By NADIA MOHARIB -- Calgary Sun
 When hooves hit the dirt (or mud) this morning, it will reign in a moment many have long-anticipated.

 Organizers expect some 85,000 visitors will be in ring-side seats to enjoy the five-day National tournament, hosted on the 300-acre venue just south of Calgary.

 "A lot of riders can't wait to get the show started," said Canadian rider Eric Lamaze, who returns to Spruce Meadows with his Irish-bred gelding Cagney to defend their Shell Cup title.

 "This is truly the Super Bowl of show jumping. It's really become the tournament to come to."

 This year marks the silver anniversary of Spruce Meadows. And organizers are hoping the clouds that traditionally bring plenty of rain to the tournament will have a silver lining.

 Only one event has ever been cancelled -- not by the blinding downpour but by lightning, co-founder Marg Southern said.

 Horse owner Harry Chapman comes prepared.

 "You bring everything you own. I have an armoire built in the back of my truck," said the Oregon resident as he and his dog, Houston, watched practice yesterday. "Most of our horses are Irish, so they're pretty good in the mud."

 Spruce Meadows is a "top-of-the-line" event Chapman said he wouldn't miss.

 "This is as good as it gets. Everybody in the business dreams at getting good enough to ride at Spruce Meadows," he said.

 "There's something new every year."

 This year competitors can keep dry under a covered warm-up area in the International Ring.

 Visitors can belly up to the bar for a burger or beer at Time Faults, a new rustic lounge built entirely with wooden pegs.