Aussie Rowan Willis and Everse W at Spruce Meadows. Rowan was runner-up with super mare Blue Movie in the Rolex International Grand Prix CSIO5* at last year’s Masters.
© Spruce Meadows Media
By Equestrian Life
Spruce Meadows, near Calgary, Canada, has announced that their 2020 Masters showjumping event will not run due to covid-19. It was originally planned for September 9-13, 2020.
“This decision is made with heavy hearts and an acute awareness of the significant ripple effects. Our flagship ‘Masters’ Tournament was scheduled to be a “best ever” edition in 2020. Highlights were to include the world’s best horses and riders competing at the biggest tournament in show jumping, wonderful shopping, exhibits and entertainment programs. These included the RCMP Musical Ride, Fire Fit, the World Blacksmith Championships, Friday’s ‘Evening of the Horse’, military colour and the wonderful voices of the Tenors, just to touch the surface,” said the event organiser in a press release.
“Spruce Meadows, by way of its insights into recent third party economic impact studies, fully understands that by canceling its five Spruce Meadows show jumping tournaments, there is a wide spread economic impact. This is particularly true as it relates to the 560 full time jobs, the $45 million in wages and the nearly $90 million in tourism related economic activity that are attributed to the Spruce Meadows International Show Jumping season. We will dearly miss engaging with the nearly 500,000 fans – mostly Albertans – that make Spruce Meadows part of their summer and fall each year.”
“During these times of enormous health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic, we all strive to remain positive, engaged and be productive members of our community. Spruce Meadows has always been a place of inclusion, caring and safety. In these times of global uncertainty, the health and well-being of our sponsors and their employees (many of whom have been with us for our entire history), our competitors, officials, volunteers, fans, the media, Spruce Meadows’ staff and the community at large continues to be our top priority.”
Until further notice, the Spruce Meadows grounds will remain closed to the public.
Despite the cancellation, Spruce Meadows is marking its 45th Anniversary in 2020 with a selection of memorable stories on many of their media and social platforms. TELUS Name the Foal will continue virtually, and the Spruce Meadows team is working on providing a virtual Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ on the website and through social media. More details on these initiatives will be available in the coming weeks.
