Equestrian Canada has named ten-time Olympian and living legend Ian Millar as the new Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian showjumping team. Millar will be following Eric Lamaze, after Equestrian Canada earlier this month announced that the 2008 Olympic Champion would not be returning to his role as Chef d’Equipe in 2023 – a position that he had held since February 2022.

Announcing Millar as their new Technical Advisor for Canada’s national showjumping team, Equestrian Canada stated: 

"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 Equestrian Canada's CEO Meg Krueger in the press release. “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 in the press release. “This is my opportunity to give back and it is with further honour that I do so.”

Of all his accolades, Millar's team wins and experiences are his favourite achievements in the sport. “I’ve won a lot of Grands Prix and individual titles, but nothing is better than winning a Nations Cup alongside three other Canadians.”

“I’ve never had any prouder moments than anchoring a Canadian team,” Millar said. “Representing our country, that has motivated me from the beginning.” That sentiment is well known by fans and is one of the reasons he has become known as Captain Canada. Everyone in and outside the sport know and feel how much Team Canada means to him – with the emphasis on team.

“A team made up of individuals rarely wins championship titles,” Millar explained about his perspective. “It has to be a team; with that feeling and that spirit that every team rider has each other’s back and they all work in a synergistic manner.”

“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," Millar said.