Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (Spruce Meadows)—A 22-year-old show jumping star and a 12-year-old riding dynamo became the first recipients of the new $50,000 Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship this weekend.
The fund will see ten $5,000 scholarships—$50,000 altogether—awarded this year in honour of Spruce Meadows’ 50th Anniversary.
Lauren Van Steenis, of Devon, Alberta, pictured left, and youngster Landon Closson, of Whitefish, Montana, each received $5,000 following their appearances in the May Classic tournament, as Southern-Heathcott proudly delivered the first awards.
The remaining eight scholarships will be granted to two emerging riders at all of Spruce Meadows’ major tournaments to come this June: the ‘Continental’, ‘National’, and ‘Pan American’, all presented by Rolex, as well as July’s ‘North American’.
Winners, who can come from any country, are chosen based on criteria including horsemanship, character, work ethic, and connection to the sport of show jumping.
The scholarship is just one of many new initiatives spearheaded by Southern-Heathcott this year in an effort to promote show jumping and horse-related culture in Alberta.
“Both Lauren and Landon set a sterling example of everything I hope to see in young riders,” said Southern-Heathcott, who presented the awards on Sunday (May 11) following a new Mother’s Day Brunch at Spruce Meadows.
“They are not only talented, but also diligent, compassionate, considered and dedicated to the wider sport of show jumping.
“While Spruce Meadows is continually expanding into the broader Sports and Entertainment space, show jumping will always be at its heart.
“It was important for me to mark this 50th Anniversary year by supporting up-and-coming riders who set a fantastic example with not only their skill, but also their commitment and care for their horses.”
“This means so much to me,” said Van Steenis, who has been riding at Spruce Meadows since she was a child. “This is my favourite place on earth, it’s so beautiful.
“This is my last year before I buckle down and go to law school, so it’s kind of like my last hurrah.”
“The scholarship is good because I can use it for more entries,” Closson added. “It’s really cool because I’ve been coming here since I was little, watching my parents show, and now I get to show here.”
For more information, visit: https://www.sprucemeadows.com/scholarship/
