Chris Surbey, a 28-year-old native of Calgary, AB, began riding at the age of 11 and won team show jumping silver at the NAJYRC in 2007. He continued riding throughout university, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce Finance (Hons.) degree from the University of Ottawa, and decided to turn professional upon graduation. He has worked for the last two seasons at Spruce Meadows, where his main focus is the development and sales of young prospects, both imported and homebred.
When did you realize that show jumping was more than just a hobby?
I knew from a relatively young age that I was interested in pursuing horses professionally, although the realization that it was actually a viable option didn’t occur to me until close to the end of my junior career. By that time I had not only experience with my own horses, but also many hours spent catch riding and working with horses of all different types that were owned by other people. After completing my university degree, the thought of being in an office every day did not sit well with me, so I decided that I would at least try making it as a professional with horses before I went the office route.
Who are your mentors and what have they taught you?
I’ve been lucky enough to connect with several trainers that have been responsible from my progress as a rider. I spent most of my junior career in Calgary training with Gaia Parker who took me from cross-poles to the high junior/am jumpers. She remains a big influence to me.