Big Ben

April 20, 1976 - December 11,1999

Big Ben (first known as Winston - after Winston Churchill) came to Canada from the Hooydonk Farm in northern Belgium, via the Netherlands. His owner, an equestrian rider named Ian Millar purchased and brought Big Ben to Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario. By 1984, Big Ben started competing in show jumping events. With Millar on board, Big Ben won multiple top prizes around the world.

In 1994 Big Ben retired to the Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario. He was the second horse inducted in the Ontario Sports Legends Hall of Fame (Northern Dancer was the first). Big Ben was hounoured by Canada Post with a stamp in 1999.

Big Ben was 23 years old when he was euthanized at Millar Booke Farm on December 11, 1999 after two veterinarians said nothing could be done to ease the suffering caused by a persistent case of equine colic. He was buried on a knoll overlooking the farm.

On May 22, 2005 a full size bronze sculpture of Big Ben and Ian Millar by sculpture Steward Smith was unveiled at the corner of Wilson and Herriott streets overlooking the peacefull Stewart Park. (Photo above is the work in progress at Stewart Smith's studio).

Ian Millar on Big Ben - Detail from Craig Campbell's 'Welcome to Perth' mural on the Red Fox Restaurant.

References:

• The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Wikipedia
• Famous Canadian Animals
• Big Ben Park Project
• Notable Canadians - Big Ben
• Equiworld Magazine - For Love of a Horse
• Equine - Hippique Canada
• For the Love of a Horse: A Town Remembers By: Shanna Lee
• Millar Presented with ProChaps Athlete of the Month Title

Big Ben Memorabilia can be purchased:

• Craig Campbell's (Local Perth Artist) Tribute to Big Ben
• Big Ben Park memorabilia