Source:  News Release

Spruce Meadows- Number One!

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): The North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized Spruce Meadows as #1 in the sport of show jumping for a third year in a row.

NARG consists of the sport’s top riders, trainers, coaches, owners and business interests representing Canada, Mexico and the United States. A number of criteria are considered in assessing all of the tournaments, including footing in the rings, prize money, stabling, attendance, course designs, technical aspects, organization and media coverage.

NARG noted that of the 1300 North American tournaments eligible for consideration, there is no other venue that supports high performance sport in North America to the same degree as Spruce Meadows. Spruce Meadows tournaments not only focus on providing a high standard to all, but through the generous support of sponsors it also provides athletes from around the globe the ability to obtain valuable world ranking points for the FEI World Ranking computer list.

Representing Spruce Meadows at the NARG Annual Meeting and awards in Wellington, Florida was Ian Allison, Senior Vice-President, Media. “Spruce Meadows is honoured to be recognized by NARG,” said Allison.  “We take the award, the compliments and the NARG critique and suggestions for improvement very seriously. We constantly strive to improve our product. It is clear others do as well judging by the quality and noted improvements of a number of North American Tournaments. The NARG evaluation has become a very important and credible benchmark in our sport.”

“Spruce Meadows is very proud and honoured to have been ranked the number one venue in North America for a third year. It goes without saying that a lot of work and effort goes into putting on competitions and at Spruce Meadows. We are constantly asking, “How can we do this better for our athletes, our sponsors, for our fans and the media?” said Spruce Meadows’ President Linda Southern-Heathcott. “This recognition could not have been achieved without the generosity and encouragement of our sponsoring companies, the enthusiasm of our volunteers and the spirit and knowledge of our fans. Then of course there are the riders who bring their very best to Spruce Meadows.  Thank you to everyone who has helped the Spruce Meadows Team over the past 37 years; you too are being recognized.”   Southern-Heathcott continued

In keeping with Spruce Meadows’ support of high performance sport, the Spruce Meadows Organizing Committee is able to confirm 46 FEI World Ranking competitions for 2013, over 5 weeks of jumping at the Summer Series in June and July. Included in this is a Furusiyya Nation’s Cup Series qualifier, 2- $400,000 Grands Prix, 3 World Cup Qualifiers and a brand new 1.45m Derby Series.

Two time Olympian and NARG Vice-President McLain Ward presents the NARG award for number one tournaments to Spruce Meadows’ Ian Allison. Photo Credit Kenneth Kraus.

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