76 • THE PLAID HORSE
Q&A
with Erynn Ballard BY CAT ALLEN
Erynn Ballard, 35, of Toronto, Canada, has had an impressive career spanning her lifetime. She began riding at the age of six, and was named Equestrian of the Year in 2006 by Equine Canada. In 2008, Ballard was a part of the winning team in the $312,779 BMO Nations Cup Championship, alongside Canadian team members Ian Millar, Mario Deslauriers, and John Pearce. Ballard is also notable as a successful cross-over rider, claiming success in both the hunter and jumper rings alike. We had a chance to sit down with Erynn at the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival, while Ballard was packing up to head north to her Looking Back Farm in Tottenham, Ontario. Q: How did you first get involved in the horse industry? A: I was lucky enough to be born into the business. Both of my parents are professionals, so I grew up with the farm in my back yard. For as long as I can remember, the most important thing to me was riding, after school and every weekend. Basically, anything else I have ever done has come second to horses. Q: Tell us about your family and their involvement in the industry. How have they inspired you or helped you along the road to success? A: My parents have always been supportive of anything I have ever wanted to do. I have said many times they pretty much just guided me in the right direction. When I was little I don't remember having formal riding lessons. I always had my own pony and I think they just tried to make sure I didn't kill myself! Throughout my entire career, they have given me access to the best horses and trainers I could have asked for. As a junior, the equitation was my dream, and they supported me in it. I was able to work with Missy Clark for two years, and to this day she is still my idol and one of the biggest influences on the person I have become.