Press release from Rolex Grand Slam 

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the third Major of the calendar year – the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Taking place from 4–8 September, the world’s leading horses and riders are gathered in the breathtaking venue for five days of top international sport.

As one of the most anticipated competitions in the equestrian calendar, Thursday’s pinnacle class – the CANA Cup – brought together 44 combinations in a thrilling display of skill, precision, and stamina. The world-class field were not only aiming to claim this prestigious prize but also hoping to earn a spot in Sunday’s coveted CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.

It was a star-studded line-up that included the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, André Thieme, three-time Olympic gold medallist, Ben Maher, as well as last year's victors of CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei.

Can you explain to us how special the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is, and what makes it so unique. 

Spruce Meadows is a very traditional venue that preserves the tradition of equestrian sport. We try to be as natural as possible, with the venue actively recycling and protecting the environment. The fences we use at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament set it apart from other competitions, with our signature long poles. The speed at which horse and rider combinations jump the fences here is faster than at other competitions, and the horses tend to jump really well.

For me, Spruce Meadows is one of the nicest venues to build courses. The Southern family, who own and manage it, are incredibly dedicated to the sport – they do so much. Rolex are also long-time supporters of Spruce Meadows, even before the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping started in 2013. I love designing courses for the Rolex Grand Slam, and I am fortunate to have witnessed the only time the title was won, here at Spruce Meadows, when Scott Brash triumphed in 2015. It was one of the proudest and most memorable days of my life. I have designed courses for two Olympic Games and worked at several others, but that day when Scott won was a very special day for me. The atmosphere in the International Ring was incredible – Scott was the last rider to jump and during his round you couldn’t hear a pin drop. However, when he cleared the last fence and it became clear he had won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the crowd went wild. I got goosebumps in that moment.

Please could you introduce yourself, and tell us your role and what this entails 

My name is Will Lyles, and I am one of Rodrigo Pessoa’s show grooms. My job is to travel to shows across the world, and take care his horses.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I started off riding and competing myself, and then I decided that I could travel the world and go to better shows if I became a groom for a top rider. So, I change my path and now I get to travel to the best shows with Rodrigo, such as here at Spruce Meadows.

We are here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – could you tell us about the facilities here for not only the horses but also for the grooms?

It is my first time here, and so far everything has been excellent for the horses – there are numerous wash bays and we have access to everything we need to be able to look after our horses. In addition, the groom’s hotel is quite close, so that makes everything easier.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered by the sport to be the ultimate equestrian challenge, primarily due to the sporting prowess required to achieve this feat. It is a quest taken on by the world’s top riders, vying to secure the legendary status associated with winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The format of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is simple: anyone who wins three Majors in a row receives the Rolex Grand Slam trophy and a €1 million bonus on top of the class’s prize-money. If that same rider then continues their success by winning a fourth Major in succession, they will be rewarded with an additional €1 million bonus.