(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): The inaugural Spruce Meadows “Skyliner” Tournament is well underway and has produced two days of great competition. Results in Thursday’s speed event and today’s Prix des Nations have allowed the top riders to rise and impress in the multi-format competitions.
Today’s Grand Prix events, ranging from the Pony Division up to the 1.40m height will be held in three grass rings starting at 8:00am. The day’s feature event will be the Mullen Group Income Fund 1.40m Grand Prix which takes place at 1:30pm on Meadows on the Green.
Winning a Grand Prix event on Saturday will go a long way to helping the victor secure a spot in Sunday’s Final Four competitions.
Throughout the week riders have been accumulating points with each day equally important as they contribute to a final qualifying score. On Sunday, the top four horse/rider combinations will be invited to compete in the Final Four.
A Final Four competition is truly unique in the world of Show Jumping and certainly a must-see event at the “Skyliner” Tournament. The qualifying and final format is exactly the same as at a World Championship.
Four horses and four riders enter the ring at the same time and each rider must first complete the course on their own mount and then will be asked to ride over the same course on each of the other three qualified horses. Once a rider gets in to the saddle they have only 2 minutes to get used to the horse before they must begin jumping.
It is sure to present a myriad of challenges for both the horse and rider. Current standings for all divisions will be available on www.sprucemeadows.com later this evening.
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