CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament explained

The CSIO Spruce Meadows' 'Masters' Tournament is an annual fall equestrian show jumping event held at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, presented by Rolex .[1] It is highlighted by the BMO Financial Group Nations' Cup which offers a C$350,000 purse and is notable as the "richest team show jumping event in the world", as well as by the $3,000,000 CPKC International Grand Prix presented by ROLEX.

Total purse amounts for the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' amount to over $4 million, making it the richest show jumping event in the world.[2]

Historically, Great Britain currently holds more Nation's Cup titles at Spruce Meadows than any other nation with 10 victories out of the past 29. The 2006 victory by Canada marks the first time the home team has won a nation's cup at the Masters Tournament.

BMO Financial Group Nation's Cup Past Winners

YearNationAnchorAnchor HorseTotal FaultsRunner Up NationTotal FaultsThird place NationTotal Faults
2015Rodrigo PessoaStatus131624
2014Eric LamazeZigali P.S.91321
2013Hans Dieter DreherColore8* (0)8 (4)8 (4)
2012Christian AhlmannTaloubet Z172225
2011Roger-Yves BostIdeal de la Loge182125
2010172125
2009[3] 11214
2008[4] 4, and 8
2007Christian AhlmannCöster12* (0)12 (4)13
2006Ian MillarIn Style10* (4)10 (8)16
2004
2003
2002203235
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993

2006 Nation's Cup Results

Despite taking only a mere six faults up to the final round, Great Britain created a jump-off situation during their final ride as their squad gained four faults to equal Canada's ten. The competition then culminated in a thrilling jump-off between the two teams as anchor riders Michael Whitaker and Ian Millar were selected to represent their respective teams. Despite faulting for the first time that day, it was Canada's Ian Millar riding eleven-year-old gelding In Style[5] who ensured Canada's first victory at this tournament. Taking the bronze was United States' national team, who rode strongly; taking only sixteen faults. The remaining rankings saw Germany take fourth place, the Netherlands achieving fifth place, and Belgium finishing in sixth.

Despite fairly warm temperatures and windy afternoon showers, attendance at the 2006 Nation's cup final held Saturday, September 9, approximated 60 870; a single day record for Spruce Meadows.[6]

Masters Grand Prix

The Masters tournament culminates with one of the top Grands Prix in the world of show jumping: the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix (formerly known as the du Maurier Limited International Grand Prix)

CP International Grand Prix Past Winners

Notes and References

  1. http://www.sprucemeadows.com/masters.htm Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament
  2. Web site: Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament . 2008-09-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080913121953/http://www.sprucemeadows.com/masters.htm . 2008-09-13 . (6:00pm 25 October 2007)
  3. Web site: Result Nations Cup of Canada, Spruce Meadows Masters 2009 . 2010-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110726052327/http://search.fei.org/Search_Centre/Result/Pages/ResultList.aspx?p=F0EB8385A482411F50158A7FC74EE84C4B39944C7FA436E02AA6176BFB22CDC3# . 2011-07-26 . dead .
  4. Web site: Result Nations Cup of Canada, Spruce Meadows Masters 2008 . 2010-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110726052341/http://search.fei.org/Search_Centre/Result/Pages/ResultList.aspx?p=6E668ED9C0845D3319A37516342A3683E1E171C886C714C734D2675D42271614# . 2011-07-26 . dead .
  5. http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=1426 Hunter Jumper News » Blog Archive » Jump Canada Announces Nations’ Cup Team for Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’
  6. http://www.calgarysun.com (10 September 2006)
  7. Web site: Spruce Meadows 'Masters' 2020 cancelled.
  8. Book: Slavin, Michael. Show Jumping Legends, Ireland 1868 -1998. Wolfhound Press. 1998. 0-86327-657-1. pg 142