As Spruce Meadows celebrates its 50th anniversary, few figures stand taller in Canadian show jumping than Ian Millar. Known globally as "Captain Canada," Millar's legacy is woven through decades of equestrian excellence — a career marked by Olympic appearances, historic victories, and an enduring passion for the horse.
Sitting ringside at the iconic venue, Millar speaks not of medals or accolades, but of moments — small flashes of greatness that defined his journey.
“I’ve had 50 Grand Prix horses over the years,” he says. “Each one gave more than we expected. A 1.40m horse winning a 1.45m Grand Prix — those are the moments that stay with you.”
But if there’s a single chapter that rises above the rest, it’s the farewell of Big Ben — the legendary Belgian Warmblood who became a national icon.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
Big Ben’s retirement at Spruce Meadows remains etched in Millar’s memory. The stands overflowed, and for the first time in the venue’s history, spectators were invited onto the turf of the International Ring.
“The place was packed,” Millar recalls. “We toured Canada before that day — fans lining up to meet Ben, take photos. The proceeds, nearly $100,000, went to the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association.”
More than a show horse, Big Ben became a symbol. Calls flooded Spruce Meadows asking, “Is Big Ben jumping this weekend?” His name alone could fill seats.
“He raised the profile of show jumping in Canada,” says Millar. “Mr. Southern used to say what Big Ben did for Spruce Meadows was immeasurable. And he was right.”
Building Canada’s Future
At 78, Millar is no longer the one in the saddle chasing victory — but he hasn’t stepped away. As Chef d’Équipe for Team Canada, he now builds the next generation.
“My focus is broadening the base of the pyramid,” he explains. “The more riders we develop, the better our odds at the top.”
Under Millar’s leadership, Canada has sent more riders to Nations’ Cups than ever before. He's also spearheaded Ontario’s GRIT (Great Riders Intensive Training) program alongside Olympian Christilot Boylen. The initiative has supported over 20 athletes, not just in riding but in sport psychology, media, fitness, and horsemanship.
“We’re creating well-rounded riders,” Millar says. “Not just athletes, but professionals who understand every facet of the sport.”
This year, for the first time in 35 years, Canada fielded a team at the Dublin Horse Show — a nod to the growing depth of talent and the value of structured development.
His daughter, Amy Millar, and Canadian rider Tiffany Foster are also championing young athletes through CAN Jump, a private initiative funding international competition exposure.
“The appetite is there. The passion is there. We just need more structure,” he adds.
Spruce Meadows: From Prairie Dream to Global Stage
Millar has witnessed Spruce Meadows’ transformation first-hand — from a bold idea on the Calgary prairies to one of the most prestigious venues in the world.
“Ron and Marg Southern were extraordinary,” Millar says. “Ron used to say show jumping was ‘an unusual sport in an unusual place.’”
In the early years, convincing the press to cover the sport was a challenge. The Southerns’ solution? Invite the media to ride — and compete.
“Those who made it through the course walked away with respect for the sport,” Millar recalls. “That changed everything.”
Today, Spruce Meadows hosts the best riders on the planet. In 2015, it staged one of the sport’s greatest moments: Scott Brash’s historic Rolex Grand Slam win — the only rider to ever achieve it.
“It was pure drama,” Millar says. “An unforgettable performance.”
Through it all, Spruce Meadows has remained fiercely Canadian — built not with fanfare, but grit.
“They’ve turned every obstacle into opportunity,” Millar says. “It’s one of the greatest sporting venues in the world — and it’s ours.”
A Legacy Measured in More Than Wins
Millar’s advice to young riders is simple: put the horse first.
“At ten years old, I was taught that the horse is king,” he says. “We serve them, not the other way around.”
More than technical skill, Millar says success hinges on emotional connection. Horses, he explains, are intuitive, sensitive, and honest — and they demand the same from their riders.
“Anyone can learn to ride,” he adds. “But to be great? You have to learn everything: horse care, nutrition, transport, even driving the truck. The true champions are complete horsemen.”
The Toughest Test in the World
Millar knows victory at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ better than most — winning the $3 million CPKC International on three occasions: twice with Big Ben (1987, 1991) and once with Dixson (2014).
“It’s the hardest Grand Prix in the world,” Millar says flatly.
The format — two demanding rounds followed by a possible jump-off — pushes both horse and rider to their limits.
“The second round is the real test,” he says. “It borders on impossible. You need a special horse, and everything has to align — timing, fitness, even adaptation to altitude or water.”
Unlike human athletes, horses can’t be peaked on a schedule.
“You hope your horse feels their best that Sunday — not the week before or after. But you never really know.”
Riding Into the Future
As Spruce Meadows celebrates five decades, Millar sees not an ending but a beginning — a new era for Canadian show jumping, with systems in place to build future Olympians.
“My career has been long, but what excites me now is what’s next for Canada,” he says.
With visionaries at the helm, and Millar continuing to shape the sport from the ground up, the future of show jumping in Canada seems poised to soar — just like the champions who’ve ridden through the iconic International Ring.
