Michael Burnett Earns a Spot on the Podium at the Columbus International I

Michel Burnett and Chagrand finished third in the coveted $50,000 1.45m Grand Prix at the Columbus International I. Photo Winslow Photography

Burnett Farm Program Gets Riders in the Winner's Circle

Lebanon, IN – September 29, 2020 - Michael Burnett is a hidden gem from small town Lebanon, Indiana, who is working his way to the top of the elite sport of show jumping by bringing up young horses through the ranks. Proof his system is working, Burnett placed third on Chagrand in the coveted Columbus International I $50,000 1.45m Grand Prix as part of the Split Rock Jumping Tour.

Burnett, 29, was one of eight out of 59 top riders in the sport, who claimed a stake in the jump off round. Only three riders performed a clear second round with time as the deciding factor, leaving Burnett just behind winner Jessica Mendoza aboard Dublin and Ali Wolff with Footloose HX taking second. The event drew some of the best riders in the sport including veteran Margie Goldstein-Engle, Nayel Nassar, Lauren Hough, Jennifer Gates, and the celebrity list goes on.

Michael Burnett and Chagrand won the Welcome Stake at Showplace Spring Spectacular. Photo Andrew Ryback Photography

Burnett has had the11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Chacco Blue since taking over the reins from Victoria Colvin in late 2018. Since then, Burnett has been knocking on the door in the bigger classes, putting numerous top grand prix ribbons on his resume in the process. He Won the $25,000 Brownland Grand Prix in June 2019, won the Welcome Stake at Showplace Spring Spectacular this spring after the Covid-19 shutdown, won the $30,000 Brownland Grand Prix in July, and won the Welcome Stake at Mid States Fall in early September.

Michael Burnett and Iron. Photo Lili Weik

Burnett hit the grand prix arena with his previous mount, Iron, earning a great second place finish at the $100,000 International Omaha Speed Class in 2018, and adding career wins in the grand prix ring including the $30,000 The Rescue Ride Grand Prix in 2017, the $25,000 Harvest Grand Prix, The Init2winit Speed Qualifier in St. Louis, and went on to WEF to win 1.35m and 1.40m classes there in 2018. In 2019, Burnett had back to back wins in the World Equestrian Center Futures Prixs before handing the reins over to Gabriella Lewis, who continues to win with the now 18-year-old in the low junior jumper division.

Burnett is building his grand prix string thanks to great owners like the Dodd Family of Windara Farms, who purchased Luxus Liner S and VDL Icely, a 7-year-old, Dutch Warmblood, early this year. The shutdown allowed Burnett to spend quality time getting to know the horses and even fit in a clinic at his Burnett Farm with Olympic Rider Chris Kappler. Burnett’s strong work ethic and enthusiasm keeps him serious in the tack and eager to learn more of what it takes to be at the top.

Michael Burnett with Irbywood for the win in the .85m Final and third in the 1.0m Final at Split Rock.

In the second ring in Sunday’s events at the Columbus International, Burnett won the .85m Final with a double clear round on Michael Kvistad’s Irbywood. Client and owner Wanda Dodd finished just behind Burnett for second place with her Casal I. Burnett also took second and third place in the 1.0m Final aboard Iron and Irbywood respectively. Burnett kept putting in clear rounds all week with his mounts including Fiji Moon, a 7-year-old Holsteiner, who was one of only 8 clean in the $1,000 Animo 1.20m to head to the jump off.

Michael Burnett and VDL Icely. Photo Winslow Photography

Burnett has been business as usual since the horse shows reopened, hitting the road to the Mid Sates Shows in Iowa and Lamplight Equestrian Center in Chicago. VDL Icely and Fiji Moon took a swing at their first grand prix finishing fifth and eighth in the $20,000 Mid States Grand Prix.

Wanda Dodd and Casal I. Photo Winslow Photography

Kait Meggenhofen and Sutter. Photo ESI

Gabriella Lewis and Iron. Photo Winslow Photography

Burnett Farm riders Gabriella Lewis, Wanda Dodd, and Kait Meggenhofen have also been earning blues and championships under Burnett’s program. Burnett has all levels of riders in hunters and equitation as well as the jumper ring and creates an individual program and goals for each horse/rider combination. Burnett’s clients often rave about the individual time and attention to detail he provides. He is hands on in the barn providing quality care for the horses with plenty of turnout time along with top instruction and training rides to keep horses in top performance shape.

Burnett Farm plans to head to Wellington, Florida, for the Winter Equestrian Festival from January through March 2021 and in the meantime, Burnett will keep moving the horses up the ranks getting closer to his FEI grand prix goals one division at a time.

About Burnett Farm

Michael Burnett has an impressive resume in the jumper ring including a second place finish at the 2018 International Omaha Init2winit Final with Iron. The pair also earned the 2018 WEF Reserve Circuit Championship in the 1.35m jumpers and a second place finish in the Maffit Lake Grand Prix. Burnett has won the Minnesota Grand Prix, The $30,000 Rescue Ride Grand Prix at Two Rivers, and the InIt2WinIt Speed Qualifier at Lake St. Louis.

Burnett is growing his farm in Lebanon, Indiana and is accepting 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 is dedicated to his clients. He trains horses and riders of all ages and experience levels.

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