Aspiring equestrian athletes and seasoned riders alike can glean invaluable insights from the mental fortitude and strategic approach of Canadian equestrian legend Ian Millar. In a candid interview, Millar, affectionately known as Captain Canada, shared his perspective on the psychological aspects that underpin his remarkable career, offering a masterclass in focus, preparation, and the unique bond between rider and horse.
Cultivating Natural Mental Skills
Millar revealed that he discovered sport psychology concepts years after he had already intuitively developed many of the necessary mental skills for competitive success. “It was interesting to have what I already knew and did categorized and labeled for me,” he stated. While these skills may have felt natural, Millar emphasized that they were significantly honed through years of discipline and unwavering commitment. This underscores a crucial point for all riders: while innate talent plays a role, consistent practice and dedication are paramount to refining one’s competitive edge.
A cornerstone of Millar’s mental game is his exceptional ability to focus, a skill that becomes increasingly challenging at the elite level where distractions are rife. He described the constant demands from media, autograph seekers, and well-meaning individuals, noting that top riders must learn to filter these out. “When I am focusing on a particular competition, I don’t want to deal with the outside world. I just want to deal with my horse, my groom and my trainer, that’s all,” Millar explained. He strategically utilizes his team as “blockers” to protect his concentration. This intense focus allows for a clear distinction between his “performer self,” “media self,” “businessman self,” and his “regular self,” which incorporates humor and lightness to sustain the demands of the other roles.
Ian Millar during an interview, showcasing his legendary status in equestrian sports*Millar’s deep understanding of his horses allows him to concentrate on their well-being before entering the competition ring. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography*
The Indispensable Horse Connection
While sport psychology principles are vital, Millar stressed the critical importance of the horse’s role in the equation. He highlighted that unlike inanimate sports equipment, a horse is a sentient being whose energy and responsiveness are directly influenced by the rider. Millar described achieving “the zone” or an optimal level of performance as a state that must encompass what is beneficial for the horse.
He detailed how he modulates his mental state to positively influence his equine partner. If a horse requires more energy, Millar will focus his thoughts on the importance of the competition and the desire to win, transmitting that energy. Conversely, for a sensitive horse, he shifts his focus to the beauty of the day and the pleasure of the experience to create a lighter atmosphere. This advanced psychological skill requires profound self-awareness and an intimate understanding of the horse. Millar acknowledged that this can sometimes mean prioritizing the horse’s needs over one’s own immediate desires, a challenge many riders overlook, leading to a disconnect between their own heightened energy and their horse’s discomfort. Millar’s success in developing this nuanced ability stems from years of diverse experiences with numerous horses. He believes his own naturally quiet confidence and mental flexibility facilitate his ability to connect with various mounts, contrasting with riders who may excel technically but are limited to specific types of horses. He concluded that a stable sense of confidence is attainable through targeted awareness, honest self-assessment, and the setting of ambitious goals.
Millar’s Signature Preparation: The “P” Principle
At the core of Ian Millar’s consistent success lies his adherence to the “P” principle: “proper preparation prevents poor performance.” However, Millar’s approach to preparation is exceptionally thorough. He meticulously outlines every skill a horse needs and his strategy for teaching it, a level of detail he notes many riders neglect, often focusing more on individual development than the rider-horse team’s overall growth.
During competitions, Millar utilizes the time between rounds for careful observation, meticulously studying every horse-rider combination to gain a strategic advantage, particularly for jump-offs. This intense study, bordering on obsession, allows him to manage all controllable factors in advance, freeing him to perform in the moment. His advice to emerging riders is to become diligent students of the sport in every aspect. His son, Jonathon Millar, an accomplished rider himself, attested to his father’s dedication, noting their early arrival at venues and his father’s seemingly exhaustive preparation.
Differentiating the Great from the Good
Millar’s perspective on what elevates good riders to greatness centers on the concept that “the last 20 percent of anything you do requires 80 percent of your effort.” He observes that many riders are content with achieving 80 percent, considering it sufficient. However, he believes that the final push, the relentless pursuit of that last 20 percent, is where true passion and challenge lie. This dedication, he posits, is what transforms riding into an art form, a description that aptly fits his illustrious career.
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Main photo credit: Robin Duncan Photography
