How old is Ian Miller?
74 years (January 6, 1947)
Ian Millar/Age
Where is Ian Miller from?
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada
Ian Millar/Place of birth
Who was Big Ben the horse?
Big Ben was foaled in 1976 at the farm of Jacubus van Hooydonk in Kalmthout, in Belgium. Originally named Winston, the liver chestnut Belgian Warmblood gelding was out of sire Etretat and dam Oekie. Despite the dam being just 15hh, Big Ben was an unusually tall colt who continued to grow.
What is Ian Millar doing now?
Ian retired from international competition in 2019, although he continues to compete and develop young horses. Ian Millar continues to accrue top placings in the show ring while working alongside his son, Jonathon, daughter, Amy, and daughter-in-law, Kelly, at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario.
How tall is Big Ben the horse?
17.3 hands
First named “Winston”, Big Ben was born at the van Hooydonk Farm in Kalmthout (northern Belgium). Although his dam was only 15 hands (60 inches, 152 cm), Big Ben grew to be a very large horse standing 17.3 hands (71 inches, 180 cm) high.
How high could Big Ben Jump?
He was born on April 20, 1976 as an unusually tall colt. His dam was only 15 hands high and his sire was 16 hands. Full grown, Big Ben reached 17.3 Hands High. This Liver Chestnut started competing in show jumping events in 1984, which would soon be his long and successful career.
When did Ian Millar get Big Ben?
In 1996, both he and Millar were inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, making Big Ben the second non-human athlete to ever receive this prestigious honour, the first being thoroughbred racing legend Northern Dancer.
Who was the oldest Olympian to ever compete?
Oscar Swahn
The oldest Olympian ever was Sweden’s Oscar Swahn, who was 72 when he competed in shooting at the 1920 Olympics in Belgium.
Is Ian Miller married?
Lynn Millarm. 1969–2008
Ian Millar/Spouse
Just months earlier, Ian lost his wife and business partner of 39 years, Lynn Millar, to cancer. Ian dedicated the medal to her memory, saying: “I had an angel riding with me.” If Ian’s Olympic record is impressive for its longevity, his Pan American Games is equally so for its medal count.
When did Ian Millar join the Canadian Equestrian Team?
Born in Halifax on Jan. 6, 1947, Millar joined the Canadian equestrian team in 1971. He made his Olympic debut in Munich in 1972, and became the first athlete to compete at 10 Olympics at the 2012 London Games. Millar helped Canada win silver in the team event at the 2008 Beijing Games.
What was the name of Ian Millar’s horse?
With his horse, Big Ben (1976–1999), Millar won more than 40 Grand Prix titles worldwide and the Show Jumping World Cup two years in a row (1988 & 1989). At the Pan American Games in August 1987, Ian Millar became the second Canadian to win an individual gold medal.
What did Ian Millar mean to show jumping?
“It’s hard to put into words what Ian Millar means to the sport of show jumping in Canada,” said Equestrian Canada director of sport Jon Garner. “Right from the early days of his career, he transcended the sport and quickly became a household name from coast-to-coast.
How many Olympic medals does Ian Millar have?
He is a two-time winner of the Show Jumping World Cup and an Olympic silver medalist. Due to his longevity and accomplishments, he is often nicknamed “Captain Canada” in his sport. He holds the record for most Olympic appearances by any athlete in any sport (10).
