“Challenge Accepted,” the appropriately named first of two Spruce Meadows-chartered Boeing 747s, touched down at Calgary International Airport (YYC) today, carrying top international equine athletes from Europe ahead of a week of world-class competition at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.
The flight carried 50 champion horses, accompanied throughout their journey by professional grooms, veterinarians and qualified flight crew. After landing, the horses taxied into the world-class International Animal Lounge at YYC, where they were carefully offloaded before continuing their journey to Spruce Meadows.
Sofie Karlsson brings Olympic gold medal winner Checker 47 to settle in at Spruce Meadows. (Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk)
The horses weren’t the only special cargo on board. More than two tonnes of fresh Dutch flowers, destined to transform the Spruce Meadows grounds for ‘Masters’ week, travelled alongside the equine athletes. Also making the journey was the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
United Touch S and Felicia Wallin arrive in Calgary. (Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko)
Among the equine stars making the journey today were United Touch S, ridden by Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Richard Vogel (GER), and Hello Jefferson, the mount of defending CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, champion Scott Brash (GBR). Their arrival adds to an exceptional field of international athletes set to compete throughout the 2026 ‘Masters’.
The arrival of the first charter flight marks the beginning of ‘Masters’ week, with a second Spruce Meadows-chartered 747 scheduled to arrive at YYC later this weekend, bringing another group of elite equine athletes to Calgary.
Once at Spruce Meadows, the horses will settle into their temporary homes, with time for food, water, exercise and rest before competition begins. The teams of grooms and veterinarians will continue to provide around-the-clock care throughout the tournament.
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ runs September 9–13 and will feature some of the biggest names in international show jumping, including the world’s top-ranked athletes. The horses’ arrival in Calgary is the result of a significant international transportation effort, with teams working across multiple organizations and borders to ensure the equine athletes make the journey safely and comfortably. With the first flight now on the ground and a second aircraft still to come, collectively over 100 horses will fly in for the ‘Masters.
Competitions for these athletes begin on Wednesday, Sept 9, but you can check out all the ‘Masters’ has to offer early with Preview to the ‘Masters’ taking place Monday, September 7.
Hello Jefferson confirms the bedding is soft and fluffy at Spruce Meadows. (Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk)
Competition Highlights
Wednesday, Sept. 9: Opening Day
Opening day of the ‘Masters’ is always an exciting one, as many horses and riders make their first trip through the iconic Clock Tower and onto the International Ring. The day features top-level competition, including the TELUS Cup 1.50m and the Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m. The top three finishers in each competition are guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
Thursday, Sept. 10: Senior’s Day
Seniors 65+ receive complimentary admission to the grounds, where they can enjoy a full day of world-class show jumping. The ATCO Cup 1.50m and CANA Cup 1.60m will showcase top international competition, with athletes looking to secure valuable results and qualify for Sunday’s feature events.
Friday, Sept. 11: TELUS Evening of the Horse, ‘Masters’ After Dark
Friday’s TELUS Evening of the Horse will light up the International Ring, with thousands of glow wands distributed to fans around the stadium as anticipation builds for an unforgettable night of show jumping and entertainment. The evening will centre on the ATCO Electric Six Bar. In 2025, two combinations cleared a record-breaking 2.13 metres—nearly seven feet—toppling a mark that had stood for 21 years. This September, the jumps will rise again.
Following the final round, Germany’s Celle Stallions will enter the International Ring before the night culminates with fireworks accompanied by live music from His Majesty’s Band of the Welsh Guards from London, England.
Rewind to earlier in the day, athletes will have already had opportunities to compete in the Paramount Resources Cup 1.45m and the Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m. Both competitions are qualifying for events held on Sunday (Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix and CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex respectively).
Saturday, Sept. 12: BMO Nations’ Cup
Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada will compete for one of show jumping’s most coveted team titles. Medalists from the World Championships Germany (Gold), Belgium (Silver) and Great Britain (Bronze) will feature in the competition with Great Britain looking to retain their BMO Nations’ Cup title from 2025.
The International Ring will be divided into nine fan sections, one for each nation. Fans can enter the Wear Your Colours Costume Contest for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes, while the section supporting the winning team will also receive a prize.
Athletes from all nine nations will take part in the BMO Nations’ Cup Team Autograph Signing Friday in the Equi-Plex.
Sunday, Sept. 13: Suncor Winning Round and The $5 Million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex
Only the top 30 qualified from earlier in the week have a chance at the Suncor Winning Round where no matter the number of clear rounds, only the top ten return for the winning round. A great way to kick off Sunday at Spruce Meadows!
In the afternoon, Richard Vogel will enter the International Ring one victory away from completing the Rolex Grand Slam. A win would make him only the second rider in history to achieve it, and the second to do so at Spruce Meadows. If successful, Vogel will also receive a € 1,000,000 bonus.
Sunday will also encouraged guests to wear green, with $5 of each Sunday admission proceeds directed to the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.
The 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament runs September 9–13 in Calgary. Tickets and the complete tournament schedule are available at SpruceMeadows.com/Masters.
More News
