Her name is Lily Solomon. She is nineteen years old and lives on an unnamed horse farm in Stouffville. Lily represents Canada in worldwide equestrian sport. She grew up running around with goats, alpacas, sheep, a pig, a dog, a miniature horse and a childhood pony that I learned how to ride on. “I started riding when I was four years old. I have lived on a farm for my whole life,” said Lily.
Lily was excited to be representing Canada at the World Individual Mounted Games Championships (WIC) held at the David Broome Center in Chepstow, Wales, August 18-24, 2021, where over 200 riders competed. “The Mounted Games were an exciting, high speed, high agility, action-packed, where teams, pairs, or individuals race to be the fastest and the most accurate in relay races. It requires exceptional teamwork and trust between the rider, their horse and their teammates,” reports Lily.
Lily has been fortunate to represent Canada internationally at World Individuals, World Pairs, and World Teams for the past six years, riding in the USA, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, England, Ireland and Wales. Some of her greatest achievements include winning the final competing in the Under 17 division at the WIC in 2018 held in France and placing 5th in the C Final competing in the Open (over 18) division at the WIC in 2019 held in England.
“When riding overseas there is the additional challenge of riding borrowed ponies,” said Lily. “Another amazing experience was in 2020 when I travelled to the UK and spent my gap year competing in England, helping run competitions, being coached by top European trainers and living with games families in England and Switzerland.”
After attending the 2021 WIC, Lily reported that, “The England trip was amazing! I met with and lived with many new people. The weather was perfect for all days I was riding, and I was lent a very nice horse, Chico. My performance improved throughout the competition. It would have gone even better if I had been able to ride Chico (the borrowed horse) more than twice before the competition. I finished on a fantastic final that I am very proud of,” said Lily.
For the past five years, Lily has been coaching younger riders to develop their skills, confidence and passion for Mounted Games. “It is very exciting to see new riders coming into the sport and I want to share all I can to encourage and support their success,” extolls Lily. “Currently, I coach group kids ranging from 10 to 14 years old who keep their horses at our farm or part board one of ours. I also coach those kids at competitions, and at my house or off the property.”
“It is important for me to continue this and share what I have with others, whether that is horses or knowledge or something in between. I am so thankful for my family, Equine Mounted Games Canada (EMGC), and the Canadian Pony Club for all the support and opportunities throughout the years,” concluded Lily.
You can watch Lily riding Miley at the 2017 Nations Cup here: youtu.be/cG-vfHmU0gU.