Erynn Ballard: A Life Shaped by Horses and Unwavering Passion

Erynn Ballard, one of Canada’s top showjumpers, has always been connected to horses, from her early days riding at her family’s Looking Back Farm to becoming one of the country’s most respected riders. The story of how Looking Back Farm came to be is intertwined with her father, Dave Ballard, and his close working relationship with fellow Canadian team rider Torchy Miller. After parting ways with Torchy, Dave reflected on their memories together, which led him to name the farm “Looking Back.”

“It was a sentimental name for my dad,” Erynn explains. “He and his partner had a lot of great memories together, and that was his way of honoring their past. It was a fitting name, and it stuck.”

Growing up on the farm, it was clear that Erynn’s future would revolve around horses. She began riding at the age of five and quickly moved into competitive riding. Despite her talent and dedication, finishing high school was a challenge. “It was a struggle for me to finish high school,” she admits with a smile. “But I did it because my parents and grandparents wanted me to. For me, though, horses were always the focus. I didn’t want to do anything else.”

A Career Defined by Versatility and Unyielding Commitment

As a junior rider, Erynn demonstrated her potential by winning multiple titles and developing her reputation as a skilled, intuitive rider. From an early age, she showed competitiveness, and one of the most impressive wins was her performance at the Royal Winter Fair in 1997, where she won all four classes in the junior division with her horse Rafael.

“Winning those four classes was an incredible feeling,” she reflects. “It wasn’t something I thought about too much. But looking back now, I realize how significant it was. It gave me a huge boost in confidence. And confidence, I think, is what really propels you in this sport. Success gives you confidence, and confidence gives you success. It becomes this cyclical momentum.”

Erynn’s career would continue to soar with consistent success, including a historic win at Spruce Meadows. The 2005 Nations Cup victory was a defining moment not only for her but also for Canadian show jumping. At 24, Erynn was the youngest rider on the Canadian team, which included seasoned riders like Ian Millar and Mario Deslauriers.

“Getting that red jacket at Spruce Meadows was one of the most memorable moments of my career,” Erynn says. “My dad joked about how much that jacket had cost him, but it was all worth it. To be a part of such a historic moment for Canada, alongside these incredible riders, was surreal. I was just a kid in a team of legends. But it showed me that with the right mindset, anything is possible.”

Her success continued with horses like Robin, who played a pivotal role in her back-to-back Nations Cup victories in 2006. “Robin was my once-in-a-lifetime horse,” she admits. “I’ll never forget what he did for me, how he took me to places I never imagined. But I don’t think there’s just one horse that defines me. Each horse I’ve ridden has contributed to where I am today.”

Resilience and the Mental Game

For all the triumphs, Erynn has faced setbacks. As in any sport, show jumping presents its challenges, and how you handle the tough times can shape your career. Erynn’s approach to setbacks is grounded in a positive mindset. She firmly believes that focusing on the positives is key to overcoming adversity.

“There’s always something to take away from a difficult ride or competition,” Erynn says. “Even if everything went wrong, there’s always something you can find that went right. It might be something small, like just finishing the course or keeping your cool. But if you focus on that, it helps you to move forward.”

Erynn acknowledges that riding unfamiliar horses in major events can be nerve-wracking, but her belief in the horse and the process helps her stay grounded. “I’ve trained myself to trust the horses I ride. It’s all about having confidence in the animal, in the program, and in yourself. That’s what allows me to ride without hesitation, even in the toughest competitions.”

Empowering Women in Equestrian Sport

As one of the leading female riders in show jumping, Erynn has always been passionate about advocating for female empowerment within the sport. “When I started, there weren’t many women on the international stage, especially in Canada,” she explains. “It’s so important now, more than ever, to show the younger generation that women can be just as successful and competitive in this sport. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m even more proud of the young women coming up now.”

Her perspective on female empowerment extends beyond her own achievements. “The women in the Canadian show jumping team now are stronger than ever. They’re achieving incredible things, and I think it’s so important for younger riders to see that they, too, can make their mark in the sport.”

Looking Ahead: Goals and Gratitude

While Erynn has accomplished more than many could dream of, her drive remains as strong as ever. She has competed at world-renowned venues like Aachen, Geneva, and Rome, as well as representing Canada at the Olympics. However, she is not ready to stop striving for more.

“I still have a few things on my bucket list, like medaling at a championship,” she shares. “I’d also love to compete at Dublin or the Stephex Masters. Those are events I’ve always dreamed of, and they’re still on my radar. But honestly, I can say with confidence that there’s nothing I’ve wanted to do that I haven’t done. I’ve had the privilege of competing at the top level, and I’ve been so fortunate to have had those experiences.”

Despite all her accomplishments, Erynn’s perspective on her career is grounded in gratitude. “I’ve had incredible horses and amazing opportunities, and I don’t take any of it for granted. If I never competed again, I’d be content. I’ve done everything I set out to do and more. And at the end of the day, that’s all you can really ask for.”

A Legacy of Horses and Passion

Throughout her career, Erynn’s love for horses has remained constant. “Each horse that’s come into my life has shaped me in some way,” she reflects. “I’ve had my firsts with Robin, my comeback with Apikara, and many other special moments with horses like Darko’s Promise, Fellini, and Nikka. They’ve all had a unique impact on me and my career.”

Erynn believes that each phase of her journey has been guided by a purpose, and she’s proud of the legacy she’s creating for future riders. “I think I’ve lived this sport in every way—whether it’s as a rider, a trainer, or a dealer. I’ve done it all, and I’ve had an amazing ride along the way.”

With no plans to slow down, Erynn continues to inspire not only her peers but also the next generation of riders. “If I can motivate even one person to pursue their passion for horses, I’ll consider it a success,” she says.

For Erynn Ballard, the journey continues, and with every competition, she remains as committed to her horses and her passion as she was when she first started at Looking Back Farm. And as she looks back on everything she has achieved, she is content with knowing that there is still more to come.

Valentina Sozzi | Ph Stefano Secchi

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