A pillar of Canadian equestrian sport, Amy Millar blends generational legacy with personal grit in the ring and beyond.
When your father is a 10-time Olympian and one of the most iconic names in Canadian equestrian sport, expectations tend to ride alongside you. But that’s the only reality that Amy Millar has ever known, so it’s always felt perfectly normal to her.
Now a two-time Olympian and one of Canada’s top equestrian athletes, the spotlight has shifted to Amy, who’s left her own unique mark on the show jumping world—while also developing a lovely bond with the horses she rides and the young athletes she trains.
From a very early age, Amy began to follow in the footsteps of her father, Ian Millar. But she doesn’t even remember her first time on a horse—because she was too young to recall it.
“I have seen pictures of me on a horse before I remember it happening,” Millar recalled. “I have always ridden and I have always loved being with horses.”
But loving something doesn’t always mean you’ll be great at it.
“I wasn’t always good at riding and some days I still don’t feel good at it,” Millar said. “But this is exactly why I will ride horses for the rest of my life, it’s never boring and you’re always learning and improving.”
Millar made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. She and her horse Heros were part of Canada’s fourth-place finish in team jumping, losing a jump-off for bronze to Germany. In 2024, she returned to Olympic competition in Paris.
“Representing your country in an event like that is such an honour,” she says.
For Amy, the path has never been about emulating her dad’s career—it’s been about defining her own and enjoying every step.
What was life like growing up in Perth? Was it ‘all horses all the time’ or did you have other hobbies?
I had lots of other hobbies. My mom made sure that Jonathon (my brother) and I were able to do all the things the other Canadian kids got to do. I played basketball, volleyball, attempted music, figure skated, skied… I always loved sports.
I now have two children of my own and I don’t know how my mom did it all. She was an impressive woman.
Are your kids into the sport too?
Both of my kids love horses and know how to ride, it’s yet to be seen if they will choose this life. My advice to them is the same as my parents gave me. This is an amazing life but it’s a life, not a job. If you love it, you will never work a day in your life. But if you don’t, you should do something else, because it’s all consuming. I want my kids to grow up to be kind, productive and happy. If horses inspire that in them, then there will be another generation of Team Millar. But if they find that happiness somewhere else, I will follow and support them in that direction.
Amy Millar is a two-time Olympian and one of Canada’s top show jumping athletes. Raised at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, she now trains both horses and riders while continuing to compete internationally.
Did your dad steer you toward this life, or did love of the sport come naturally?
It came naturally. I love working with horses and I also love the adrenaline-fueled days of an athletic life. When I was young, I was not sure if this was the life for me so I tried all kinds of different things… I got a business degree at university. At school, I learned a lot about running a business, but the most important thing I learned was that I wanted a life in the horse business. Every time I’ve tried to do something else, I have come back to the sport with renewed enthusiasm and the knowledge that there is nothing else I would rather be doing.
Did you ever feel pressure to live up to the Millar name, or did having that inspire you?
I imagine my experience was different from many young people, but it’s the only reality I have known, so it has always seemed normal to me. I have known from the beginning that I shouldn’t compare myself to my Dad. When I was a kid, he would win the grand prix every weekend on Big Ben… that’s not normal, nor is it repeatable. So, at a young age, I decided to live my life the best way I could to make myself happy and successful, and I knew it would be different than how he lived.
What’s the best advice your dad ever gave you about the sport?
To enjoy the journey. It’s not about the outcome. In competition, you’re either winning or learning. And as long as you are learning, you never lose.
How did it feel to compete in the Paris Olympics last year? What was your favourite part about the experience?
The French people did an amazing job with the Paris Olympics. The show jumping was in Versailles, and the location, venue and hospitality were incredible. The level of competition and the tests the course designer built for us were absolutely spot on. Representing your country in an event like that is such an honour.
We went to Paris for the opening ceremonies and the Chef de Mission gave an incredible speech to all the Canadian athletes, reminding us to be proud of the hard work and sacrifices we made to get there and to enjoy the experience. I loved that part, as well as being with the Canadian athletes from all the different sports.
What’s your favourite career moment in competition?
We won the team silver medal at the Pan American games and that qualified us for the Paris Olympics. We worked so hard and had a great team, it was very rewarding and inspiring at that moment.
What’s a personal or professional goal you haven’t hit yet that still motivates you?
I always want to be better. I want Olympic and World championship medals.
Are you able to describe what it feels like when this giant horse you’re riding clears a jump that’s five feet off the ground?
Sometimes it feels like you’re flying. It’s one of my favourite feelings in the world.
Is it true that your mood or emotional state has a big impact on your horse’s performance?
100% true. The horse can feel my heartbeat, and will know if I’m anxious. When I compete, I only allow myself to have one cup of coffee because the adrenaline combined with coffee and my naturally energetic personality can get the horse overly excited. There have been days when I was injured or sick, and I knew my horse was taking extra care of me. The great horses know when it’s a big competition—they try harder because they want to please their rider and hear how great they are (laughs).
What’s next on your competition calendar that you’re most excited about?
I have a very busy summer planned. I have two horses that are very exciting and will be my future stars. So this summer is about taking them to some big shows and proving the future is bright.
Anything you’d like readers to know about supporting Team Canada?
Millar Brooke Farm is in Perth Ontario. We have a 600-acre farm and we train show jumping athletes, both horses and riders. My personal goals are to have international success and win medals for Canada. This is challenging because of the investment in horses required to compete internationally. Canada has great riders but we need more support for our Canadian team and athletes.
Amy Millar may have grown up in one of Canada’s most iconic equestrian families, but every chapter of her story is one she’s written on her own terms.
