The international horses have arrived in Calgary, ready for the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk.
Press release from Spruce Meadows
The final Spruce Meadows 'Masters' European charter flights have arrived in advance of the 2022 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters”. A Boeing 777 departed Liege, Belgium earlier today as did a Boeing 747 lifting off from Luxembourg with a combined total of 53 horses and tonnes of equipment destined for Spruce Meadows. Both have safely touched down at YYC carrying some of the top show jumping horses who will compete at this year's 'Masters' Tournament. The precious cargo of top show jumping horses are now on route to Spruce Meadows to settle in ahead of a thrilling week of show jumping.
Rolex Grand Slam Contender Gerrit Nieberg's (GER) horse, Ben, arrives at the International Animal Lounge at YYC. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk.
Included on the charters’ cargo along with some of the world’s best horses, were the newest additions to the Spruce Meadows Championship Jump Collection from the 2022 WEG, the Rolex Grand Slam Trophy, tonnes of freshly cut flowers from Holland that will adorn the courses and the grounds during the ‘Masters’ Tournament… and a special guest, CDI winning dressage horse Sternenwanderer (ridden by Ryan Torkkeli) who will put on demonstrations throughout the ‘Masters’.
“The arrival of the charters really marks the start of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ for our team," says Ian Allison, Senior Vice President, Sport & Media Services, Spruce Meadows. “It is a tremendous team effort to coordinate these flights each year. The professionals at YYC, CFIA and CBSA go to great lengths to make sure that horses arrive safely and rested. We are very lucky to have the expertise here in Calgary, as well as to have the International Animal Lounge facilities to welcome the horses.”
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Trophy will call Spruce Meadows home during the 'Masters' Tournament. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk.
Eighteen countries will be represented at this year’s Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5* Tournament with eight of those countries competing for team glory in the prestigious BMO Nations’ Cup. Athletes will be using competitions throughout the week and on Saturday to qualify for Championship Sunday - the CP 'International', presented by Rolex, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Only the top 40 from throughout the week will qualify to complete in the $3 million dollar Grand Prix - one of the richest in the world.
The 2022 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ runs from September 7th until September 11th. For more information, visit sprucemeadows.com.
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