Calgary, Alberta, Canada – July 03, 2019 –  The International Ring was up and running early on day one of the 2019 Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament, presented by Rolex. With a large number of competitors entering the FEI 1.45m division, two competitions ran today.

The second group of 1.45m horses made their way through the clock tower on the International Ring to challenge FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela‘s (ESP) 535m track. Seventy-one horse/rider combinations made an effort to jump a clear round under the time allowed of 81 seconds. The top twenty-five competitors of this competition qualify for a competition later this week.

Young Brian Moggre (USA) of the United States has had a successful first trip to Spruce Meadows thus far and laid down a quick clear ride with a time of 59.81 seconds aboard MTM Flutterby that seemed unbeatable. Teammate Andrew Kocher (USA) and the 8 year-old Oldenburg gelding, Squirt Gun, really wanted the win. The pair pushed through the finish line on a clear ride to beat Moggre with a time of 59.80 seconds taking the win by just 1/100th of a second.

Winner’s Circle

“I feel like he’s (Squirt Gun) the best horse I’ve ever had. I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to hit poles, just as long as you can do the right job as the rider.” – Andrew Kocher (USA) on his young horse Squirt Gun.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano