By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

“Going far beyond the call of duty. Doing more than others expect. This is what excellence is all about.

It comes from striving for and maintaining the highest standards, looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.

Excellence means caring. It means making a special effort to do more.” — R.D. Southern 

In 1971, Ron and Margaret Southern stood in an old cattle feedlot adjacent to rolling, grassy meadows, considering whether the property might fulfill their dreams. The meadows were part of a chunk of land located approximately 20 km southwest of burgeoning downtown Calgary, Alberta, population 430,000. Daughters Nancy and Linda, aged 15 and 8, were involved in the local riding scene, but the older Southerns had noted a lack of opportunities for grassroots show jumpers to grow into international competitors. Never a couple that let business opportunities slide by, the Southerns thought: What if we built a facility that brought the best show jumpers in the world right to our doorstep?

“The goal of developing Spruce Meadows was to create a show jumping venue to allow a springboard for Canadian athletes, so they could excel and compete on an international stage,” says Linda Southern-Heathcott, President and CEO of Spruce Meadows.

And the Southerns did just that. On April 13, 1975, Spruce Meadows opened to the world.

Spruce Meadows in 1976. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Fifty years later, the venue colloquially known as “Spruce” covers more than 500 acres, welcomes over half a million visitors every year, and offers stabling for 1,000 horses. In 2025, Spruce Meadows will offer $11.4 million in prize money during five major tournaments — the Continental, National, Pan American, North American, and Masters. During the Masters in September 2025, a $5 million prize purse will be offered for one class — the biggest show jumping prize in the world.

Those 50 years, from undeveloped meadows to internationally renowned show jumping facility, is a business success story that has dramatically altered the fate of show jumpers around the world.

Related: Tiffany Foster Symposium: Making Riders Think

In 1979 the annual attendance at Spruce Meadows reached 50,000 for the first time. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Developing Riders

Spruce Meadows has shone a bright light on show jumping in Canada and lifted Canadian riders to the upper echelons of the sport. The best show jumpers of the last 50 years have competed at Spruce Meadows, allowing up-and-coming Canadians to watch and ride with the best.

“The successes of our international riders on the international stage, I believe, is partly due to Spruce Meadows,” says Southern–Heathcott. “We’ve brought international athletes to Spruce Meadows, provided great prize money, and have been a leading venue in the world. That has provided an opportunity for Canadians to imagine what they can be.”

Champion of the very first grand prix at Spruce Meadows, the 1976 Fleischmann’s Grand Prix, was Michel Vaillancourt, silver medalist at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, riding Branch County. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Spruce Meadows in 1983. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Riders from 65 countries have competed at the venue. Lesser-known riders from Libya, Pakistan, Uruguay, and other countries not particularly recognized for their show jumping prowess have competed against well-known riders from France, Ireland, and Sweden. One and all, riders come to “Spruce” to challenge the courses, their horses, their skills, feel the unique atmosphere, and try to win some cash.

By flying in competitors and hosting a Nations’ Cup competition every year since 1977, Spruce Meadows has insured that big-money classes are attended by the world’s top show jumpers and allowed Canadians to compete against riders they’d rarely meet beyond Europe. As such, Spruce Meadows has helped develop the careers of Canada’s best show jumpers: Gail Greenough (1986 World Show Jumping Championships); Ian Millar (ten Olympic Games, Olympic silver medal, two Pan-American Games gold medals); Linda Southern (1996 Canadian Olympic show jumping team, CEO and president of Spruce Meadows); Eric Lamaze (2008 Olympic Games gold medal); Erynn Ballard (part of Canada’s 2006 winning Nation’s Cup team at Spruce Meadows and still a Canadian team regular); Tiffany Foster (three Olympics Games, numerous Nations’ Cup teams); and others.

“I think that Spruce Meadows has been a huge contributor to Canadian show jumping success, together with our course designers, sponsors, and the fans,” says Southern-Heathcott.

Related: The Magic of Sport Horse Syndicates

Show Them the Money

Right from the start, Spruce Meadows partnered with local, regional, and international businesses to offer substantial prize money. Those funds encouraged riders from far and wide to attend.

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II presided over all the ceremonies for the inaugural presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 1990. The winner was Alice Debany of the US riding The Natural. Photos courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

In 1991, Ian Millar won the du Maurier Ltd. International with Big Ben. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

“It was difficult in the beginning to have athletes recognize Spruce Meadows,” says Southern-Heathcott. “We did that by bringing sponsorships to the table. We also had a good fan base and strong media reporting. Then the athletes came for the competition and the whole experience.”

The first grand prix was held in 1976, sponsored by Fleischmann’s, offered $10,000 in prize money, and was challenged by top riders of the day: Bo Mearns, Frank Salinger, Graeme Thomas, Jim Day, John Simpson, Linda Allen, and others. It was won by Canadian show jumping team veteran Michel Vaillancourt.

“Over 20 sponsors have been with Spruce Meadows for 49 years,” says Southern-Heathcott. “It’s rare for any sport to have partnerships and relationships that have gone on that long.”

To date, over $200 million in sponsor-funded prize money has been distributed to athletes.

Related: Leaping the Gap - From Riding Student to Professional Equestrian

Marg and Ron Southern in 2005. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Bank of Montreal (BMO) sponsored the first Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Nations’ Cup in 1977, and team riders and horses came from across the globe to compete. West Germany won the cup and all the international riders went home raving about the venue. Fifty years later, BMO still sponsors the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows — historically the richest nations’ cup offered in the world. Germany has won the cup 11 times, Great Britain 10 times, United States nine, and the Canadian team has won three times in 2006, 2014, and 2021.

The top 20 prize-winning riders at Spruce Meadows have earned over $1 million each with Eric Lamaze topping the list at over $6.7 million. The other Canadians on the top 20 list include: Ian Millar (over $3.7 million), Mario Deslauriers (over $2.8 million), and Tiffany Foster (over $2 million).

The year 2000 marked the first $1 million grand prix, which was won by Rodrigo Pessoa. The 2025 CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) International, presented by Rolex, will offer a $5 million purse.

Nick Skelton of Great Britain and Arko III won the CN International in 2008. It was a farewell victory for Arko III, who was being retired to stand at stud. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Breeding and Training the Best

But Spruce Meadows wasn’t just envisioned as a competition venue. The larger mission was rider development. Right at the start, German riding master Albert Kley was hired to develop a junior riding program. Kley developed reams of riders and horses for 40 years while winning more than 50 grand prix, including the Texaco Derby in 1984 with Spruce Meadows-bred and produced Sebastian.

Kley was also tasked with developing a breeding program and Spruce Meadows Hanoverian (German Warmblood) stallions have helped increase the quality of performance horses bred in Canada. All horses bred at the venue are named with the SM prefix, and their quality is recognized throughout the industry today. Albert Kley passed away in 2016.

Ron Southern at the mic on British Day at the Masters, 2011. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography 

Spectators delighted in the demonstrations by The RCMP Musical Ride at the Masters in 2011. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Jonathan Asselin was also one of Spruce Meadows’ trainers, and became a member of Canada’s show jumping team, placing 15th at the 2000 Olympics. Asselin and Nancy Southern subsequently married and their son Ben Asselin now operates Attaché Stables near Calgary. Ben began jumping at FEI levels at age 16 and has become a regular member of Canada’s show jumping team.

Today, British Columbia’s Brian Morton is Spruce Meadows’ Horse Program Professional. He trains and rides Spruce Meadows’ homebred horses in upper-level competitions while Andrew More is the Horse Program Manager.

Related: Gymnastic Exercises to Improve Adjustability, with Brian Morton

Entertaining and Educating           

Spruce Meadows was situated adjacent to the growing city of Calgary, and Calgarians, now numbering 1.4 million, have become well-versed in show jumping lingo. Encouraging fans to attend competitions was imperative for sponsors to receive return on investment and to grow the facility into more than just a competition venue. So in 1983, Spruce Meadows held its inaugural equi-fair called Equitana North America, which drew shoppers and non-equestrians to its booths and demonstrations. In 1984, the first Breeds of the World exhibition brought different horse breeds to the venue and allowed spectators to learn about the merits of different breeds. In 1985, Prairie Dogs — a dog competition — was introduced, along with a fireworks-laden Evening of the Horse.

Eric Lamaze celebrates winning the CN International with Hickstead at the Masters in 2011. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

The Celle Stallions gave several thrilling performances during The Masters tournament in 2012. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

In 1990, the late Queen Elizabeth II attended Spruce Meadows and presented the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Fast-forward to 1999 and the popular Name the Foal contest began, whereby every year the public sends in their favourite names for three of the Spruce Meadows’ Hanoverian foals born that year. Those who submit the winning names are then invited to meet the foals in person later in the year.

In 2001, Spruce Meadows expanded their non-horsey offerings further, hosting the inaugural international Christmas Market, which is still going strong every year. In 2009, the Eyes on the Wetlands Education Program began, which brought school tours to the venue to learn about the environment and the horse.

In a private ceremony, held at the McDougall Centre in Calgary, Alberta on February 23, 2023, Spruce Meadows cofounder Margaret Southern was presented the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., LLD (hon). This commemorative medal was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Medal recipients come from a variety of professional backgrounds and have left a positive mark on their professions, communities, and provinces. Each has demonstrated exceptional qualities and outstanding service in their own field.

L-R: Nancy Southern (Chair & Chief Executive Officer, ATCO Ltd. & Canadian Utilities Ltd.); Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., LLD (hon); Margaret Southern CC, LVO, AOE, B.Ed., LLD. (Co-Founder, Spruce Meadows); His Honour, Dr. Zaheer Lakhani; Linda Southern-Heathcott (President & CEO, Spruce Meadows).  Photo: Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Related: Co-Founder, Margaret Southern, receives the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

The Name the Foal Contest, launched in 1999, continues to enjoy huge popularity. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography 

The fan-favorite Battle of the Breeds, a staple of The Masters in September for several years, featured breed-specific teams competing in disciplines including barrel racing, jumping, trail, and driving in a spirited and friendly competition. Photos: Robin Duncan Photography

Many of the displays at the venue involve horses. In a nod to their commitment to developing younger riders, Spruce Meadows hosted the FEI Children’s International Jumping Final in 2003 and 2006. In 2010, Germany’s Celle stallions performed at the Masters for the first time, while the RCMP Musical Ride entertained spectators in 2011. They have both performed in other years, too. In 2012, the ashes of Eric Lamaze’s great horse, Hickstead, were given to Spruce Meadows as his final resting place.

High stakes show jumping continued in 2013 when the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was announced and Canadian Pacific (CP) offered a $1.5 million purse for their International Grand Prix.

Tiffany Foster was named the top-ranked female show jumper in June 2024 when she won the RBC Grand Prix on Battlecry. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

In 2015, Spruce Meadows launched it charitable Leg Up Foundation, which supports education, health, wellness, and amateur and grassroots sport. It also offers the former Eyes on the Wetlands education program to help students in grades four through six learn about ecosystems, how animals learn, and the environment. The program is offered at no cost to participating schools.

In 2017, Spruce Meadows continued entertaining, adding a corn maze, concerts, and summer outdoor movie nights. In 2018, the venue added a Canadian Professional Soccer Team — Cavalry FC — to their lineup.

As Spruce Meadows has expanded their entertainment offerings, it has also become a hub around which like-minded horse people have built their own equestrian facilities. The area southwest of Calgary is now dotted with some of the top equestrian operations in the country. By following the motto “good friendship, good commerce and good sport,” the Southerns and their partners have built a facility that not only advances the aspirations and careers of Canadian and international riders but also offers high return for sponsors and family-style entertainment in a relaxed country setting.

Conor Swail of Ireland riding Count Me In won the 2024 Spruce Meadows North American ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the crown jewel of the summer show jumping series. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Crowds enjoy world class competition on a beautiful day at The Masters 2024. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Ron and Marg’s influence on Canadian show jumping has not gone unnoticed. In 2006, they were inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame for contributions to equestrian sport. Ron passed away in 2016, but this was just one honour that he received. Many others acknowledge his business acumen and contributions to Canada’s financial and cultural development.

Meanwhile, Spruce Meadows is still going strong.

“For our 50th we’ll be celebrating all the people that have built Spruce Meadows,” says Southern-Heathcott. “That includes our sponsors, athletes, fans, and media. We’ll be celebrating each of those groups and thanking them for what they’ve brought to Spruce Meadows. The continuation of this venue wouldn’t be possible without the support, hearts, and minds of so many people.

Ron and Marg Southern enjoying the dream they dared to imagine all those years ago. Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

“Our anniversary is on April 13, 2025 so we’ll have a celebration that day,” Southern-Heathcott says. “We’ll have concerts with our tournaments, movie nights, maybe a superhero day, a big lighting ceremony for our Christmas market, dinners for the athletes, karaoke, and lots of fun things for the fans to do.”

For 50 years, Spruce Meadows’ rolling fields have welcomed the world of show jumping to the Canadian west, and in doing so have helped develop some of Canada’s best athletes. Just as the Ron and Marg Southern dared to imagine all those years ago.

2025 FEI Tournament Dates

June 5-8, 2025: Continental presented by Rolex

June 11-15, 2025: National presented by Rolex

June 26-29, 2025: Pan American presented by Rolex

July 1-6, 2025: North American

September 3-7, 2025: Masters

A minimum of $5,000 in prize money will be offered for each competition in the summer and Masters tournament, even the 1.10 m level classes.

Related: Ron D. Southern, Visionary Founder of Spruce Meadows, Left a Lasting Legacy in Equestrian Sport

Related: Amateur, Professional, and Elite - 3 Tiers of Equestrian Sports in Canada

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Main photo: Ron and Marg Southern outside the Spruce Meadows Riding Hall with the family of horse bronzes commissioned in 1990. Photos courtesy of Spruce Meadows.