• In Style

    1995 Holsteiner bay gelding (Acord II x Lord)
    Owned by Sue Grange, Lothlorien Farm

    In Style may be best known as the horse with which Ian Millar earned his long sought-after Olympic medal. But the bay Holsteiner gelding was no stranger to the winner’s circle before that. Ian and In Style collected more than 20 Grand Prix victories over the course of their career together.

    “He has a wonderful presence about him,” says Ian Millar. “He’s a very proud horse—very sure of himself. He always had that winning attitude. And he is a beautiful horse to ride. He has a lot of blood for a Warmblood and a very kind disposition.”

    Purchased by Sue Grange of Lothorien Farm in 2004, In Style was chosen for Ian expressly with the Olympics in mind.

    “He was at the Hendrix’ Farm in Holland. The day we tried him, we jumped him huge—top of the standards. I said to Sue, ‘Look at all that scope.’ And Emile replied, ‘Scope never goes out of style.’ That’s how we came up with his name, In Style,” explains Ian.

    Together, Ian and the handsome gelding made five Nations Cup appearances, four of which the Canadian Team won. (The team was second in the other). Other career highlights include three World Cup Qualifier victories, a first place finish in $200,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, and twice topping the Canadian National Championship (2004 and 2006).

    The most dramatic moment of their partnership, however, was the pair’s performance at the 2008 Olympics. With only three riders able to compete in the Team Final (teammate Mac Cone’s horse was injured the day before), it was Ian and In Style’s clutch clear round that forced a two-way jump off with the Americans and ensured Canada of a place on the podium. Canada took home the Silver Medal, it’s first Team Medal in show jumping in 40 years.

    The following year, In Style suffered an injury. He was given a year off to ensure he made a complete recovery. He returned to the show ring in 2011 to win a 1.60m class at Spruce Meadows and earn five more top-five finishes.

    In the winter of 2012, In Style was retired at age 17. “The group decided that he’d given enough,” says Ian. “He’s still very sound and healthy. Now he’s living out a well-deserved retirement at Lothlorien Farm in Cheltenham, Ontario.”

    FEI Results at this link.