Julie Wynne-Smith, a 14-year-old student at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, made history as the first Canadian to win the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Championships held in St. Louis, Missouri. The competition is uniquely challenging because riders must quickly bond with unfamiliar horses, having only 30 seconds to a minute to mount, warm up, and perform jumps. Julie’s victory is a testament to her exceptional ability to communicate with horses through feel and body language, a skill she has honed through daily riding and a deep passion for the sport.

Julie’s success is also attributed to her caring and kind approach, which endears her to both horses and teammates. Her mother, Indiana Wynne-Smith, an accomplished equestrian and head coach at Queen Margaret’s School, has been a significant influence in Julie’s equestrian journey. Beyond her technical skills, Julie is praised for her supportive nature and leadership within her team, making her not only a remarkable rider but also an inspiring teammate and person.