By MARK MILLER -- Calgary Sun
 Twenty-eight years ago, Ian Millar's first Olympic appearance was a bit of a fluke.

 Now, competing for a spot on what would be his eighth Olympic team, it's hard to imagine a national equestrian side without him.

 Sitting astride his latest aspiring Olympic team mount, Dorincord, Millar contemplated yesterday on his chances at taking his illustrious career to yet another level.

 He'll take the first steps in ascending to that position at the Spruce Meadows National this week.

 That's where he'll ride the first qualifying event for the Canadian team for the Sydney Olympics.

 "It means very much to me," admitted Millar.

 For all his nearly 140 Grand Prix and Derby wins, there remains nothing better for Millar than the thrill of competing for his country.

 It started in Munich, where he went as a spare rider for the show jumping team, and even did duty as the back-up rider for the three-day team, of which he had little experience.

 "Of course it is about winning and success, but it is also about representing your country and the camaraderie that comes from it," said Millar. "It has the same affect on all our riders and I'm sure on riders all over the world."

 As the 53-year-old show jumping legend nears the end of his career, the Olympics mean even more than that first experience in Munich -- where he competed only after a couple of injuries to the Canadians.

 "When you say Olympics and competing for your country, something just triggers inside. It's an emotional response and is different from the money competitions. Everyone just gets so up for it."

 Including the horses -- and Millar's had some good ones.

 From Big Ben and Ivar to now Dorincord, a nine-year-old Hanoverian he picked up through his son, Jonathan, in Europe.

 Millar's quest for his record Olympic appearance is just one of a number of compelling stories at this week's National.

 But headlining that list will be the first of five qualifiers for the Olympic team, the first round of the Canadian Pacific World Cup.

 The qualifiers will result in two selections for the team, the other two coming from a panel selection based on their experience and chance for success in Sydney.

 Certainly the expected retirement of Eric Lamaze's horse Cagney and the injury to Beth Underhill's Altair have opened the door wide to a number of riders for Olympic berths. But after seven Games appearances, no one is doubting Ian Millar securing an invite to his record eighth.