Meet Mary Burke, FEI 3* Eventer & Kerrits Team Rider

Discipline: Eventing

Location: Ellensburg, Washington

Follow Mary's Journey: On Facebook

Coaching, training and mentoring dressage and event riders and horses 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 detree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington in 1998.

Transitioning into her thirties, Mary blended her hunter-jumper talent and dressage experience to creating 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 itself, from winning at the prestigious American Event Championship, to training her personal horse from the start to turning into a FEI 3* Advanced Level and qualifying for the Rolex Three Day Event three years in a row.

Having competed in FEI competitions in both Dressage and Eventing, Mary now owns and runs an inspirational and motivational training and coaching facility, Burkenridge Farm, with her husband Richard Burke. 

The horse's ability to connect with people has always amazed me. We, as riders, have to be open to understanding their body language and emotions in order to experience a true and lasting connection. When a horse tunes into me, that's when communication begins. While incrementally improving the 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 the connection between horse and rider is what drives my passion to ride. 

Why I love Kerrits:

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 Prelim 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 Galops Saddlery in Tualatin, OR. They both are great!

Mary's Top Kerrits Picks:

Ice Fil® Lite Long Sleeve Riding Shirt

$59.00

Wear it as a base layer top or on its own, the featherlight fabric provides UPF+30 sun protection and stretches with every move, while the Ice Fil® in this long sleeve shirt keeps riders cool by lowering skin’s surface temp… read more

WHITE / XS - $59.00 WHITE / S - $59.00 WHITE / M - $59.00 WHITE / L - $59.00 WHITE / XL - $59.00 WHITE / 1X - $59.00 WHITE / 2X - $59.00 BURGUNDY / XS - $59.00 BURGUNDY / S - $59.00 BURGUNDY / M - $59.00 BURGUNDY / L - $59.00 BURGUNDY / XL - $59.00 BURGUNDY / 1X - $59.00 BURGUNDY / 2X - $59.00 NAVY / XS - $59.00 NAVY / S - $59.00 NAVY / M - $59.00 NAVY / L - $59.00 NAVY / XL - $59.00 NAVY / 1X - $59.00 NAVY / 2X - $59.00 BLACK / XS - $59.00 BLACK / S - $59.00 BLACK / M - $59.00 BLACK / L - $59.00 BLACK / XL - $59.00 BLACK / 1X - $59.00 BLACK / 2X - $59.00

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Softshell Riding Vest

$79.00

Designed with minimal seaming to make logo customization easy, this vest makes a great addition to your team’s riding ensemble. Equestrian-specific features like a two-way zipper, stretch side panels, and a slightly longer hem in back offer riders a performance… read more

BLACK / XS - $79.00 BLACK / S - $79.00 BLACK / M - $79.00 BLACK / L - $79.00 BLACK / XL - $79.00 BLACK / 1X - $79.00 BLACK / 2X - $79.00

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