Calgary, AB, Canada – May 19, 2014 – Spruce Meadows looks forward to welcoming many of the world’s best horses and riders to their Summer Series tournaments in 2014, beginning June 5 and continuing with five tournaments through July 13. The tournaments have a 7% increase in prize money this year, featuring four 5* events and more opportunities to earn important FEI World Ranking points.

Spruce Meadows is home to some of the most prestigious and popular show jumping events in the world, and it is the only place in the summer to get this kind of money and points. Large numbers in entries are expected, and the caliber of riders will be fantastic. In addition to top prize money and the opportunity to gain world ranking points, riders will also look forward to the chance to help their countries qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final.

For Immediate Release
Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Calgary, AB, Canada – May 19, 2014 – Spruce Meadows looks forward to welcoming many of the world’s best horses and riders to their Summer Series tournaments in 2014, beginning June 5 and continuing with five tournaments through July 13. The tournaments have a 7% increase in prize money this year, featuring four 5* events and more opportunities to earn important FEI World Ranking points.

Spruce Meadows is home to some of the most prestigious and popular show jumping events in the world, and it is the only place in the summer to get this kind of money and points. Large numbers in entries are expected, and the caliber of riders will be fantastic. In addition to top prize money and the opportunity to gain world ranking points, riders will also look forward to the chance to help their countries qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final.

Eric Lamaze and Powerplay. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Lamaze of Canada will be competing at Spruce Meadows throughout all five weeks of the Summer Series and is planning on bringing more than 20 horses to show. Lamaze looks forward to the increased prize money in the big divisions as well as the improved category for FEI World Ranking points.

“Obviously, it’s great!” Lamaze proclaimed. “The sport is at a very high level, and the increase in prize money is well-suited to the level of competition. In Calgary, you can move up your world ranking tremendously when you have 45 world ranking classes within a period of five weeks. I don’t think you even have that in Europe.”

All of the 1.55-1.60m division events have a minimum of $85,000 in prize money, which puts them into the next highest category for ranking points, an increase from last year.

The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments start with the ‘National’ CSI 5* Tournament presented by Rolex on June 4-8. Competition that week will feature the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex on Saturday, June 7, as well as the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby on Sunday, June 8. The $85,000 ATB Financial Cup 1.55m will be held Wednesday, June 4, and the $85,000 Spectra Energy Cup 1.55m will be the highlight on Thursday, June 5.

Spruce Meadows is committed to helping develop a new generation of ‘Derby’ horses. They invite all athletes nominating in the FEI divisions to consider entering the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby and the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic 1.50m Derby to appreciate its unparalleled competitive experience and reap some of its well-deserved rewards. In 2014, the Derby’s heights and widths will be more inviting. All riders who complete the course will be presented with $5,000.