Best riders in world sing Spruce Meadows’ praises
Show-jumping tournament features history, atmosphere and big prize money
All of the literature on the Spruce Meadows Masters describes it as one of the finest — perhaps THE finest — tournament in the world of show jumping.
But don’t take the written word as gospel.
Ask the riders, specifically Scott Brash, who has been the star of stars at the Masters the past two seasons.
“To be honest, I think Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows are the three best shows in the world,” said Brash, the Scottish rider who has won the CP International grand prix with Ursula XII the last two years.
“I think what makes Spruce Meadows extra special is the history that you feel. I’ve just been walking around outside, where no one is, which is nice and peaceful. You really appreciate the history that’s going on here, the board with the previous winners of the grand prix, the board of the previous winners of the Nations Cup, the statues of Hickstead and all the fantastic horses. I’m always thrilled to come here. I really do love this place.”
The 2017 Masters begins Wednesday and culminates with a huge weekend slate of events. On Saturday, Switzerland will attempt to defend the BMO Nations’ Cup, while on Sunday the top riders and horses will give it their best shot in the $3 million CP International.
This is one of the deepest fields to take part in a Masters tournament in several years. Nine of the top-10 FEI-ranked riders are competing, including American No. 1 Kent Farrington and No. 2 McLain Ward, both of whom spent all summer at the Meadows.
France’s Kevin Staut, who sits at No. 3, echoed Brash’s sentiments.
“It’s true that many journalists ask how do you compare this show to the other ones,” Staut began. “You can’t compare it to the other ones. For me, it’s my favourite show. I really like Aachen, as well. Here it’s done in an American way, enthusiastic. Here you feel more the family effect.
“When you come here, it’s like a championship. You have to be ready, your horses have to be fit and you have to ride well. Many of my friends say ‘OK, in Calgary there’s nothing to do.’ But I like it. It’s a bit country, a cowboy place, and I have a good feeling when I’m here.”
Switzerland’s Edwin Smits was in complete agreement, adding the benefit to the horses in invaluable.
“There are three shows in the world that are mythic,” Smits said. “For us European riders, for us to compete here in Calgary and Spruce Meadows, it’s like Wimbledon for the tennis player. This is the show where everyone wants to be.
“Most of the horses have a little mileage already. Some come here and they’re impressed by everything and they’re a bit scared. For them, they need a few rounds to get better. Other horses come here and they grow.”
The Masters’ draw, of course, is twofold: the best competition as well as the highest prize money in the world. The CP International grand prix, to be held Sunday, offers an astounding $1 million for first place.
As well, it’s one of the three Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping events, which hands out outrageous bonuses. Belgian Gregory Wathelet won the Aachen event and should he win here, he will pocket a € 500,000 bonus. Adding Geneva gives a rider a €1 million bonus, which Brash did in Calgary two years ago.
“If they can go well in this arena,” Brash said, “they can jump anywhere in the world.” NOTE: In conjunction with Canada’s 150th birthday, 50 new Canadians will be sworn in at Spruce Meadows on Wednesday morning.