Meet Team Rider Mary Burke
Discipline: FEI 3-Star Event Rider
Ellensburg, Washington
Team rider: Mary Burke
Coaching, training and mentoring dressage and event “riders and horse” to the upper levels, has come from a 45-year history of understanding how a horse and rider thinks and moves. Her knowledge base was built on studying and training with equestrian masters from age 10 to 50 as well as her obtaining her masters degree in Physical Therapy from University Of Washington in 1998.
Transitioning into her thirties, Mary Burke blended her hunter-jumper talent, dressage east coast experience, and collage education in human Physical Therapy into a highly successful eventing, training and coaching career. At the start of her eventing career, she was mentored by two-time Olympian Amy Tryon from 2006 to 2012. Mary’s eventing record speaks for it self, from winning at the prestigious “American Event Championship, training her personal horse from young event horse to the FEI three star Advanced level and qualifying for the Rolex Three Day Event three years in a row. In addition, Winning the CIC 3-Star at Woodside International Horse Trial in California, to winning the Advanced at Aspen Farms Horse Trial in Washington plus Area - 7 “Horse Of The Year Champion” for both the Advanced and Intermediate levels.
Having competed in FEI competitions in both Dressage and Eventing, Burke now owns and runs an inspirational and motivational training and coaching facility, Burkeridge Farm in Ellensburg, Washington with her husband Richard Burke.
I feel connected to my horse when:
The horse's ability to connect with people has always amazed me. We, as riders, have to be open to understand their body language and emotions in order to experience a true and lasting connection. When a horse tunes into me and disregards everything else, that is when communication begins. While incrementally improving that connection with each ride, the partnership is strengthened. I am inspired each day to ride with clear and fair communication, resulting in a lasting, trusting relationship. Having a connection with my horse is truly a special sensation. Developing that connection between horse and rider is what drives my passion to ride.
Why I love Kerrits:
I love Kerrits for several reasons, but in the simplest form, Kerrits knows how to dress equestrian athletes so we can do what we love to do—ride! They have attention to detail in all of the riding clothes that I have worn from the performance equestrian apparel line. The color choices and sport fabrics always help me look professional and well-dressed.
My most memorable moment as a rider:
Winning the Open Preliminary Division at the American Eventing Championships in Chicago. It was one of my career favorites because I was able to share the experience with my friend and coach, Amy Tryon.
My favorite place to buy Kerrits:
Olson's Tack Shop in Bellevue, WA and Gallops Saddlery in Tualatin, OR. They both are great!
Mary's Kerrits Favorites
Follow Mary's Journey