Edmonton-based Lynn Macyk has been a mainstay on the hunter/jumper circuit in Western Canada for decades. From her earliest days riding as a teenager to her current role as an FEI-level athlete and trainer, horses have been Lynn’s passion. Operating Blue Sky Farms, Macyk trains riders for the hunter and jumper rings in addition to competing herself. She currently competes two Irish Sport Horses in FEI-sanctioned competition, Neat Midnight Magic and Be Aware.
We caught up with Lynn to learn more about her background and her involvement in Canadian hunter/jumper sport.
What is your role in equestrian sport?
I’ve been riding since I was 10 years old and continued to ride all through school. I have two degrees – one is a Bachelor of Science in psychology, and one is a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy. I continued to ride and teach all through university, and while I’ve definitely made use of my university education, I decided to stick with the riding and the teaching as my chosen career.
I have a competitive hunter/jumper barn, Blue Sky Farms, based at the Amberlea Meadows facility in Edmonton. I can have anywhere between 30 and 50 customer horses in, depending on the month. We compete in Western Canada at venues like Spruce Meadows and Thunderbird and in the Western U.S. in Thermal as well as competing locally.
In addition to riding and coaching, I organize the Blue Sky Classic horse show alongside Shannon Hayes at our home facility. I also assist Gerald Drews, Ellen Ortlieb, and Elexis Ortlieb in the organization and management of several horse shows hosted at Amberlea Meadows.
How long have you been involved with Equestrian Canada (EC), and in what capacity?
I’ve been a member of the Jumping Committee since 2019. I’m also an EC-licensed Level 2 competition coach specialist.
An old newspaper clipping featuring Lynn at Whitemud. (Courtesy of Lynn Macyk)
What age did you start riding and what was the name of your pony or horse?
You had to be 10 before you could take lessons where I started. My favourite horse that I rode was Sunshine, a 15.2hh palomino. I started riding at Whitemud Equine Center in Edmonton and helped with a little bit of everything – riding, teaching, and helping around the barn.
Are you currently still riding?
I sure am! I have nice horses that I just had a great time with at Spruce Meadows. We did six weeks on the road at Spruce Meadows and Thunderbird. You’re thinking, “oh boy!” going into it, but I’m sure glad I did it. I currently compete up to the 1.45m level.
What is your favourite competition memory?
Jumping a clear round in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows. It cost me more money than any class ever has, but it was also the most fun I’ve ever had! It was on my good horse, Aly. She was the best! I think it was 2013. It was my first time competing at the 1.45m level. A close second would be jumping in the World Cup qualifier at Thunderbird Show Park the same year.
Favourite horse show venue?
Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC.
Which competition is still on your bucket list?
I would love to go to the 2024 Olympics where the equestrian events are going to be held at Versailles. Not to compete! It would just be amazing to see.
Dream vacation?
I love Hawaii. It is my all-time favourite. It’s very relaxing, beautiful, and the temperature is perfect all the time.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. One is sitting on my lap right now. I have two dogs. One is a Tipperary Terrier, which is a tan-and-black Jack Russell from Ireland. They named her Candy because they knew she was going to Canada, as cheesy as that is.
Our other dog is a white Terrier-cross. He is a rescue from Thermal, California, in 2020. He’ll be two this year. His name is Brody. We found him on the road, so I stuck a ‘b’ in front of ‘road’ to come up with Brody.
Last show you binge-watched?
Bridgerton. It’s kind of out of my wheelhouse, but I did like it.
Favourite motto or saying?
I don’t like to be negative so instead of saying something was wrong, I always say, “that wasn’t ideal.” It’s not positive, but it’s not negative, either!
What three things are always in your fridge?
Milk, blueberries, and orange juice. I should also say wine because that’s always in there, too.
If you could ride any horse, which one would you pick?
To be honest, even though he was a bit crazy, Big Ben. I was always a fan.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people don’t know I have two university degrees. They always seem surprised to learn that, for some reason.
Lynn Macyk (mounted) celebrates a 1.35m win riding Be Aware at Spruce Meadows with her head groom and barn manager of 16 years, Alison White (left), and long-time friend and eyes on the ground, Gail Greenough. (Courtesy of Lynn Macyk)
