Young riders dreaming of success on the international stage is nothing new, but the hard work and dedication required behind the scenes to achieve those goals is often overlooked. For Canada’s Sofia Popescu, the 2026 winter season was not built around winning ribbons and top results, but rather something less visible – the pursuit of consistency. With the 2026 North American Youth Jumping Championships (NAYC) as her main goal for the year, she was focused on developing the kind of foundation required to succeed at the sport’s highest levels.
While Popescu is no stranger to the winners’ circles, having earned team and individual medals in the Pre-Junior and Junior divisions at the NAYC, as well as top results at international venues like Spruce Meadows and Wellington International, she continues to strive for the pinnacle of the sport, and knows there are no shortcuts to get there.
That consistency she desired came through a combination of stronger flatwork, improved fitness, and valuable experience with a talented group of horses, each demanding a different ride. As Popescu stepped into her first CSI2* competitions during the 2026 season, she became increasingly focused on refining the technical details that make a difference in high-level sport. “I really wanted to improve my flatwork altogether,” she explained. “Even during the weeks the horses had off from showing, I was thinking about what I wanted to improve in the ring and bringing that into my everyday work.”
A major focus became strengthening her own position as the jumps grew bigger and more technical. Popescu spent much of the season analyzing videos and paying closer attention to how her body functioned in motion, particularly through turns and inside tracks. “My biggest focus was getting stronger in my core,” she said. “I did more work sitting the canter and even just doing circles during flatwork to keep my body from tipping more from one side to the other. Once I started focusing on it every day, I noticed it helping in the ring, especially on inside turns,” she noted.
Much of this development came alongside two horses that became central to her season: Sade de Rialfo Z and Ganesh Des Till. While both helped Popescu gain valuable mileage at the international level, the two could not be more different in style. “I had to learn how to get off one horse and get on another and completely switch my mentality,” she said. “They both want to go different ways.”
Ganesh, Popescu explained, is naturally brave and forgiving, while Sade requires a more tactful ride and greater precision from her rider. “Sade can definitely be more sensitive when it comes to mistakes,” she said. “Ganesh is one of the bravest horses I know.”
Learning to adapt between the two proved instrumental in helping Popescu mature as a rider. “I think riding horses that are so different really improved me overall,” she said.
Among the pair, Sade has emerged as a particularly exciting prospect for future championship competition like the NAYC. Over the course of the season, Popescu developed increasing confidence in the mare’s natural speed and competitive instincts. “She’s one of those horses where I never really have to worry about the time allowed,” Popescu said with a laugh. “Her foot speed is just so quick.”
That efficiency has become especially valuable in jump-off situations, where Popescu says the mare’s natural pace allows her to stay calmer and focus on execution rather than chasing the clock. “As long as I focus on my turns and where I’m going, she’s right there with me,” she said. “You don’t even realize how fast you’re going until you watch the video afterward.”
Sofia at the NAYC with Ilan Ferder and Kata ( Katorose HV).
Behind the scenes, Popescu credits much of her growth to trainers Ilan Ferder and Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard, whose mentorship has helped shape both her riding and mindset. “With Erynn, I learn so much by watching,” Popescu said. “Even walking courses with her, the knowledge she has is incredible.”
Having the opportunity to work daily alongside one of Canada’s top international riders has given Popescu an invaluable perspective as she continues working toward senior team goals of her own. “I hope one day we can jump on a team together,” she said. “Riding alongside someone with that kind of talent and knowledge would be so amazing.”
Ferder, meanwhile, has helped provide the patience and structure necessary for long-term development. “I always feel confident, and I feel like he really has set me up for success. He’s taught me so much about how this sport is a marathon and not a sprint,” Popescu said. “It’s easy to want to rush when you get excited about moving up, but he’s always reminding me to stay present.”
That balance between ambition and patience continues to guide Popescu as she progresses through the international ranks. Already experienced in team competition for Canada, she speaks passionately about the culture surrounding the Canadian program and the support younger riders receive from senior athletes. “I really love riding for Canada because it’s such a supportive group,” she said. “Everyone genuinely wants to see each other do well.”
For Popescu, that sense of camaraderie remains one of the most rewarding aspects of representing her country. “The senior riders are always cheering on the junior riders,” she said. “It makes you really excited to hopefully be part of those teams one day.”
As her horses continue to develop and her own confidence grows, Popescu’s focus remains fixed on steady progress rather than quick results. This season may have marked an important step forward, but for one of Canada’s rising talents, it also reinforced the value of patience, adaptability, and learning to trust the process.
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