For some people, riding, training, and dedicating their lives to horse sport is a job. For others, it is a passion. Former Canadian Equestrian Team Member and founder of EquiVault, Jay Duke falls into the latter category with ease. Born into a family of riders and trainers in Calgary, AB, Duke himself is a competitor turned trainer, clinician, course designer, and all-around horseman, who admits that he could never see himself doing anything else.
Duke began his riding career at four years old under the direction of his mother, well-known Alberta trainer Cheryl Anderson, who coached top riders such as Canadian Chef d’Equipe Mark Laskin. Jay also learned from his father and great horseman, Fred Duke who is a member of Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Canadian Cutting Horse Hall of Fame.
Professional Highlights:
Tours North America conducting clinics at varying levels to hunter, jumper, equitation, and eventing riders.
Founded the Jay Duke Virtual Lesson Subscription Program.
Trained horses like King David and Caymus, who both went on to accept USEF Horse of the Year titles.
Developed Grappa, now known as Mindful, one of the winningest hunters in the world.
Named the leading male rider at the Spruce Meadows North American tournament in 1994.
Represented Canada on Nations’ Cup team in both the U.S. and Canada.
Trainer at Castle Cliff Farm in Sedalia, CO.
Equestrian Canada recognized course designer.
RIDE THE CORNER. THEN RIDE THE JUMP.
JUNIOR RIDER HIGHLIGHTS.
Member of Alberta’s bronze medal show jumping team at the Continental Young Riders Championships in 1986.
Topped the Junior Jumper Championship at the Spruce Meadows National and the Junior Grand Prix at the Masters, both in 1987.
Four-time Canadian Junior Champion in both the hunter and jumper ring.
To learn more about Jay, click HERE to read his answers to NoelleFloyd.com’s “20 Questions”!