Show jumpers return to Spruce Meadows this weekend
Posted Feb 8, 2014 10:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The indoor show jumping season gets underway this weekend at Spruce Meadows.
It is the equestrian equivalent of baseball’s spring training, according to Spruce Meadows’ spokesman Ian Allison.
“For those horses and riders that aren’t able to go to the warmth of the California or Florida tours, the horses and the riders still have to sort of stay in the game,” notes Alison. “So we run these classic series commencing in February, and we’re delighted with the way they’ve been received. We have over 200 horses from throughout Western Canada that will be at Spruce Meadows.”
“You’ll have some new players in the game, both in terms of riders in the junior and amateur division,” Allison continues. “And then it’s a chance to see the young horses as well. Of course it’s all held inside at Spruce Meadows for obvious reasons this time of the year, but nonetheless it gives them a good opportunity to get a little bit game ready.”
While the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, are on the minds of many this weekend, the Olympics will also be on the minds of some of the show jumpers. The start of the winter games mean the next summer games, in Rio de Janerio, are only two years away.
“This year in August are the World Equestrian Games which are held every four years on a staggered cycle from the Olympics,” says Allison. “So this is the time when the top riders in the world have hopefully identified their candidates to take them through the World Equestrian Games and then on through to Rio.”
The February Classic is being held Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. both days.
Admission and parking is free at Spruce Meadows.
