From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast

Change has always been part of the Spruce Meadows story, but never at the expense of its roots. In Episode 5 of From the Ground Up , Linda, Nancy and Ian explore how Spruce Meadows has evolved over the past 50 years. From the footing under the horses’ hooves to the growth of the property into a year-round sports and entertainment district. They reflect on innovation, tradition, and the balancing a...

At Spruce Meadows, the sport has always come first. In Episode 3 of From the Ground Up , Linda, Nancy, and Ian step inside the moments that define elite show jumping —-the triumphs, the heartbreak, the controversy, and the unwavering standards that shaped the competition itself. From unforgettable Grand Prix victories and Olympic journeys to the infamous clock tower incident, this episode explores...

The secret to 50 years isn’t a perfect plan. It’s the people. In Episode 4 of From the Ground Up , Linda, Nancy and Ian celebrate the culture that shaped Spruce Meadows from the beginning: warmth, hospitality, volunteerism, and relationships deep enough to span 50 years. They share stories from the early days - the sponsors dinners at home, the school tours that created lifelong ambassadors, the s...

Spruce Meadows didn’t grow by accident - it grew by intention. In Episode 2 of From the Ground Up , Linda, Nancy and Ian dig into how sponsorship, media, and long-term relationships helped turn a bold idea into a world-class sporting institution. Together, they reflect on what it took to attract partners, build trust, and keep raising the bar year after year. With more than $210 million in sponsor...

Before it became a world-renowned equestrian venue, Spruce Meadows was just a bold idea—and a risky one at that. In this premiere episode of From the Ground Up , host Ian Allison sits down with Linda Southern-Heathcott and Nancy Southern to revisit the earliest days of Spruce Meadows: the skepticism, the setbacks, and the unwavering vision of their parents, Marg and Ron Southern. From buying land...