While the Spruce Meadows National Tournament came to a close yesterday, the facility has plenty to offer for the rest of the summer during its 35th anniversary season.
The National is the kickoff of events to come, said Ian Allison, vice-president of media services.
“There’s about 1,000 horses at Spruce Meadows now for the next five weeks from 16 countries,” he said.
“If you’re to compare it to golf, this is the first of the majors.”
Although Spruce Meadows is known for it’s world-class equestrian events, Allison said they offer much more than just horses.
“Many people come out and love just the horticulture and landscaping, the flowers and the gardens and those kinds of things because Spruce Meadows is open every day, not just around tournaments,” he said.
“We have a regular group that fly-fish on the pond, bird-watching is very popular here on our wetlands, so there really is something for everyone.”
Kristy Hillis and April Schultz have lived in the Calgary area for years, but just experienced Spruce Meadows for the first time yesterday.
Hillis said they didn’t realize how much there was to do on the grounds. “We’re definitely coming back,” Hillis said.
