Lily Elliot, a rising star in Showjumping 

Lily Elliot | ph Nicole Schultz (c)

Young Canadian show jumper reflects on career, challenges, and future goals

In the world of show jumping, few young talents have made as significant an impact as Lily Elliot. With a passion for the sport that was ignited at just seven years old, Lily’s journey from local lesson barns in Canada to competing on the international stage in Europe has been nothing short of remarkable.

As she continues to climb the ranks, representing Canada in prestigious events like the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), Lily sat down with us to discuss her career, the experiences that have shaped her, and what the future holds.

A golden moment for Canada

Lily’s recent achievement of winning team gold for Canada at the 2023 NAYC is a moment she describes as “absolutely surreal.” For her and the team, the victory was more than just a medal—it was the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a shared passion for the sport.

“The moment that we won team gold was absolutely surreal. Any time you have the opportunity to wear the team jacket and represent your country, it’s a really special moment. To have all the pieces align, alongside such an incredible team of riders, it’s like nothing else. For me, riding on a team is the most incredible feeling; not only do you have your own ambitions and goals, but you also carry that of others. It’s absolutely more pressure, but it’s that much more rewarding when it pays off. Everyone really supports each other, which makes it really impactful to share that victory with others,” she explains.

Understanding NAYC: a premier youth competition

For those unfamiliar with the event, Lily offers insight into what makes the NAYC so unique in the world of showjumping. “NAYC, or the North American Youth Championships, is the final event for Children, Pre Junior, Junior, and Young Rider athletes in North America. It runs on a nations cup format, over 3 days of jumping,” Lily details.

She goes on to explain the structure of the competition, which spans three days and offers a rare opportunity for young riders to experience the pressures and rewards of competing in a team format. “There aren’t so many opportunities in North America for young riders to gain experience in this competition format, so the event really stands alone. It is also a fantastic way to prepare for senior team events, which is a goal of many competitors.”

Key moments: a career shaped by experience

Reflecting on her career, Lily highlights a few pivotal moments that have defined her journey as a showjumper. Winning team gold at NAYC last year stands out as a transformative experience. “It was my first introduction to sport at this level, and as competition geared towards putting young talent on the radar for senior teams in the future, I think it has been very impactful,” she says.

Lily also points to her victory in the Jump Canada Medal Finals in 2022 as a significant stepping stone. “It was my first real national accolade, and was very much a stepping stone towards where I am now.”

But beyond these accomplishments, Lily emphasizes the importance of the diverse experiences she has gained by riding in different parts of the world. “Everywhere you go in this sport, there is something to learn, and immersing myself in many different aspects of top-level competition has taught me so much, and opened a lot of doors.”

From Canada to Belgium: a world of opportunities

Lily’s current base in Belgium has provided her with a unique opportunity to broaden her horizons and grow as a rider. “Riding in Belgium has really diversified my education. It’s a different world than North America, and being able to experience and learn from both has helped me to become a much more well-rounded rider,” she notes.

She describes the benefits of being in Europe, where access to a wide variety of facilities and competitions has enriched her training experience. “It’s so much easier to expose young horses to different things, which creates generally well-rounded horses. But I don’t believe that one is better than the other—the more that you can learn from both, the better!”

Lessons learned: patience, intentionality, and adaptability

The lessons Lily has learned from her time in Belgium go beyond the technical aspects of riding. She has gained invaluable experience in bringing along young horses and understanding the nuances of training horses at the top of the sport. “I’ve learned a lot about the value of being thoughtful, patient, and intentional in every aspect of my work with horses. Every horse is different, and so learning to ride every one accordingly and well has been so valuable.”

These experiences have not only refined her skills but also deepened her appreciation for the individuality of each horse and the unique challenges they present.

Looking ahead: ambitions and aspirations

As she looks to the future, Lily’s goals are clear. “My goals are to compete successfully as a professional, and to represent Canada on senior Nations Cup teams in the future,” she shares.

For now, she remains focused on continuing her development as a rider and horsewoman, taking every experience as a learning opportunity. With another appearance on the Canadian young riders team at NAYC just around the corner, Lily is determined to secure another strong result and continue building on her impressive career.

In a sport that demands both skill and passion, Lily Elliot is a name to watch. With her talent, determination, and unwavering commitment to her craft, the future of Canadian showjumping looks brighter than ever.

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