Profiles
Nicknamed ‘Captain Canada’, Ian Millar is one of the most well-recognised riders in the sport with a career spanning over five decades. Ian began riding at age 10 in Edmonton, Alberta, he now holds the record as the world’s oldest medal winning Olympic show jumper following his appearance at the Olympic Games in 2008 aged 61, when he won a Silver medal with his team - his first Olympic medal.
Nine times a winner of the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, he also has six Spruce Meadow Derby wins, over 40 international Grand Prix titles. He and Big Ben became the first rider and horse combination to win back-to-back World Cup Finals when they triumphed in 1988 and 1989.
When named for the 2012 Olympic team, this was his tenth appearance for his country at Olympic level and a record for any athlete competing at Olympic level.
Ian's favourite horses have been Big Ben, In Style and Star Power.
His advice to other riders is to "learn everything you can about all aspects of the horse and sport. Then continue to learn. Never give up".
Fast Facts
2008 Olympic Team Silver medallist with In Style
Competed in every Olympic Games since 1972, bar Moscow in 1980
1980 World Championship Team Gold medallist with Brother Sam
Competed in every World Championship since 1980, bar 1990 Stockholm
Competed in 14 FEI World Cup Finals winning in 1988 and 1989
2007 Pan Am Games Team Silver medallist with In Style
1999 Pan Am Games Individual Gold and Team Bronze medallist with Ivar
1987 Pan Am Games Individual and Team Gold medallist with Big Ben
1983 Pan Am Games Team Silver medallist with Foresight
1979 Pan Am Games Individual Bronze and Team Silver medallist with Brother Sam