(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): The 2010 edition of the Spruce Meadows “Skyliner” Tournament came to a close today with the RSA Barrage.  For American Taylor Siebel, the last day highlighted a fantastic week of sport.

For the athletes who did not qualify for yesterday’s Final Four Championship competitions, Barrage Day was their opportunity to end the “Skyliner” Tournament with a win.  From the 1.10m to the 1.40m level, there were seven competitions today at Spruce Meadows.

As the junior/amateur riders took to the ring they were continuing what has become a trademark of Spruce Meadows, the development of sport.  Throughout the Spruce Meadows indoor and outdoor season there are junior/amateur competitions held to better the sport on a local and now international level. The highlight of which is the “Skyliner” Tournament.

On Saturday, 

It was a podium sweep for Canada today for the Final Four championship competitions at the Spruce Meadows “Skyliner” Tournament.  The “Skyliner” is a tournament created to help the development of junior/amateur riders under a World Championship format.  On Saturday, those athletes shone on a beautiful day at Spruce Meadows.

The Final Four features the top horse/rider competitions from each division based on their performances during the week.  Each rider competed through four rounds of competition today on their horse and those of their competitors.  The Final Four competition is a true display of athleticism and horsemanship.

The 1.20 metre Coral Holdings Final Four was won by Calgarian, Selina Selinger.  The finished the four rounds with a perfect score and was thrilled with the result.  “The course was super friendly, the ground was perfect, the weather was perfect, it really was a great day,” said Selinger. 

Selinger’s 7 year-old Canadian Warmblood mare had never been ridden by another rider prior to today.  “My horse was a champ,” said Selinger, adding, “after the first rider she figured it out and when I got back on her for the jump-off she was still great.” 

For the Perth, Ontario native, Karen Sparks, Saturday truly was a perfect day.  With the goal to reach one Final Four, Sparks doubled that earning positions in the 1.30 metre Ashcor and the 1.40 metre Riddell Family Final Fours. 

Not only did she compete in two but Sparks claimed first place in both, an extremely difficult feat.  “It was my goal to make one, but to win both is amazing,” said Sparks after her second victory. 

That second victory was especially exciting for Sparks who did so with her 8 year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, Ferraro K.  “Because he’s so young I wondered if it was the right thing to do,” said Sparks.  “He’s a good boy and I’m so pleased.”

Canadian Utilities 1.10 metre Final Four –

1-         Renee Walker                        CAN               Unexpected

2-         Patricia Hennessy                USA                Little Tom

3-         Terri Kessler                          USA                All That

4-         Ashley Norris                         USA                Life of Riley

Coril Holdings 1.20 metre Final Four –

1-         Selina Selinger                     CAN               Catalina

2-         Shannon Spencer                USA               Markos

3-         Hannah Heidegger              USA                Salima

4-         Amelia Vernon                     CAN               Royal Lady

Ashcor 1.30 metre Final Four –

1-         Karen Sparks                       CAN               Victoria

2-         Kelly Soleau                          CAN               Centre Ice

3-         Emily Livermore                   USA                Marbridge Clover Diamond

4-         Katherine Dinan                   USA                Lorca de Caryan

Riddell Family 1.40 metre Final Four –

1-         Karen Sparks                       CAN               Ferraro K

2-         Martin Geurra                       MEX               Umpire

3-         Lorenzo Cue                         MEX               Conan

4-         Jordan MacPherson          CAN               Romanov                   

It was a great day for sport at Spruce Meadows.  With a tournament like the “Skyliner” it is easy to see a strong future for the sport of show jumping.  Development is key and with championship experience these junior/amateurs earn the experience and confidence to compete in even the most difficult situations.

Spruce Meadows continues their 35^th Anniversary season next tomorrow with the final day of the “Skyliner” Tournament.  Competition runs throughout the day, with the feature competition, the RSA Barrage beginning at 1:30 pm in Meadows on the Green.  Parking and admission are complimentary for the “Skyliner” Tournament.