News

Millar wins the Equestrian of the Year Award in Canada

Jan 23, 2013

Ian Millar has won the Equestrian of the Year Award in Canada. It is Equine Canada that announced Millar as the winner of one of the federation's prestigious annual awards for 2012; the Doctor George Jacobsen Trophy. The Equestrian of the Year Award is given annually to the equestrian who has demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication and the pursuit of excellence in equestrian competition for the current year. Known as "Captain Canada," Ian Millar made his Olympic debut in 1972 and has been named to every Canadian Olympic team since. The 2012 London Olympic Games were a record-setting event for Millar as he became the first Olympian in history to participate in a world-record 10 Olympic Games, finishing in ninth place in the overall standings as Canada's top showjumping rider. In 2008, Millar was also a member of Canada's silver medal winning team.

In addition to his Olympic glory, Millar was also the first rider to win back-to-back FEI World Cup Finals with his legendary mount Big Ben. He has also won nine medals, including two individual gold medals in nine Pan American Games, won the Canadian showjumping championship title 10 times, and is the two-time winner of the CN International $1 Million Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters.'

Equine Canada writes that Millar is not only one of Canada's most accomplished equestrians, but his vision and business acumen spans the entire sport as a top trainer, elite coach, mentor, leader, role model, breeder and builder, which has resulted in his success and domination of the sport of showjumping for more than 40 years.

Source: Press release from Equine Canada