Nearly 100 horses were transported from Europe to Calgary aboard Boeing 747s to participate in the Spruce Meadows Masters, setting a new record for the prestigious event marking its 50th anniversary this week.
From September 3-7, over 100 horses from around the globe are competing in the annual equestrian show jumping showcase at Spruce Meadows in Calgary.
The intricate process of bringing these international horses to Canada involved meticulous planning, paperwork, and precision to ensure their timely and optimal arrival.
Martha Worts, the sales and operations manager at Overseas Horse Services in Calgary, emphasized the relief felt upon the horses’ safe landing on Canadian soil.
Similar to human air travel, each competing horse must possess a passport issued by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. This passport contains essential information such as the horse’s identification, breeding details, and age, aligning with the import permit requirements.
Furthermore, every horse must carry an import permit for entry into Canada and a health certificate from their country of origin.
Following the completion of paperwork and passport verification, the horses boarded a cargo Boeing 747 plane in Liege, Belgium, en route to Calgary. During the flight, the horses are accommodated two per stall, providing a luxurious travel experience.
Despite the high monetary value of these horses, valued at around $1 million each, dedicated grooms and a veterinarian ensure their well-being and care during the journey.
Upon arrival in Calgary, the horses are transported to the International Animal Lounge at the Calgary Airport for rest and preparation before heading to Spruce Meadows for the tournament.
Worts highlighted that travel impacts horses differently, and they are given time to recuperate and prepare for the competition. The horses are then readied for the CPKC International grand prix, offering a prize purse of $5 million this year, the largest in show jumping history.
Ian Allison, a senior vice-president at Spruce Meadows, expressed excitement for the event’s culmination, featuring top riders and defending champion Martin Fuchs from Switzerland.
As the tournament concludes, plans for next year’s horse transports to and from Spruce Meadows Masters will commence, reflecting the ongoing dedication and passion for ensuring the smooth transportation of these elite equine athletes.