Few show jumpers are as renowned as the legendary Big Ben. Partnered with Ian Miller, the 17.3 hand Belgian-bred Warmblood’s career spanned almost ten years, during which he won over $1.5 million in prize money.

Big Ben was born on April 20, 1976, and in 1983 he was imported to Canada. According to Equine Canada, a syndicate was created so that Big Ben could be purchased for the talented rider Ian Miller. The syndicate, Canadian Show Jumpers Unlimited Inc., made the incredible pairing of Big Ben and Ian Miller possible, and in doing so, made history.

Only ten months after beginning to ride the horse, Ian Miller and Big Ben competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Big Ben and Ian Miller would compete in the Olympics three times – in 1984, 1988, and 1992. During the 1987 Pan Olympic Games, the pair won the Individual Gold Medal and helped the Canadian team win the Team Gold Medal.

During his career, Big Ben would win more than 40 Grand Prix jumping competitions. He won the Maurier International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in 1987 and 1991. Ian Miller and Big Ben won the 1988 World Cup Final in Sweden, and the 1989 World Cup Final in Florida the very next year.

Big Ben’s career was marked by challenges. The horse overcame two colic surgeries to continue to compete, and a highway trailer accident also threatened his career. However, he came back bigger and better each time, ready for the demanding jumping courses that he would face.

According to Millar Brooke Farm, Big Ben’s ability to overcome such significant obstacles contributed to his great popularity. During his career, Big Ben would compete and excel in a variety of formats, including courses held indoors, outdoors, on a variety of surfaces, and in a wide range of weather. Big Ben remained the favorite and often came home in first place.

Big Ben retired in 1994 at age 18. He lived the rest of his life at Millar Brooke Farm, until a final case of colic required that he be euthanized on Dec. 11, 1999. He was honored with his own Canadian postage stamp that same year. He was also inducted into both the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. Breyer Animal Creations created a model of the incredible Big Ben, and his legend continues to be passed down to each generation of young equestrians.

Image Source: Ian Millar & Big Ben

Original Source: The Legacy of Top Show Jumper Big Ben