22 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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Linda Southern-Heathcott
Linda Southern-Heathcott on the grounds of Spruce Meadows
Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows
Linda Southern-Heathcott has been a part of the famous Spruce Meadows equestrian
facility in Canada since the beginning. When she was 11 years old her parents started
to build the venue. “In the frst few years I was on the rock picking team. I am now the
President and CEO of Spruce Meadows,” Linda said. Linda shares her thoughts on
Spruce Meadows and her life:
Goals for Spruce Meadows…
My goal for Spruce Meadows is to continue to be a leader in the sport of show jumping;
to strive to ensure that our show jumping events are enjoyed by our fans; and to
strive to offer the highest of standards to the athletes, world class prize money
and continue to appeal and excite our 500,000 fans who come to cheer on the
athletes.
Exciting things about Spruce Meadows…
Wow, there are so many exciting things - but I guess I would try to
explain where we have come from - humble beginnings. As a family, we
have built a wonderful show jumping facility for athletes, sponsors, media
and fans to enjoy. In return, my team and I get a sense of gratitude
when the stands are flled with cheering fans.
Place she likes to “hang out” at Spruce
Meadows…
I love to sit on a bench outside the All Canada
ring and watch the jumping - especially on a
sunny day. I also love to be in the center of the
International Ring when the big competitions
are on - the thrill and suspense of the
event. Especially when the stakes are
high - you can hear a pin drop and it is
so special because the crowd brings a
certain electricity to the venue.
Her riding career…
The highlight of my career was competing in the Atlanta Olympics
in 1996.
On riding now…
Since 1998 I have tried to come back, and I even have a wonderful
horse of my own, but I don’t seem to have the time to ride.
In her spare time she likes to…
I ski on the weekends with my husband of twenty-three years, and
my boys, and we try to golf. Mostly I like being with friends and
family.
She doesn’t like to leave home without…
I try to never leave home without my family and my fve dogs but
sometimes they have to stay at home when I am traveling.