Calgary, AB – June 25, 2013 – Spruce Meadows wishes to express their heartfelt concern for all those who have been impacted by the severe flooding in Southern Alberta. Their thoughts are with all of those affected at this time as the clean up process begins.
Currently, there are 1,000 horses and athletes from 11 countries on the Spruce Meadows grounds; they have been overwhelmed by the strength of the community they have seen through these events. Spruce Meadows will be making some announcements in the next few days regarding some special initiatives designed to assist and comfort people through this very trying time.
As Spruce Meadows is located in a flood-free zone, the ‘Canada One’ Tournament, June 25 – 30, the ‘North American’ Tournament, July 3 – 7 and ‘Pan American’ Tournament, July 11 – 14, as well as the Katie Prudent Clinic (Tuesday, June 25 – details below) will be held as originally scheduled.
The Katie Prudent Clinic, presented by Jump Alberta, has a topic of “A few fundamentals a rider should know to be prepared for the competitive ring” and will include the participation of four riders of various levels and ages. This informative clinic from a legend in the sport is for all ages and skill levels, and will include an open Q & A session.
Held Tuesday, June 25, from 12:30 – 2:00 pm in the All Canada Ring at Spruce Meadows, admission is complimentary, with the option to purchase lunch at the Garden Court Restaurant. Parking is available in Lot #7. Please RSVP online, via email or by calling 403.974.4596.
Katie Prudent earned the AGA Rider of the year title three times and won team gold at the 1986 World Show Jumping Championship. She also rode in the 1980 alternate Olympic Games and finished second in the 1979 FEI World Cup Finals.
Katie is uniquely qualified for this clinic due to her vast international show jumping experience. She has lived and competed abroad for more than a decade and has represented the United States and France on many occasions. Recently, Katie re-established her US rider status for international competition.
Following a well-deserved week of rest from competition, the horses and riders will be raring to go when the Summer Series resumes with the ‘Canada One’ Tournament! The weather forecast is fantastic right through Canada Day and there is some excellent show jumping in store for fans, including a derby and a World Cup qualifier.
The Paramount Resources Prix des Nations will give junior and amateur riders the opportunity to compete in a Nation’s Cup format from the 1.10m to the 1.40m level. Throughout the week, up-and-coming riders will have the opportunity to develop their skills and challenge the top names in the sport for nearly half a million dollars in prize money. The tournament wraps up on Sunday with the $100,000 Esso Challenge, the third FEI World Cup qualifier to be held at Spruce Meadows this summer. Admission and parking are complimentary for the ‘Canada One’ Tournament.
For a full schedule and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.