The international ring
Far away on the horizon, the silhouette of the huge peak of the Canadian Rocky Mountains can be seen. The entire showgrounds are equally as impressive as the beautiful distant view: The Spruce Meadows „Masters“ is legendary. Here at the second Major of the year, the top show-jumpers in the world meet up to write history. And one of them, Christian Ahlmann, has the chance to become an equestrian sport legend. After his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen, the first Major of the year, he will now enter the „International Ring“ as one of the top favourites. If he manages to win the CP International presented by Rolex, he will have the opportunity to win the „Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping“ at the third Major of the year in Geneva. One of the riders, who will be trying his hardest to win again, was already very close to victory last year. Namely, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland came second behind the Belgian show-jumper, Pieter Devos. Guerdat then went on to take the victory in Geneva – which puts him in the comfortable position of being able to pick up a bonus of 250,000 Euros in prize-money, should he win in Calgary. Because a rider, who wins two of the three Major competitions not in succession, but instead following the „two out of three“ mode, automatically claims this bonus. Christian Ahlmann also came within grasp of the big triumph beyond the gates of Calgary. He finished fourth with „Taloubet Z“.
And yet it is not purely the big names and the top sport that turn the Spruce Meadows „Masters“ into one of the most impressive sporting events in the world. There are not many places in the world that are better suited to write sporting history. When the show was founded in 1971, from the very beginning the focus was placed on one aim: To create something unique, an event that combines top sport with a friendly atmosphere and an economic background. This dream of the Southern family, which still applies today for the Spruce Meadows „Masters“, is as vibrant as ever. For example, 234,785 enthusiastic spectators attended the event last year and provided a spectacular atmosphere. This special ambience is accompanied by extremely generous prize-money for the athletes, a perfect infrastructure and top organisation. And since the inception of the „Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping“, the Masters also offers the riders the opportunity to not „only“ win a lot of money, but also to become a sporting legend. According to the best understanding of the founding fathers, this is unique. Welcome to the Spruce Meadows „Masters 2014“, welcome to the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.