CSIO5* 'Masters' at Spruce Meadows culminates with a spectacular display of talent in its 49th edition

The prestigious CSIO5 'Masters' of Spruce Meadows*, held in Calgary, Canada, from September 4th to 8th, has come to an end, consolidating itself as one of the most challenging and exciting competitions on the international equestrian calendar. With more than 25,000 spectators filling the stands throughout the week, the best rider-horse pairs in the world competed in high-level events, highlighting the iconic Nations Cup and the CPKC 'International' Rolex Grand Prix, both over heights of 1.60 meters.

This competition, which in 2025 will celebrate its 50th edition, has already generated great expectations, as next year's Grand Prix will distribute no less than 5 million dollars in prizes, an impressive figure that will undoubtedly attract even more of the world's best rider-horse pairs.

Spain had an important representation in this edition of the 'Masters', with a team composed of Mariano Martínez Bastida, Alberto Márquez Galobardes, and Armando Trapote, under the direction of team leader Juan Manuel Romero. Despite the difficulty of the courses, the pair formed by Armando Trapote and Tornado Vs stood out in particular.

Trapote and Tornado Vs were the best Spanish pair in the competition, managing to meet the demands of the courses designed by Leopoldo Palacios, recognized as one of the best course designers in the world. Although the events were technical and demanding, the experience gained by the Spanish riders will serve as preparation for future competitions of this magnitude.

Mariano Martínez Bastida competed with Origi Van't Geyzeven and Jup, while Alberto Márquez Galobardes competed with Kelly and Aldo du Manoir. Although the final result was not as expected, participating in this competition is always a great opportunity to grow on the international stage.

One of the most exciting moments of the week was, without a doubt, the Nations Cup. The event, also held over a height of 1.60 meters, crowned Germany as the winning team. Under the direction of Otto Becker, the German team was composed of Andre Thieme with Paule S, Jorne Sprehe with Toys, Daniel Deusser with Gangster V/H Noddevelt, and Jana Wargers with Dorotte Old.

In second place was Ireland, captained by Michael Blake, with a team made up of Daniel Coyle with Incredible, Michael Pender with HHS Calais, Denis Lynch with Vistogrand, and Cian O'Connor with Fancy de Kergane.

Third place went to Great Britain, whose team, led by Di Lampard, consisted of Ben Maher with Exit Romo, Sameh El Dahan with WKD Aimez Moi, Tim Gredley with Imperial HBF, and Donald Whitaker with Picasso VD Zwartbleshoeve.

On Sunday, the CPKC 'International' Grand Prix, sponsored by Rolex, took place, where the best pairs in the world faced off in a competition that kept spectators on edge until the last jump. Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, one of the top riders on the international scene, once again claimed victory riding Leone Jei, repeating his triumph from the previous year.

Darragh Kenny, riding VDL Cartello, took second place, while Daniel Deusser, with Killer Queen VDM, completed the podium. The competition was fierce, but Fuchs and his horse demonstrated perfect coordination, overcoming the complex obstacles that Palacios had set up on the course.

The success of the 49th edition of the CSIO5 'Masters' of Spruce Meadows* makes it clear that this event remains a global reference in Show Jumping. The Southern family, owners of the Spruce Meadows facilities, even acquired a total of 17 jumps from the Paris Olympic Games to maintain the technical and aesthetic level of the competition.

Photo: the Grand Prix winners with Leopoldo Palacios, designer of the Grand Prix. Credits: Chacco Marketing