Ian Millar

(http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/news/images/millar.jpg)

I see a hero as someone who achieves against the odds. They make you think, “I never knew anyone would be able to do that,” and then they do it. And when someone goes from hero to legend, it makes everything all the more exciting. Ian Millar was one of those heroes.

Ian, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of the world’s most decorated competitors in the history of Canadian and international showjumping. First named to the Equestrian Team in 1971, he has gone on to represent his country proudly, in 97 Nation’s Cup competitions and many others. Against the odds, he holds the North American record for grand prix and derby wins at 145 and was the first person to successfully defend the World Cup title from 1988-1989 aboard the legendary Big Ben, a 17.3 h horse who Millar purchased in 1983 for $45,000. Big Ben brought him his greatest successes, and retired in 1994 after 11 seasons on the international circuit. Sadly, Big Ben was euthanized in 1999 at the age of 23 after a severe bout of colic.

In 1986, Ian was awarded the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. Then in 1990 he co-authored a book about his riding career, entitled ‘Riding High’. In addition to competing, he has coached some of Canada’s most successful showjumping riders. He has competed in a record eight Olympic games on numerous other horses and now operates out of Millar Brooke Farms Ltd near the town of Perth, Ontario. His two children, Jonathon and Amy, have competed alongside their dad in competitions around the world.

(http://www.keithlevitphotography.com/sports/panam99/images/ian_20Jump1.jpg)

Ian hasn’t necessarily made a difference in my life, but I aspire to be like him. I want to one day be riding all around the world in competitions aboard a beautiful horse like Big Ben. I also love to write, and, like Ian, I’d certainly write of my amazing experiences in the world of international showjumping.