More than 500 horses arrived at Spruce Meadows this week as the Sports and Entertainment venue launches its ‘most spectacular summer ever’ with the first day of The ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex.

This year’s tournament, the first of five major show jumping events this summer, has seen top riders — and 123 FEI horses — converge at southwest Calgary’s internationally renowned facility.

A prelude to next weekend’s fan-favourite The ‘National’, presented by Rolex, The ‘Continental’ gives folks a chance to not only check out the action, but take a ‘sneak peak’ at a host of new Spruce Meadows highlights this year including:

  • A STUNNING new outdoor stage which will be christened on June 15 and 16 by country stars George Canyon, Jess Moskaluke and Steven Lee Olsen in a concert presented by Brookfield Residential
  • A TRIO of ‘udderly’ adorable Micro-Miniature Highland and HighPark Cows who will be part of the first-ever Spruce Meadows Miniatures display at The ‘National’, presented by Rolex next week
  • THE nicest roundabout in town, just outside the grounds on Spruce Meadows Way, courtesy of the venue

“You truly know summer has arrived when The ‘Continental’ begins,” said Ian Allison, Spruce Meadows Senior Vice-President. “I’m proud to say the grounds of Spruce Meadows look immaculate. The air is buzzing with the energy of riders from around the world. There are a number of new offerings this year that will add to what was already shaping up to be our most spectacular summer ever.”

Yesterday FEI course designer Marina Azevedo of Brazil was on-site to set up the All Canada Ring ahead of tomorrow’s FEI CSI5* events Mission:Possible and The Partners. Fellow course designers Tom Holden (IRE) and Chris Jones (CAN) were hard at work on the All Alberta Ring and the Rocky Mountain Ring which will also see action this weekend.

Throughout the week riders in the Canadian and FEI CSI5* tour will be looking to qualify for the the Duncan Ross Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, taking place on Sunday, June 9.

Fans are welcome to come out and take in all the action this week – check the schedule daily sprucemeadows.com/continental/#schedule for competition times.