It's day 2 here at Spruce Meadows for the Masters Tournament, one of the biggest stops on the yearly international show jumping tour.

I'm just getting started updating my blog, so I'll start with the results from day One:


There were two classes in the International Ring on the first day. Eric Lamaze won the Zeidler Financial Cup riding Take-0ff, a 9 year old Dutch Warmblood mare. Our own Barnmice blogger, Tim Stockdale had an excellent result taking 4th place on Fresh Direct Kalico Bay, a very handsome and talented 8 year old Irish Sport Horse gelding.

Eric Lamaze riding Take Off

Tim Stockdale on Fresh Direct Kalico Bay


In the second class of the day, the Finning Welcome, Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, riding Exquis Walnut de Muze, took first place after a very quick and accurate jump-off round. Eric Lamaze rode Hickstead fast and clear in the jump-off - but he wasn't quick enough to catch Harrie Smolders. Tim Stockdale had a lovely clear in the first round with Fresh Direct Corlato, but unfortunately she came up limping after landing off the last fence. They did not come back for the jump-off - there hasn't been any word yet on Corlato's injury so keep your fingers crossed that it wasn't too serious.

Harrie Smolders on Exquis Walnut de Muze

As always, Spruce Meadows is beautiful - the grounds are immaculate and well organized. I stopped by my favorite vendor in the international food court, the British House, and picked up lunch - a Cornish Pasty! Yum. I only got a chance to walk through the vendors area on Tuesday evening during set up, but all the wonderful tack shops, gifts, and farm maintenance equipment in the Equi-Plex will definitely warrant another trip or two even if just to drool over the latest in saddles, boots, or anything else you or your horse would ever need! I'll report back on any special new goodies I see.

I'll be sitting down with Tim Stockdale this afternoon so check back here for some advice on walking a course!