Day in the Life at Spruce Meadows in Calgary. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Our small but mighty SAIT Photojournalism team descended upon Spruce Meadows to thoroughly cover this world-class show jumping complex. The “Day in the Life” project challenged the students to record as many aspects of an International Equestrian competition.
With advance planning and a site visit we assigned photographers to blanket the proceedings for a 24-hour period, Saturday, June 18, 2021. There is so much more than show jumping to a Spruce event. A truly family orientation, food and entertainment provided as much action outside the jumping-rings as the competition itself.
From the Prairie Dog agility show, attractions, to the Fire Fit Competition on the grounds the diversity of images captured was staggering. Spruce Meadows covers over 500 acres of land, so there were plenty of behind-the-scenes activity that our journalists tracked down and recorded. From the Maintenance crews; the course building team; inside the blacksmith shop; pony rides; equestrian warm-up rings; and even to the after-hours social time the task was monumental.
SAIT students captured thousands of moments of history as we garnered invaluable experience at a professional event and competition.
Many thanks to the staff, athletes, spectators, guests and volunteers, who allowed us to record your day.
Horses are not the only mode of transportation for horse riders. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Fans line-up at the ticket booth to enter Spruce Meadows in Calgary. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Two Spruce Meadows employees lift an obstacle bar holder to srt up the course. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Spruce Meadows attracts families with it’s multitude of entertainment options. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Lord Strathcona’s Horse on the international ring at Spruce Meadows. (Photo by Anna Burns/The Press)
Day in the Life at Spruce Meadows in Calgary. (Photo by Husain Dhooma/The Press)
Marion Nixon helps guide Dawson through the course at the Prairie Dogs event. (Photo by Anna Burns/The Press)
Spruce Meadows boosts stunning scenery besides the riding events. (Photo by Onyinye Ekene-Obi/SAIT)
The RBC Grand Prix saw fierce competition all weekend as riders from around the world competed. Photo by {Anmol Brar} SAIT)
A firefighter lifts a dummy across a course during the Fire Fit competition.(Photo by Onyinye Ekene-Obi/SAIT)
A worker fills the holes in the turf from the horse’s hooves. (Photo by Anmol Brar/SAIT)
Matthew Sampson of Great Britain on Fabrice celebrates winning won the RBC Grand Prix during The Nationals at Spruce Meadows. (Photo by Anna Burns/The Press)
A rider takes a nap at Spruce Meadows.(Photo by Anna Burns/The Press)
Master Corporal Greg Dobson cleans out his horse’s stable at Spruce Meadows. (Photo by Bailey Seymour/The Press)
The sun sets on A Day In The Life of Spruce Meadows. (Photo by Onyinye Ekene-Obi/SAIT)
