English

Inside the Rolex Grand Slam – Spruce Meadows Masters: 50 Years of Equestrian Excellence!

Calgary, Canada — September 03, 2025 —  The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returns to one of North America’s most legendary equestrian venues for the third Major of the season: the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament CSIO 5*.

From 3–7 September 2025, the world’s elite horse-and-rider partnerships will descend on Calgary, vying for glory in the $5,000,000 CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex, and the chance to become the next Rolex Grand Slam live contender. Spectators can immerse themselves in five days of thrilling show jumping drama, while enjoying an array of shopping, captivating performances, and a culinary journey that celebrates local and international flavours. From heart-pounding jump-offs to unforgettable experiences across the venue, the ‘Masters’ promises a festival of sport, style, and spectacle.

This year marks Spruce Meadows’ 50th anniversary since it was founded in 1975, and celebrations will be available for guests to enjoy across all corners of the multi-purpose sport and entertainment facility. The WestJet Evening of the Horse, on Friday 5 September, promises thrilling sport and spectacular entertainment. The evening kicks off with the Tourmaline Oil Cup, giving individual athletes their final chance to qualify for Sunday’s CAD $5 million CPKC ‘International’ CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex, followed by the ATCO Electric Six Bar under the lights. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride and a live performance by The Band of the Household Cavalry, performed to fireworks, will cap off an extraordinary and unforgettable evening.

Fans can also meet the show jumping stars at the BMO Nations’ Cup Team Autograph Signing on Friday 5 September from 12:00–12:45 in the Equi-Plex, gathering athletes from 11 nations for signatures and photos.

Rolex Grand Slam Experience

Visitors can step inside the Rolex Grand Slam Experience booth, an exclusive opportunity to witness the world of elite show jumping. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the sport and the prestigious series, marvel at rare memorabilia from past Majors, and meet some of this year’s star riders up close. Whether exploring the exhibition, capturing a photo with a champion, or learning about the incredible horses and their journeys, there’s something for every fan to discover. The Experience is open Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September from 10:00–17:00, Friday 5 September from 11:00–19:00, and Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September from 09:00–17:00.

Spruce Meadows’ shopping offerings remain unrivalled. From Wednesday 3 through Sunday 7 September, over 150 vendors will line the Horizons Fine Art Pavilion, Equi-Plex, and Plaza, offering everything from art, clothing and accessories, equine and pet products, gifts and novelties, health and beauty, home décor, food and beverages, and so much more! On the Scotiabank Stage, enjoy live music from the Littlest Honkytonk: Boots Graham & Amy Nelson, Garrett Barbuto and the Hot Pursuit, Michela Sheedy, Alice Jane, and, of course, the Band of the Household Cavalry, while Brown Bear Woman presents cultural demonstrations.

Program

Meanwhile, the Deloitte Ring will feature daily performances, including Diamond Willow Vaulting, Duck Herding, RCMP Musical Ride meet-and-greet, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, and fan favourites like the Corgi and Dachshund races. Blacksmiths from around the world will compete behind the Equi-Plex in time-based skills challenges for the title of ‘World Champion Blacksmith’.

Families and young fans won’t want to miss the Kids Zone, presented by Lighthouse Custom Homes Inc. Included with general admission, this vibrant area at the Riding Hall Circle is packed with fun and discovery from Friday through Sunday. Young visitors can enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, and pony rides, explore a mini animal petting zoo, get creative with hands-on crafts, and hop aboard the Spruce Meadows mini train. It’s the perfect place for children to experience the magic of the ‘Masters’ while making memories of their own.

All eyes will be on the International Ring, the beating heart of Spruce Meadows. The CSIO5* classes kick off on Wednesday with the 1.50m TELUS Cup and the 1.55m Cardel Homes Cup, gradually building to Sunday’s showpiece, the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex. Contested over two rounds and a jump-off, this class pushes both horse and rider to the limits of courage, precision, skill, and stamina.

The home fans will have much to cheer, as Canada’s finest step into the International Ring. Tiffany Foster, currently Canada’s top-ranked rider, has already tasted CSI5* victory at Spruce Meadows this season and will be looking to extend her momentum into ‘Masters’ week. She will be joined by Mario Deslauriers, a seasoned competitor who has represented Canada at multiple Olympic Games, and Erynn Ballard, the second highest-ranked Canadian rider on the world stage. Together, they will aim to deliver a historic home victory in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, a feat last achieved by Ian Millar in 2014.

Among those chasing Rolex Grand Slam glory are reigning champion and five-time Major winner Martin Fuchs, the first and only rider to complete the Rolex Grand Slam, Scott Brash, Ben Maher, and Kevin Staut. Swiss superstar Steve Guerdat will also compete, bringing his impressive tally of three Major victories and decades of experience, having taken part in nearly every Rolex Grand Slam event since its creation in 2013.

For those who cannot attend in person, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, will be available via free live stream on the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping website.

Join us in Calgary to celebrate 50 years of Spruce Meadows – world-class sport, unforgettable entertainment, and memories to last a lifetime.

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Logo: © Spruce Meadows



Discover more from JUMPER NEWS

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.