One of the three Spruce Meadows foals set to have its name decided by the public. (Photo by Sean Emmett)

Horse lovers across the nation once again have a chance to name three of Spruce Meadows' newest horses, as the Telus Name The Foal contest returns for another year.

The contest allows the public to submit their suggestions on what to name each foal, but with certain guidelines.

Each foal has been assigned a certain letter its name must start with, based on the first letter of its sire's name.

Foal 1, a Colt, was assigned the letter C, and the two fillies' names must start with L and N.

Spruce Meadows' Senior Vice President, Ian Allison, says it's a popular contest every year, especially for those who come see the foals for themselves.

"The foals are presented in the stadium," he says. "People are down on the ring often, they can meet the foals, they can meet them in the Telus Pavilion in the plaza here, or they can meet them in Paddock Park throughout the Summer. So, it really does engage the fans, and allow them to get up-close to the horses."

Allison says the contest serves to bring people back to the "good ole days."

"There's been a real urbanization of our culture," he says. "Not as many people have horses and live on the land, and do those types of things. So, it's nice for people who maybe live in the city to come out and get up close to the horses, and there's nothing that attracts them better than foals."

Although some particulars have changed, Allison says the contest itself has been around for quite some time.

"Name The Foal at Spruce Meadows has been at least 20 years," he says. "There's 60 foals out there that have been carrying on this tradition, and carrying there names around the world. Three of the Name The Foal foals from four or five years ago now live in China."

The winners of the contest will receive an exclusive VIP trip to the Masters tournament in September.

Name The Foal is open until July 31, a link to the entry site can be found here.