All competition horses must pass the FEI Veterinary Inspection ahead of competitions © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
September 5, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - Spruce Meadows was bustling with activity as final preparations were in full swing ahead of tomorrow’s opening of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5*. World-class athletes and horses from across the globe have arrived by air and land over the last week in anticipation of the start of competitions. Over 150 of horses completed today’s FEI Veterinary Inspection ahead of the week’s events and are eager to jump into action.
Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Amy Millar (CAN) exercise their horses this morning © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
World-class competition everywhere at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. The forges are ablaze as contenders for the World Championship Blacksmith competition are honing their skills. Tomorrow, their competition officially begins, but today, we were fortunate to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what lies ahead.
One of the Blacksmith World Championship competitors gets some practice time in ahead of competitions/Mike Sturk
Matthew Sampson (GBR) winner of the 2022 TELUS Cup © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ takes place September 6-10, 2023 with exciting competitions each day on the International Ring and newly renovated All Canada Ring. Fans can look forward to the following competitions tomorrow:
Wednesday, September 6
International Ring
#810 Cardel Homes (1.45m)
#815 TELUS Cup (1.50m)
All Canada Ring
#801 The Fantastic 4 (1.20m)
#804 The Mustangs (1.30m)
#807 Richardson Wealth Cup (1.40m)
The newly renovated All Canada Ring is complete and ready for competition © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
The Front Gates will be open starting tomorrow to welcome guests © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
While some of the world’s best riders and horses compete throughout the week for top honors and the world’s largest purse, outside the competition rings, there’s plenty of entertainment and activities for guests of all ages.
Here’s what’s happening tomorrow:
Gates Open to the Public │ 9:00am
Public Parking │ Lot #2
Included in Daily Admission
Blacksmith World Championships │ Blacksmiths compete daily
Brown Bear Woman Teepee Village│Indigenous traditions, culture, & history
Petting Zoo │Fun for kids and families!
Brown Bear Woman Teepee Village is set up down the Champions Promenade © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)│ Musical Ride & Tent Pegging
MARKT. Lifestyle + Fine Art │Shop over 160 vendors!
Pony Rides │Kids can enjoy pony rides!
Jonathan Field Horsemanship│Discover horsemanship skills
Band of the Household Cavalry│Enjoy live music
Dressage Demo │ Witness the elegance of dressage
Heleen Valstar and her team will be designing all the floral arrangements around the grounds made from the over 2 tonnes of Dutch Flowers that came from Holland on the Spruce Meadows Charter Aircraft © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Flower Arranging │Special floral design demonstration
Vaulting │Watch elegant gymnastics and dance on horseback
Show Jumping 101 │ Learn about sport horse care and training
Lorie Duff Horsemanship │Explore liberty horsemanship
Saddle Demos with DK Saddlery │Learn about the importance of saddle fit
Brown Bear Woman Performance │An exciting performance awaits
Globefest: The Orb Odyssey │the hunt is on
Journey from the International Ring © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
World Blacksmith Competition Group Picture 2023 © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Scott Brash Warming Up for ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
World Blacksmith Competition Prizes © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Horses get Comfort Teddy’s too © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
FEI Veterinary Inspection © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk