Two poles on the ground, a cross rail to an oxer, an angled line – Chris Burton used seemingly innocuous exercises to teach the demo riders how to ride cross-country during day two of the USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP) Symposium. Throughout the day, Burton was full of insight into his training and teaching methods and shared numerous snippets of advice to the instructors in attendance.
With so much knowledge shared over the long day it would be impossible to report on all, but a selection of Burton’s advice, quips and instruction is below.
On finding the right distance
On improving a horse’s jump
On halting at the end of a line
Caroline Martin jumps Islandwood Captain Jack into the water as Chris Burton and the attendees look on. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.
On training horses
On being a good rider
On teaching
On difficult horses and using the whip
And what scares Burton the most on cross-country?
Stay tuned for a full write-up in Eventing USA and another day of Burton at the YEH Symposium tomorrow.
About the USEA Instructors' Certification Program
Instructors certified through the USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP) have been educated to the highest standards on the most effective and safe teaching methods of event riding, training competing, and care of the horse. The ICP Symposium will took Monday and Tuesday (February 20 & 21) at Longwood Farm South. The lead instructor for the ICP Symposium at Longwood was the world renown Australian Olympian, Burghley CCI4* and Le Lion d’Angers winner, Chris Burton. Thanks to ICP sponsor, Event Clinics and the Retired Racehorse Project for their partnership and support of this Symposium.
When Team SmartPak Rider Silva Martin saddles up, it’s always with a helmet. Silva’s riding career has taken her from Germany all across the world before she settled in the United States in 2007—well before helmets were popular in dressage. When the traditional top hat ruled the dressage ring, riders often schooled in baseball caps or nothing at all.
Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington, served as the beautiful backdrop for this year’s USEA Area VII Championships. In total, there were 11 championship divisions offered from the Beginner Novice level through Intermediate, in addition to the event’s regular horse trial divisions. USEA President Lou Leslie was onsite to lend a helping hand and help issue awards during the prize-giving ceremonies. Meet the 11 new USEA Area VII Champions below!
The USEA is sad to report that Mr. Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra) passed away on September 17 at Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in Virginia where he has enjoyed his retirement since 2019. The Irish Sport Horse gelding made quite the mark on the sport of eventing in the U.S., completing more than 50 FEI events over the course of his career with five different riders and finishing in the top 10 at 30 of those competitions. Mr. Medicott attended two Olympic Games and one World Equestrian Games for two different countries over the course of his career. “Cave,” as he was known around the barn, was 24 years old at the time of his death.
In just one month, the top horses and riders in North America, Central America, and South America will present their horses in the first horse inspection at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Held from Oct. 26-29, the 19th edition of the Pan Ams will serve as an Olympic qualifier for those countries not yet qualified for Paris 2024.