday’s feature events.
Friday, September 11: TELUS Evening of the Horse, ‘Masters’ After Dark
Friday’s TELUS Evening of the Horse will light up the International Ring, with thousands of glow wands distributed to fans around the stadium as anticipation builds for an unforgettable night of show jumping and entertainment. The evening will centre on the ATCO Electric Six Bar. In 2025, two combinations cleared a record-breaking 2.13 metres—nearly seven feet—toppling a mark that had stood for 21 years. This September, the jumps will rise again.
Following the final round, Germany’s Celle Stallions will enter the International Ring before the night culminates with fireworks accompanied by live music from His Majesty's Band of the Welsh Guards from London, England.
Rewind to earlier in the day, athletes will have already had opportunities to compete in the Paramount Resources Cup 1.45m and the Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m. Both competitions are qualifying for events held on Sunday (Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix and CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex respectively).
Saturday, September 12: BMO Nations’ Cup
Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada will compete for one of show jumping’s most coveted team titles. Medalists from the World Championships Germany (Gold), Belgium (Silver) and Great Britain (Bronze) will feature in the competition with Great Britain looking to retain their BMO Nations’ Cup title from 2025.
The International Ring will be divided into nine fan sections, one for each nation. Fans can enter the Wear Your Colours Costume Contest for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes, while the section supporting the winning team will also receive a prize.
Athletes from all nine nations will take part in the BMO Nations’ Cup Team Autograph Signing Friday in the Equi-Plex.
Sunday, September 13: Suncor Winning Round and The $5 Million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Role
Only the top 30 qualified from earlier in the week have a chance at the Suncor Winning Round where no matter the number of clear rounds, only the top ten return for the winning round. A great way to kick off Sunday at Spruce Meadows!
In the afternoon, Richard Vogel will enter the International Ring one victory away from completing the Rolex Grand Slam. A win would make him only the second rider in history to achieve it, and the second to do so at Spruce Meadows. If successful, Vogel will also receive a € 1,000,000 bonus.
Sunday will also encouraged guests to wear green, with $5 of each Sunday admission proceeds directed to the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.
International Entertainment Arrives in Calgary
Germany’s Celle Stallions © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
His Majesty’s Band of the Welsh Guards will travel from London, England, bringing the music and pageantry of one of Britain’s most celebrated military bands to Spruce Meadows throughout the tournament.
Germany’s Celle Stallions will make their first appearance at Spruce Meadows since 2015. Representing the Celle State Stud and a breeding program dating back more than 280 years, the stallions will present demonstrations of classical horsemanship throughout the week.
The Blacksmith World Championships will bring farriers from 15 countries to Spruce Meadows for five days of competition, $176,000 in prize money and the title of World Champion. Competitors will be tested in forging, shoeing, speed and precision before the championship is decided Sunday.
More to Experience Across the Grounds
Corgi Races are back for the ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
More than 100+ local vendors will be located across the grounds, while the Nutrien Horizons Fine Art Pavilion will showcase work from more than 25 fine artists.
From Friday through Sunday, guests can also experience Lord Strathcona’s Horse Musical Ride, equestrian vaulting, corgi races, dachshund dash, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, live music, and more. The Kids’ Zone will feature pony rides, bouncy castles, mini animals, face painting and more.
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament runs September 9–13 in Calgary. Tickets and the complete tournament schedule are available at SpruceMeadows.com/Masters.
