CSIO SPRUCE MEADOWS ‘MASTERS’ TOURNAMENT 2024: A PINNACLE OF EQUESTRIANISM

ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament takes place in Calgary, Canada, each September and is widely considered to be North America’s premier show jumping competition. This year, the event will be held from 4-8 September, and is set to welcome the world’s finest equestrians, who will gather to contest the show’s pinnacle class, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Regarded as one of the sport’s toughest tests, the competition requires the greatest levels of accuracy, agility and resolve from horse and rider.

Purchased in 1971 by the Southern family, Spruce Meadows has over four decades of unique history. Throughout their tenure, the family have transformed what started out as 80 acres of farmland, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, into one of the most iconic and respected equestrian venues in the world. The competition, which has been one of the four Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors since the concept’s inception in 2013, is held in the magnificent ‘International Ring’ on grass and has some of most iconic fences in the sport. With longer poles than traditionally seen in international competition – many standing at over 4.5m long – the courses can prove to be a unique and unrivalled challenge.

Rolex is celebrating 35 years as the Main Sponsor of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, a partnership formed in 1989 as part of a broader relationship with equestrianism stretching back almost 70 years. This relationship began with an alliance with pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe, who became the sport’s first Testimonee. The brand’s enduring commitment to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernization while respecting the traditions and elegance of the sport. The introduction of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping more than 10 years ago epitomizes this ideal.

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is one of the four equestrian Majors – alongside The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen and the CHI Geneva – that make up the sport’s ultimate prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which rewards the rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of these events. Great Britain’s Scott Brash made history in 2015 when he became the first, and only rider to date, to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. By taking victory in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Brash won his third consecutive Major to claim the sport’s highest honour in front of thousands of equestrian fans at Spruce Meadows.

 

The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, has been won by some of the most famous names in the sport, including six Rolex Testimonees. The most recent victor was Martin Fuchs, who triumphed in 2023. In winning the prestigious CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, Fuchs followed in the footsteps of fellow Rolex Testimonees Daniel Deusser (2022), Steve Guerdat (2021), Scott Brash (2015, 2016), Jeroen Dubbeldam (2010), and Rodrigo Pessoa (2000, 2001).

Reflecting on his remarkable victory, Fuchs stated: “The CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex is the toughest course of the year, and to win was so exciting. I go there every year and I always told myself that one day I would win there. It is the most challenging and intimidating course that we have in the sport – it is a highlight on Sunday morning to wake up and to walk the course. It is incredible, and I love it.”

Talking about the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, American rider Kent Farrington said: “You are competing against the best of the best, which is why the Majors are important. The four Rolex Majors are what we base our year around – all of the riders try to peak their horses and themselves for those four events. I think that they draw out the best competition, and to be able to win any of the Rolex Grands Prix’s means you really are part of the best of the best.”

Throughout its history, Rolex has focused on innovation, pushing the boundaries, and continuous improvement, characteristics that are synonymous also with the sport of equestrianism. The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament reflects this and is steeped in tradition, where excellence meets elite-level sport, in a unique and beautiful arena that challenges the very best riders in the world.

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