CSIO Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament
Encyclopedia
The CSIO Spruce Meadows
' 'Masters' Tournament is an annual fall equestrian
show jumping
event held in Calgary
, Alberta
. It is highlighted by the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup which offers a C$
350,000 purse and is notable as "richest team show jumping event in the world" and also by the C$
1,000,000 CN International. Total purse amounts for the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' amount to over $2 million making it one of the richest show jumping events in the world.
Historically, Great Britain
currently holds more Nation's Cup titles at Spruce Meadows than any other nation with ten victories out of the past twenty-nine. The 2006 victory by Canada
marks the first time the home team has won a nation's cup at the Masters Tournament.
* Denotes win by jump-off with the bracketed numbers indicating faults taken during jump-off
created a jump-off situation during their final ride as their squad gained four faults to equal Canada
's ten. The competition then culminated in a thrilling jump-off between the two teams as anchor riders Michael Whitaker
and Ian Millar
were selected to represent their respective teams. Despite faulting for the first time that day, it was Canada's Ian Millar riding eleven year old gelding In Style who ensured Canada's first victory at this tournament. Taking the bronze was United States
' national team, who rode strongly; taking only sixteen faults. The remaining rankings saw Germany
take fourth place, the Netherlands
achieving fifth place, and Belgium
finishing in sixth.
Despite fairly warm temperatures and windy afternoon showers, attendance at the 2006 Nation's cup final held Saturday, September 9, approximated 60 870; a single day record for Spruce Meadows.
* Results courtesy of the Spruce Meadows secretary.
Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows is an equestrian facility in Calgary, Alberta built by the Southern Family and opened in 1976. The show jumping complex is in the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains just south of the city and comprises...
' 'Masters' Tournament is an annual fall equestrian
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
show jumping
Show jumping
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
event held in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
. It is highlighted by the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup which offers a C$
Canadian dollar
The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. As of 2007, the Canadian dollar is the 7th most traded currency in the world. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
350,000 purse and is notable as "richest team show jumping event in the world" and also by the C$
Canadian dollar
The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. As of 2007, the Canadian dollar is the 7th most traded currency in the world. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
1,000,000 CN International. Total purse amounts for the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' amount to over $2 million making it one of the richest show jumping events in the world.
Historically, Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
currently holds more Nation's Cup titles at Spruce Meadows than any other nation with ten victories out of the past twenty-nine. The 2006 victory by Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
marks the first time the home team has won a nation's cup at the Masters Tournament.
BMO Financial Group Nation's Cup Past Winners
| Year | Nation | Anchor | Anchor Horse | Total Faults | Runner Up Nation | Total Faults | Third Place Nation | Total Faults |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 |  France |
18 |  Canada |
21 |  Switzerland |
25 | ||
| 2010 |  United States |
17 |  Republic of Ireland |
21 | Canada |
25 | ||
| 2009 |  Netherlands |
1 | United States |
12 |  Mexico |
14 | ||
| 2008 | United States |
4 | Netherlands, Canada and  Germany |
8 | ||||
| 2007 | Germany |
Christian Ahlmann Christian Ahlmann Christian Ahlmann is a German equestrian who competes in the sport of show jumping.During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Ahlmann's horse tested positive for the banned substance capsaicin along with the horses of three other riders, and was subsequently suspended from the Games... |
Cöster | 12* (0) | Netherlands |
12 (4) | Canada |
13 |
| 2006 | Canada |
Ian Millar Ian Millar Ian Millar, CM is a Canadian show jumping world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Due to his longevity and accomplishments, he is often nicknamed "Captain Canada" in his sport. He is tied with Austrian sailor Hubert Raudaschl for most Olympic appearances .-Biography:Millar was born in Halifax,... |
In Style | 10* (4) | 10 (8) | United States |
16 | |
| 2004 | Germany |
|||||||
| 2003 | Germany |
|||||||
| 2002 | United States |
20 | Germany |
32 | Switzerland |
35 | ||
| 2001 | Republic of Ireland |
United States |
||||||
| 2000 | Republic of Ireland |
|||||||
| 1999 | Germany |
|||||||
| 1998 | Germany |
|||||||
| 1997 | Netherlands |
|||||||
| 1996 | ||||||||
| 1995 | ||||||||
| 1994 | United States |
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| 1993 |  Early Modern France |
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* Denotes win by jump-off with the bracketed numbers indicating faults taken during jump-off
- The 2005 competition failed to yield results due to heavy rains.
2006 Nation's Cup Results
Despite taking only a mere six faults up to the final round, Great BritainGreat Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
created a jump-off situation during their final ride as their squad gained four faults to equal Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's ten. The competition then culminated in a thrilling jump-off between the two teams as anchor riders Michael Whitaker
Michael Whitaker
Michael Whitaker is a British Olympic equestrian rider, who competes in the sport of show jumping.- Biography :Younger brother of John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker began competing on ponies at the age of 7 years...
and Ian Millar
Ian Millar
Ian Millar, CM is a Canadian show jumping world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Due to his longevity and accomplishments, he is often nicknamed "Captain Canada" in his sport. He is tied with Austrian sailor Hubert Raudaschl for most Olympic appearances .-Biography:Millar was born in Halifax,...
were selected to represent their respective teams. Despite faulting for the first time that day, it was Canada's Ian Millar riding eleven year old gelding In Style who ensured Canada's first victory at this tournament. Taking the bronze was United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
' national team, who rode strongly; taking only sixteen faults. The remaining rankings saw Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
take fourth place, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
achieving fifth place, and Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
finishing in sixth.
Despite fairly warm temperatures and windy afternoon showers, attendance at the 2006 Nation's cup final held Saturday, September 9, approximated 60 870; a single day record for Spruce Meadows.
Masters Grand Prix
The Masters is one of the top Grand Prix's in the world of show jumping. In 2007, the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix (formerly known as the du Maurier Limited International Grand Prix) winner received CA$325,000 first prize.CN International Grand Prix Past Winners
- 2011 Eric LamazeEric LamazeEric Lamaze is a Canadian show jumper. He and his best known horse, Hickstead, completed the rare feat of only having one rail during the entire Olympic Games.-Early life:...
Canada and HicksteadHickstead (horse)Hickstead was a stallion ridden by Canadian Eric Lamaze. With rider Lamaze, he was an Olympic gold and silver medalist in show jumping. Hickstead was owned by Torrey Pines and Ashland Stables Inc.... - 2010 Jeroen DubbeldamJeroen DubbeldamJeroen Dubbeldam is a Dutch show jumping champion.-Olympic Record:Dubbeldam competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, where he won a gold medal in Individual Jumping with the horse De Sjiem.-References:...
Netherlands and Simon - 2009 McLain WardMcLain WardMcLain Ward is an American show jumping competitor and Olympic champion.Official website: http://mclainward.com...
United States and Sapphire - 2008 Nick SkeltonNick SkeltonNicholas "Nick" Skelton is a British Showjumper with over 30 years experience.-Biography:...
United Kingdom and Arko III - 2007 Eric LamazeEric LamazeEric Lamaze is a Canadian show jumper. He and his best known horse, Hickstead, completed the rare feat of only having one rail during the entire Olympic Games.-Early life:...
Canada and Hickstead - 2006 Eugenie Angot France and Cigale du Tallis
- 2005 Beezie MaddenBeezie MaddenElizabeth Madden is an American show jumping competitor and Olympic winner from Cazenovia, New York....
United States and Judgement - 2004 Jos LansinkJos LansinkJozeph Johannes Gerardus Marinus Lansink is an equestrian from The Netherlands, but currently representing Belgium, who competes in the sport of show jumping....
Belgium and Cumano - 2003 Otto Becker Germany and Dobels CentoDobels CentoDobels Cento was a horse who competed in International Grand Prix show jumping competitions.* Color: Grey* Height: 16.3½ hh * Sex: Stallion* Breed: Holsteiner...
- 2002 Ludger BeerbaumLudger BeerbaumLudger Beerbaum is an internationally successful German rider who competes in show jumping, and has been ranked the No. 1 Show Jumper in the world by the FEI on multiple occasions....
Germany and Goldfever 3 - 2001 Rodrigo PessoaRodrigo PessoaRodrigo Pessoa is an equestrian and show jumper from Brazil. He is an accomplished rider backed by his 50 Grand Prix wins and a total of in prize money during his career. Rodrigo Pessoa is the son of equestrian and show jumper Nelson Pessoa.- Riding career :Rodrigo first competed in 1981 at...
Brazil and Gandini LianosGandini LianosGandini Lianos was a horse ridden by Rodrigo Pessoa. He won the World Championship in the sport of Show Jumping.* Color: Bay* Height: 16.2 hh * Born: 1987 in Germany* Sex: Gelding* Breed: Holsteiner...
- 2000 Rodrigo PessoaRodrigo PessoaRodrigo Pessoa is an equestrian and show jumper from Brazil. He is an accomplished rider backed by his 50 Grand Prix wins and a total of in prize money during his career. Rodrigo Pessoa is the son of equestrian and show jumper Nelson Pessoa.- Riding career :Rodrigo first competed in 1981 at...
Brazil and Gandini Lianos - 1999 Rene Tebbel Germany and Radiator
- 1998 Nick SkeltonNick SkeltonNicholas "Nick" Skelton is a British Showjumper with over 30 years experience.-Biography:...
United Kingdom and Virtual Village Hopes Are High - 1997 Leslie Burr-Howard United States and S’Blieft
- 1996 Peter Charles Republic of Ireland and La Ina
- 1995 Michael WhitakerMichael WhitakerMichael Whitaker is a British Olympic equestrian rider, who competes in the sport of show jumping.- Biography :Younger brother of John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker began competing on ponies at the age of 7 years...
United Kingdom and Everest Two-Step - 1994 John Whitaker United Kingdom and Everest Grannusch
- 1993 Nick SkeltonNick SkeltonNicholas "Nick" Skelton is a British Showjumper with over 30 years experience.-Biography:...
United Kingdom and Everest Dollar Girl - 1992 John Whitaker United Kingdom and Henderson Gammon
- 1991 Ian MillarIan MillarIan Millar, CM is a Canadian show jumping world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Due to his longevity and accomplishments, he is often nicknamed "Captain Canada" in his sport. He is tied with Austrian sailor Hubert Raudaschl for most Olympic appearances .-Biography:Millar was born in Halifax,...
Canada and Big BenBig Ben (horse)Big Ben was a world champion show jumping horse.-Birth and Acquisition by Ian Millar:First named "Winston", Big Ben was born at the van Hooydonk Farm in Kalmthout . Although his dam was only 15 hh, Big Ben grew to be a very large horse of 17.3 hands high... - 1990 Otto Becker Germany and Optibeurs Pamina
- 1989 Michael WhitakerMichael WhitakerMichael Whitaker is a British Olympic equestrian rider, who competes in the sport of show jumping.- Biography :Younger brother of John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker began competing on ponies at the age of 7 years...
United Kingdom and Next Mon Santa - 1988 George MorrisGeorge H. MorrisGeorge H. Morris is an American trainer and judge of horses and riders in the hunter and jumper disciplines. He is considered a "founding father" of Hunt Seat Equitation. He also is the current chef d’equipe for the United States Equestrian Foundation, USEF, show jumping team.-Career:Morris began...
United States and Rio - 1987 Ian MillarIan MillarIan Millar, CM is a Canadian show jumping world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Due to his longevity and accomplishments, he is often nicknamed "Captain Canada" in his sport. He is tied with Austrian sailor Hubert Raudaschl for most Olympic appearances .-Biography:Millar was born in Halifax,...
Canada and Big BenBig Ben (horse)Big Ben was a world champion show jumping horse.-Birth and Acquisition by Ian Millar:First named "Winston", Big Ben was born at the van Hooydonk Farm in Kalmthout . Although his dam was only 15 hh, Big Ben grew to be a very large horse of 17.3 hands high... - 1986 John Whitaker United Kingdom and Next MiltonMilton (horse)Marius Silver Jubilee, better known as Milton was a successful showjumping horse ridden by John Whitaker. He was a grey gelding and stood high at the withers.- Biography :...
- 1985 Nick SkeltonNick SkeltonNicholas "Nick" Skelton is a British Showjumper with over 30 years experience.-Biography:...
United Kingdom and Everest St. James - 1984 Heidi Robbiani Switzerland and Jessica V
- 1983 Norman Dello Joio United States and I Love You
- 1982 Malcolm Pyrah United Kingdom and Towerlands Anglezarke
- 1981 David BroomeDavid BroomeDavid McPherson Broome CBE is a retired Welsh show jumping champion.Broome was born in Wales, attended Monmouth School and still maintains his stables at Mount Ballan Manor, Crick, near Chepstow in Monmouthshire...
United Kingdom and Queens Way Philco - 1980
- 1979 Eddie MackenEddie MackenEddie Macken is an Irish equestrian show jumper, who was a member of the Irish team - along with Paul Darragh, Capt. Con Power, and James Kernan – that won the Aga Khan Cup three years in a row...
Republic of Ireland and Carroll's BoomerangBoomerang (horse)Boomerang, later Carroll's Boomerang, was an Irish Sport Horse ridden in show jumping competitions, most successfully by Eddie Macken.* Color: Bay* Markings: Star, near hind sock* Height: 16.2 hh... - 1978
- 1977
* Results courtesy of the Spruce Meadows secretary.