September 4, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) — The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ returns September 9–13, bringing the world’s best back to Calgary’s iconic International Ring for one of the most important events on the international show jumping calendar.
As one of only four Majors in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the ‘Masters’ will be headlined by the $5 million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, the BMO Nations’ Cup and the TELUS Evening of the Horse featuring the Tourmaline Oil Cup and the ATCO Electric Six Bar.
The Pursuit of History
Richard Vogel (GER) & United Touch S win the 2026 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen © Rolex/Ashley Neuhof
Following its introduction during Spruce Meadows’ 50th Anniversary in 2025, the $5 million purse will continue for the 2026 CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
It remains the largest prize purse ever offered for a single show jumping competition and is again understood to be the biggest single-day sporting event payout in Canada this year.
The Grand Prix could also produce one of the rarest achievements in the sport. Following consecutive victories at The Dutch Masters and Aachen, Richard Vogel (GER) will arrive at Spruce Meadows one win away from completing the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Only one rider has previously accomplished the feat. Scott Brash (GBR) completed the Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows in 2015.
World’s Best Arrive in Calgary
The arrival of the horses marks the beginning of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko (2025)
Two Spruce Meadows-chartered 747s will touch down at Calgary International Airport this weekend, carrying some of the world’s top equine athletes and their teams to the 2026 ‘Masters’. Twenty-two nations will be represented at the tournament.
The field includes newly ranked World No. 1 Richard Vogel (GER), World No. 3 and defending CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex champion, Scott Brash (GBR), World No. 6 Ben Maher (GBR), World No. 7 Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA), World No. 8 Daniel Deusser (GER) and World No. 9 McLain Ward (USA), alongside World Champion Steve Guerdat (SUI), reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (GER) and top-ranked U25 rider Thibeau Spits (BEL).
The ‘Masters’ will once again bring the very best in international sport to Calgary.
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 19: 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 Rolex
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.
