Jump into Summer at the 'National'
June 13, 2023
All horses must pass the FEI Veterinary Inspection each week prior to competing © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez
Jump into Summer @ Spruce Meadows
June 13, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - Summer has truly arrived in the Alberta Foothills with the start of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex. Over 130 riders representing 15 different nations are set to compete this week working towards qualifying for the $700,000 RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex on Saturday (for CSI5* horses) and the ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix on Sunday (for CSI2* horses).
This week all of the FEI CSI5* competitions will be held on the International Ring and courses designed by FEI Level 4 Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). Petersen Jr. is world-renowned as a course designer as he has designed the courses at Olympic, Pan-Am, Asian and World Equestrian Games, as well as World Cup Finals, European Championships, and Nations Cups. This is Petersen Jr.’s first time designing at Spruce Meadows.
Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) are the Official Colour Guard of Spruce Meadows © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Top international show jumping isn’t the only thing to look forward to at Spruce Meadows this weekend. On Saturday (June 17) & Sunday (June 18) fans will get to enjoy a variety of fun and exciting entertainment around the grounds. From the Prairie Dog, presented by Re/Max performances and the talented Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) that will be located up in our new Demo Ring to family friendly activities in the CGI Kid's Zone - there’s something for everyone. Vendors for the MARKT. Garden + Landscape will be set up in Horizons Pavillion as well as speakers Chelsie Anderson and Krista Green will have live talks on the Horizons MARKT. stage throughout the day.
The Salute to First Responders, presented by Cenovus will also feature a number of first responder displays throughout the grounds on both days.
To top it all off, there's a fantastic concert presented by Excel Homes featuring Aaron Pritchett, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Charlie Major on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, making this the perfect way to spend Father's Day weekend.
Tickets start at just $5!
Matthew Sampson (GBR) has already picked up a couple Spruce Meadows wins last week at the’ Continental’ presented by Rolex © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Who to Watch
Spruce Meadows is thrilled to welcome back many familiar top international riders for the 2023 FEI Tournament Season. Current world #6 ranked rider Conor Swail (IRL) and #11 ranked Kent Farrington (USA) have brought a strong string of horses and looking to add more victories to their impressive resume.
Canadian Mario Deslauriers currently sits at #11 on the Spruce Meadows Lifetime Top Prize Money Earners, and with a couple strong finishes could easily jump into the top 10.
Rowan Willis (AUS) first jumped onto the Spruce Meadows scene in 2018, and with a number of wins and top finished from 2018-2022 currently sits at #17 in our Spruce Meadows Lifetime Top Prize Money Earners.
Fans can cheer on Matthew Sampson (GBR) for his second Spruce Meadows season. In 2022 Sampson had a most impressive inaugural season posting 42 top 10 finishes that included 17 wins. He will be back this week to defend his title in the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex.
There are so many great riders and horses here this week, who will you be cheering for?
The glass orbs for the ‘National’ Tournament will either be clear or a shade of green © Spruce Meadows Media/Deb Chrisohou
Introducing GlobeQuest: The Orb Odyssey
Inspired by the sense of adventure and wonder found on Block Island, we invite you to embark on a thrilling journey right here at Spruce Meadows! Get ready to explore our property in search of hidden Glass Orbs. Welcome to GlobeQuest, an immersive experience that combines the magic of discovery, the beauty of blown glass, and the chance to win an incredible prize!
Beginning at our 2023 outdoor tournaments, we will have an array of captivating orbs, about the size of an orange, awaiting discovery. Among the orbs available at our tournaments this summer and fall, there are a select few orbs that hold an extra special allure in their design in stunning tones of jewel green, blue, and red. The remaining orbs possess their own inherent beauty, showcasing the pristine clarity of glass.
When you find one of these remarkable Orbs, your journey takes an exciting turn. Nestled at the bottom of each Orb, you'll find a QR code waiting to be scanned. This QR code will take you to our dedicated registration site, where you can enter your discovery into the contest. 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!
Remember, only one Orb per person, please, as we want to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all participants.
If you find another, it's your quest to either leave it 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!
By registering your discovered Orb through the QR code or the link below, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw. The grand prize? A Reserved Table in 2024 to every tournament in the West Grandstand and International Christmas Market Tickets at Spruce Meadows! Imagine having the best seats in the house for all our major tournaments throughout the year, as well as access to our magical International Christmas Market, presented by TELUS.
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.
Details
WHEN: The hunt will take place only during the opening hours of our four show jumping events at Spruce Meadows in 2023.
‘National’, presented by ROLEX | June 14–18 (23 Green and 27 Clear Orbs available)
‘Canada Day’ | July 1 (23 Red and White and 27 Clear Orbs available
‘North American’, presented by ROLEX | July 5–9 (23 Blue and 27 Clear Orbs available)
‘Masters’ | September 6–10 (23 Red and 77 Clear Orbs available)
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), numbered, and stamped with the shape of a Jumping Horse. A new, differently coloured, set of Orbs will be hidden at each of the events listed above. All glass orbs are clear glass except for 23 at each show jumping event (because it is 2023), which are special colored Orbs. If you find an Orb we ask that you register it by clicking the link below. And yes, you can keep your Orb!
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!
WHO: Anybody!
The Artist - Mandy Patchin
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.
