Final week of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments is about to begin!

^{All horses completed a mandatory veterinary inspection ahead of this week’s competitions © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}

The ‘North American’ CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex Starts Tomorrow!

July 4, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - The final week of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournament Tour begins tomorrow. Today, over 300 horses took part in the FEI Veterinary Inspection ahead of the start of tomorrow’s competition. Throughout the week riders will compete in a number of competitions, preparing, and hopefully qualifying for the feature competitions on the weekend.

^{Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Imerald Van 'T Voorhof, winners of the 2022 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

This weekend fans can expect nothing but exceptional international competition on the Spruce Meadows International Ring. On Saturday July 8 the day will kick off with the $80,000 AKITA Drilling Winning Round followed by the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup. For the first time ever the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup will over a $1,000,000 purse. Defending champion Paul O’Shea (IRL) is hoping to be amongst those aiming for the winner’s circle.

On Sunday (July 9) the top 35 athletes from the 2* competitions earlier in the week will have qualified for the Lafarge 2* Grand Prix to start the day. Up next will be a fan favourite competition, the Sun Life Derby. The Derby features a number of natural obstacles including the Table Top, Bank, Open Water and the Devil’s Dyke. In 2022, the historic derby course designed by Pamela Carruthers (GBR) was modified by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacious (VEN). That newly modified course will be used on Sunday.

^{Inaugural Military Tattoo will take place this weekend  © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

More Than Just Show Jumping

In addition to top international show jumping, Spruce Meadows Salutes the Canadian Military and fans will be treated to a number of traditional military displays and pageantry. On Saturday (July 8) and Sunday (July 9) fans will be able to watch the Feu de Joie on the International Ring and a musical Military Tattoo.

The inagural Spruce Meadows Military Tattoo will treat you to performances by The Royal Canadian Artillery Band, National Band Naval Reserve, the Stetson Show Band, and Scottish Power Pipe Band; one of the world's leading Grade 1 Pipe Bands featuring musicians from Scotland, N Ireland, Toronto, Vancouver, and Chicago.  The sounds of traditional massed Pipes and Drums will accompany Dancers from the Keltika Highlands who have partnered with the Calgarian-based Campbell School of Highland Dance to bring a fusion of dance and music from across the world to the International Ring.

^{Prairie Dogs presented by Re/Max will have performances later this week © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Fans can also 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 Demonstration Ring  to family friendly activities in the CGI Kid's Zone - there’s something for everyone.   Vendors for the MARKT. will be set up in Horizons Pavilion and Founders Plaza for a great shopping experience.

^{Get fancy and join us July 8 & 9! © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano}

For the first 500 people on Saturday (July 8) and Sunday (July 9) dress to impress and wear your fancy hats to receive berries + bubbles, thanks to Driscoll's and Campari, at the Aperol Piazza in the lower plaza.

^{GlobeQuest: The Orb Odyssey continues this week © Spruce Meadows Media}

GlobeQuest: The Orb Odyssey continues during the ‘North American’, presented by Rolex. 50 Orbs will be hidden and ready to be hunted throughout the week. 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!

Please remember, ONE ORB PER FAMILY PLEASE- we want to keep it fun for everyone! 87% of Orbs hidden this year have been registered!

More Photos from Today

^{Team Spruce Meadows Rider Taylor Roney is ready to go this week © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}

^{Riders are out exercising horses throughout the day © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}

^{There’s only one week left of show jumping! © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}

^{Dr. Juan Carlos Garcia de Brigard and Jorge Aros (CHI) are two of our FEI Officials this week © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}

^{Check out a number of Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Wagoneers displayed throughout the grounds. Scan the QR code on the sign next to them for a chance to win your ride! © Spruce Meadows Media/Ashley Jimenez}