Burnett Farm to Host Chris Kappler Clinic

Updated: Aug 8, 2023

Burnett Farm Earns Top Ribbons at WEF

Chris Kappler will teach riders at Burnett Farm in Lebanon, IN, this weekend, Photo by DPO.Photos.

Lebanon, IN – May 25, 2023 - Burnett Farm will host a clinic with Olympic medalist, Chris Kappler this weekend. The clinic runs Friday, May 26, through Sunday, May 28, 2023, with the first group starting at 8:00 am, the second group at 10:15 am, and the final group at 1:15 pm. The cost to audit is $60 per day. Contact Michael Burnett for limited availability to ride.

Trainer Michael Burnett likes to make time in his busy show schedule for education and training of both the horses and the riders at his farm in Lebanon, Indiana. Serious about learning from the best, Burnett spends as much time as possible getting tips from accomplished trainers and riders such as Kappler. With several young jumpers always in his stable, Burnett has a patient and consistent program for getting to the top of his game and bringing up confident horses. When Burnett teaches his clients, he emphasizes one on one sessions so each client can reach their full potential. Kappler has been coming to Burnett Farm for the past few years.

"It's always a great experience to ride with Chris," said Burnett. "The sessions really help my horses and all the riders love the opportunity and the challenge."

Kappler, of Pittstown, New Jersey, grew up in Barrington, Illinios. Kappler was named Midwest Rider of the Year

in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1991. In 1989, he won the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy. He won the American Invitational and American Gold Cup three times each and won the American Grand Prix Championship once. At the 2003 Pan American Games, Kappler won the team gold and individual silver riding Royal Kaliber. Also in 2003, Kappler was named the Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation. In 2004, Kappler represented the United States at the Olympic Games. Riding Royal Kaliber, he won team gold and individual silver.*

Burnett Farm riders are looking forward to spending time with Kapper after wrapping up a successful winter circuit in Wellington, Florida. Burnett spends the winter months at their location close to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

“We showed in many different Open and Amateur divisions from the 1.45m in the International Ring to the Low Training, and ended up with 16 Champions and Reserve Champions,” said Burnett. “It is a blessing to be able to show at the most competitive winter circuit in the country. Thank you to our wonderful clients and staff for a great Florida season and a special thank you to Windara Farms for an amazing facility for the horses to train!”

Kait Meggenhofen and Kenner VDL took home the Circuit Championship in the Modified Children's Jumpers.

Burnett Farm brought home two Circuit Championships, taking the top spot out of 96 horses in the Modified Children’s Jumpers was Kait Meggenhofen with Kenner VDL, while Burnett piloted VDL Cornet to the top of the leader board in the 6-year-old jumpers. They also took home numerous top placings in the 1.30m, 1.40m, and 1.45m divisions.

Michael Burnett and VDL Cornet added numerous champion and reserve ribbons to the banner including the Circuit Championship in the 6-Year-Old Jumpers.

Burnett Farm has openings for a few new clients, investment horses, or horses in training since building an additional annex barn at the Indiana location.

Burnett Farm recently built some additional stalls for more horses in training.

Burnett’s program is dedicated to the details and concentrates on one-on-one training for both riders and horses. Flatwork is essential and the fitness of the horses is key. Burnett is very disciplined when it comes to riding and his riders love his focused attention and the success that follows.

About Burnett Farm

Michael Burnett has an impressive resume in the jumper ring and a talent for bringing along young jumper prospects. Burnett is growing his farm in Lebanon, Indiana, and is accepting serious show clients, sale horses, and horses in training. Burnett’s teaching philosophy is based on the classical style of American riding and he is extremely passionate about his sport and dedicated to his clients.

Contact Michael Burnett for more information on Burnett Farm’s services and schedule at michaelbhorses@yahoo.com. Follow them on Facebook at Burnett Farm.