He was well known for his positive, kind nature, and was often seen greeting fans and admirers from his stall at competitions, and sometimes even signing autographs with a hoof print. In 1994 Big Ben retired from competition, but not before embarking on a final, sentimental tour across Canada. He faced two life-threatening colic surgeries and a major tractor-trailer accident, yet he persevered through all of these challenges, always coming back to international-level competition in top form. This included the 1987 Du Maurier International Grand Prix, which was the richest grand prix in the world at that time, and helped Big Ben become the first horse in North America to rack up over $1.5 million in prize money.Ī true hero, Big Ben also overcame more than his share of adversity during his career. Big Ben was also Millar’s mount for three Olympic Games (in 1984, 1988, and 1992), and took home both Individual and Team Gold Medals from the 1987 Pan American Games.īig Ben also represented Canada on more than 30 nations cup teams and racked up over 40 grand prix wins throughout his decade-long career. Big Ben and Millar went on to become the first ever horse/rider combination to win two consecutive World Cup Final titles in 19. Millar’s intuition could not have been more accurate. syndicate was formed and Big Ben was purchased and imported to Canada that same year. Soon after, the Canadian Show Jumpers Unlimited Inc. Millar has stated he had an indescribable good feeling about the huge gelding the first time they met. He was brought to the attention of “Captain Canada” Ian Millar in 1983 while he was visiting a long-time friend, renowned show jumping rider Emile Hendrix of the Netherlands. Despite having a dam who was just 15hh, Big Ben grew to be 17.3hh, causing many people to believe he was too big to be a suitable show jumper. He was bred by Jacubus van Hooydonk of Belgium and foaled in 1976. To this day, Big Ben remains a household name in Canada and around the world, remembered for his incredible heart, boundless bravery, and captivating presence.Ī liver chestnut Belgian Warmblood gelding, Big Ben was sired by Etretat. ![]() Winnipeg, MB, Febru– Ian Millar’s legendary mount Big Ben was posthumously awarded with The Hickstead Trophy during the Equine Canada Awards Gala on Feb.
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