Proud Canadians and dedicated horsemen, Ron and Marg Southern took a cattle lot on the outskirts of Calgary and turned it into one the greatest show jumping facilities on the planet. In fact, Spruce Meadows has been voted the number one venue in the world on several occasions.

In 1976, Ron and Marg hosted their first event at Spruce Meadows, a 385-acre training, breeding and competition facility. Careful planning, attention to detail, adept sponsor and broadcast relations, and tapping into the best minds in the sport allowed the Southern family to grow Spruce Meadows into the magnificent venue it is today.

Currently, Spruce Meadows is home to several big-money tournaments staged both indoors and outdoors throughout the year. The crown jewel is showcased each September when the world’s top teams and individuals descend in Calgary for the “Masters” Tournament. The “Masters” features both the richest Nations’ Cup in the world, presented by founding sponsor BMO Financial Group, and the richest grand prix in the world, sponsored by CN. While Canadians are fortunate to have it in their own backyard, it is the goal of every international show jumping rider to compete at Spruce Meadows.

With their roots firmly planted in the Calgary community, Marg and Ron Southern pride themselves on the unique atmosphere that people encounter upon visiting Spruce Meadows, whether it is for one of its show jumping tournaments or during a school class trip. The hospitality extended by Spruce Meadows, both by its staff and its legions of volunteers, is an equally compelling reason to visit the venue as is the top international sport it showcases. Each year, Spruce Meadows continues to welcome and attract new fans to the sport, as evidenced by the attendance records set yet again during its flagship “Masters” Tournament.

The Jump Canada Hall of Fame salutes the vision, energy, compassion and determination of Ron and Marg Southern. It is their love of family, their love of sport, and their love of horses that has created something unique, special and lasting for all Canadians.

Presented by Sam-Son Farm