From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast

Spruce Meadows

A behind-the-scenes look at the creation and evolution of Spruce Meadows, told by the people who lived it. Hosted by Ian Allison and featuring Linda Southern-Heathcott and Nancy Southern, this series shares personal stories, pivotal decisions, and the moments that shaped one of the world’s premier show jumping venues.

Episodes

  1. 12/27/2025

    The Next Chapter

    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 act of honouring the horse while welcoming new audiences through concerts, soccer, festivals, and community experiences. From turf management and historic jumps to restaurants, PetFest, and what comes next, this episode looks ahead, grounded firmly in what has always mattered most. The Next Chapter is about evolution done thoughtfully and a vision shaped for the next generation. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram.

    36 min

  2. 12/27/2025

    The People

    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 stables culture Albert Kley built from the ground up - and the wild, wonderful fun that came with building something from scratch. And then there’s the landmark moment: Queen Elizabeth II's visit, a sparkling Alberta summer day that became a defining chapter in Spruce Meadows history. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt that Spruce Meadows isn’t just a venue; it’s a place you belong. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram.

    40 min

  3. 12/27/2025

    The Sport

    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 what it means to protect the integrity of the sport, even when the pressure is at its highest. Along the way, they reflect on legendary riders, once-in-a-generation horses, and the evolution of show jumping on the world stage. This is the story of the sport as it’s meant to be played. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram.

    29 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    The Strategy

    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-funded prize money awarded over 50 years, this episode looks at the strategy behind the scenes - and the decisions that made it all sustainable. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram.

    27 min
  5. The Dream

    04/11/2025

    The Dream

    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 on the outskirts of Calgary to building a facility for a sport that barely existed in the region, this is the behind-the-scenes story of how Spruce Meadows went from an unlikely dream to a global stage. From the Ground Up: The Spruce Meadows Podcast Produced by Spruce Meadows Media | © 2025 Spruce Meadows Ltd. For more, visit www.sprucemeadows.com or follow us @sprucemeadows on Instagram.

    22 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

A behind-the-scenes look at the creation and evolution of Spruce Meadows, told by the people who lived it. Hosted by Ian Allison and featuring Linda Southern-Heathcott and Nancy Southern, this series shares personal stories, pivotal decisions, and the moments that shaped one of the world’s premier show jumping venues.

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