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Captain Canada taking the lead with National Show Jumping Team

The world’s only ten-time Olympian hired as Technical Advisor

Canadian Olympic legend ‘Captain Canada’ is joining the team in a new role on the road to Paris 2024. Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce Ian Millar, CM as the new Technical Advisor (TA), Jumping for Canada’s national show jumping team.

Well known beyond the equestrian world, Millar of Perth, ON is the most successful competitor in the history of Canadian show jumping. He is the twelve-time Canadian National Champion and has competed in more Olympic Games than any athlete in history.

“Everyone at EC and the Canadian team are feeling proud that Ian has chosen to share his knowledge, passion and experience in a mentorship and development role that will support the team now and into the future,” said EC’s CEO Meg Krueger. “I think not only the athletes, but everyone will benefit from his guidance and infinite interest in making the sport better. And we know he likes to win, too!”

“It has been my great honour to ride for Canada for the better part of 50 years,” said Millar when asked about taking on this role. “This is my opportunity to give back and it is with further honour that I do so.”

“I am very excited for the challenge,” Millar shared. “I know we have some great riders and some great horses, and I am very optimistic that we are going to build a top team for Pan Ams. These games are going to be challenging but they are our big chance to qualify for the Olympics. This is a must do and a can-do thing. Then we’ll build a team for Paris.”

Millar has plenty of Pan American Games experience to share having represented Canada at ten of the continental sporting events spanning five decades where he has won 10 total medals including four gold, four silver, and two bronze. In his last appearance as a rider at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, he took home team gold alongside teammates Yann Candele, Tiffany Foster, and Eric Lamaze.

Not surprisingly he felt he could accept this new challenge, because he knows he’s not going into it solo. “This role is impossible to do alone. It takes everyone involved - horses, riders, grooms, owners, EC, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, sponsors, backers, everybody that’s involved – it’s a huge group effort and everyone has to work together to make it happen. I believe that I have the support.”

“ The role of Chef is not just the top tier, it also involves younger riders,” agreed Millar. “I plan to be involved in the sport and work with Dayton Gorsline, the Jumping Youth Development Program Advisor, and with young riders. I want to know where the riders of tomorrow are and want to watch them develop and if I can assist in anyway, I am available.”

With the Pan American Games only eight months away, Millar will be getting to work with the team immediately. Team Canada is happy to have the captain on board and they are ready to work alongside him.

Upcoming Para-Equestrian Coaching Clinics in BC

Coaches

Include And Promote Athletes With Disabilities

will learn how to

Join Clive Milkins, Technical Advisor of the Equestrian Canada (EC) Para-Dressage program for one of four Para coaching clinics being held this March in Langley, Kamloops, Duncan and Victoria, British Columbia.

These clinics are designed to educate coaches on topics associated with coaching riders with a disability and to encourage EC certified coaches to include riders with disabilities in their training and competitive programs.