The Road to Beijing:
Known as Captain Canada, Ian Millar will be competing in his 9th Olympic games, a journey begun in 1972. This will match a record set by Olympic sailor, Hubert Raudaschl of Austria. Millar is a native of Nova Scotia, but now lives near Perth, Ontario, southwest of Ottawa, where he runs Millar Brooke Farms. Millar will be riding In Style, a 12-year-old solid bay Holsteiner gelding . Dutch bred In Style was a member of the winning 2006 Nations Cup team in Florida, and is related to several show jumping World Equestrian Games medalists.
The Talent:
Millar's love affair with horses has been lifelong. In 1971 he became a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team. He is Canada's most medaled equestrian, including 9 Pan-Am Games medals, more than any other show jumper worldwide. In 1988 and 89, he and his once-in-a-lifetime horse, Big Ben, won back-to-back World Cup Finals. Both Millar and Big Ben were inducted into the Order of Canada. He is the world's most successful show jumper. Passionate, skilled, experienced and focused on gold, Captain Canada and In Style may well be this Olympic's dynamic duo.
What to Look For:
With Millar's extensive experience and skill, he knows how to read a horse and negotiate the most technical of jump courses. His focus as he competes is tenacious, but he finishes each ride with a smile for the fans and a pat for his mount.
The Stats:
At 61 years of age, Millar will be one of the oldest equestrians, and athletes at the Beijing Olympics. Only Hiroshi Hoketsu exceeds his age, but not necessarily his experience. A wirey 6’1” (185 cm) Millar ably pilots 17 hand, In Style, a horse described as gentle and generous.
