As a Canadian rider, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Spruce Meadows was practically in my backyard. I have always admired the show jumping events held at Spruce Meadows and dreamed of one day competing at the prestigious CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. The opportunity to compete at such a world-class event is truly a dream come true for me.
The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is an extraordinary event that brings together the best show jumping horses and riders from around the world. As a Canadian and a Calgarian, I am incredibly proud of the show that Spruce Meadows puts on and the sense of community it fosters among equestrian enthusiasts. The ‘Masters’ Tournament is a highlight of the show jumping calendar and is a must-attend event for me every year.
The arena at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is highly unique, with its big grass International Ring that challenges riders to gallop and ensure their horses are responsive and confident. The jump-offs at Spruce Meadows are some of the best in the world, requiring riders to push their horses to perform at their best. Competing at Spruce Meadows is a thrilling experience that tests both horse and rider in a truly special atmosphere.
Having a strong team behind me is crucial to my success as a rider. I am fortunate to have an incredible team of staff, co-owners, and owners who work tirelessly to support me and my horses. Without their dedication and hard work, I would not be able to compete at the level that I do. Success in show jumping is a team effort, and I am grateful for the support of everyone who helps me along the way.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the pinnacle of the sport, with only four Majors held each year. Winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major is a rare and prestigious achievement that requires meticulous planning, hard work, and a bit of luck. Horse and rider combinations must have a deep understanding and trust in each other to succeed at this level, making victory in a Rolex Grand Slam Major a truly special accomplishment.
I am fortunate to have a strong string of horses, including Igor GPH and Quidamo F, who have the potential to win a Rolex Grand Slam Major. Both horses have shown their talent and ability in competition, and I believe they have what it takes to succeed at the highest level. With the support of my team and the dedication of my horses, I am confident that we can achieve great things in the sport.
Competing alongside my boyfriend, Matt Sampson, who is also a top-level show jumper, has been a unique experience. We learn from each other every day and support each other through the ups and downs of competition. Having a partner who understands the challenges of the sport is invaluable, and I am grateful to have Matt by my side as we navigate the world of show jumping together.
The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is known for its challenging courses, with the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, being one of the toughest tests in the sport. Preparation is key to success at Spruce Meadows, with experience in the arena and familiarity with the course layout playing a crucial role in performance. Competing at other top-level events and training on similar grass arenas helps riders and horses prepare for the unique challenges of Spruce Meadows.
Show jumping is one of the few sports where men and women compete on an equal playing field. As a female athlete in show jumping, I am proud to compete against some of the best riders in the world, regardless of gender. Women in the sport are getting stronger and more competitive each year, and I hope to inspire other female riders to pursue their dreams in show jumping.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the ultimate goal for many riders, myself included. Winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major is a career-defining achievement that few riders ever reach. The Rolex Grand Slam has been instrumental in elevating the sport of show jumping to new heights, providing a platform for the best riders in the world to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament holds a special significance for me as a Canadian rider. Competing at such a prestigious event is a dream come true, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on the world stage. With a strong team behind me, talented horses in my string, and the support of my partner, I am confident in my ability to achieve success in the sport of show jumping. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping remains the ultimate goal, and I am committed to working towards that achievement with dedication and passion.
