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Calgary Herald

Show jumping legend Beezie Madden ecstatic to be back at Spruce Meadows

Article content She is without question the most successful female rider to have graced the grounds at Spruce Meadows, which means her competitive absence the last three years did not go unnoticed. Article content Beezie Madden returns to the venue for the 2025 summer series with a couple of young mounts that require the type of experience only Spruce Meadows can offer. And the wide smile implies that she is most happy to be back. Article content Article content 'For sure last years I didn't have the horses to come here,' the Cazenovia, N.Y., rider pointed out. 'I kind of stepped back a little bit and I haven't been as aggressive about having horses and trying to make teams; focused more on young horses and students as well. Article content Article content That is an understatement. Madden, 61, has over the years etched her name on the biggest trophies the Meadows has up for grabs, currently second on the all-time prize money list. She's won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup grand prix three times, with Simon (2012) and twice with Authentic (2005-06), and the CP International in 2005 with Judgement and, 14 years later, aboard Darry Lou. Article content Article content 'The first time we came here it rained a lot,' Madden said with a laugh, trying to recall her initial visit. 'It's a little foggy now. It was some tough going at times. Now they've really modernized the footing. The grass is fantastic even if it rains. But it was good times, made you tough and made the horses tough. We had some great moments here. Article content 'One of the greatest moments was when Judgement did his first derby and went around. He was a horse that was afraid of water and I think he was third, which was amazing. The fact that he went around and did it is one of the moments I remember.' Article content