End of an Era: The Truman Show

In 2016 I had the great privilege of being selected to ride on the Rio Olympic team. I spent a large part of that summer in Europe training with the Canadian team and during that time Eric Lamaze and Tiffany Foster introduced me to a handsome bay horse that would become one of my best friends and most trusted partners over the next 9 years. Eric and Tiffany said this horse will take you anywhere you want to go, you will jump the biggest classes all over the world with him, he just needs time and education. So I called up my longtime friends and supporters, Patty and Patrick Overlund, and my dad Ian, and said, "I think we need to buy this horse, so I can chase my dreams." Thanks to Patty, Patrick and Ian, but mostly thanks to Truman, we did exactly that.

Together Truman and I traveled the world and shared many unforgettable moments in the sport. He carried me to my first World Championships in Denmark in 2022, helped Canada win team silver and finish 6th individually at the Pan American Games in 2023, and jumped the Paris Olympics in 2024. He was also a cornerstone of Canada’s Nations Cup teams, winning at Spruce Meadows in 2021 and standing on podiums in Wellington, Langley, Calgary, and La Baule. On top of that, Truman celebrated his first FEI Grand Prix win with me in 2019 and later finished second in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows in 2024, with many other Grand Prix podiums along the way.

But what I'm most proud of is our bond. The relationship forged between Truman, my groom Dan Ingratta and I was one of complete trust. Dan went to every big class that horse jumped over 9 years, including the eight months Ian trained and showed Truman for me when I was pregnant with my son, Alex. We taught Truman to love his people, to be proud when he did a good job, and to enjoy his job.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know and love this animal. When I walked in the ring on Truman, I always knew we could do it and never felt like the fences were too big or the course too hard. Thank you, Truman, for your kindness, reliability and heart. But most of all thank you for giving me the confidence to know I can jump any class in the world—that's the best gift a rider can receive.

Truman will spend the rest of his days living his best life at Millar Brooke Farm. He's hanging out with his friends on 600 acres of grass. He has a good friend’s human and equine to entertain and care for him.  It brings Ian, Dan and I great joy to see him fat, happy, sound and enjoying his retirement. He has more than earned it.

For a very long time I didn’t want to go to the show unless Truman was on the truck. Truman, I will think of you every time I walk a course and there are no holes left in the standards because the jumps are so big and I will laugh and know I can do it. Because we did it together.

Love you, Truman.

Amy Millar