The Australian rider Chris Burton was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, and spent his childhood on a farm in Box Ridge, Brymaroo. Raised in a family of horse enthusiasts, he started riding at a young age and developed a great passion for eventing over the years. After winning his first eventing competition at the age of 16 and completing his studies, he decided to turn his passion for riding into a full-time career.
He was named Eventing Rider of the Year in New South Wales on four occasions between 2005 and 2010. He also won the 2005 Australian Eventing Rider of the Year award.
In 2007, he made his official debut as an international event rider and has since participated in numerous competitions both nationally and internationally.
The following year, he won the Anna Savage Medal for 2008, which is awarded to the best and most correct event rider in Australia.
In June 2012, he moved to Dorset, England.
Among his most important victories are two Australian Eventing Championships (in 2014 and 2015) and two wins at the prestigious Adelaide Australian competition (in 2016 and 2017). Additionally, he participated in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he finished fifth in individual eventing and third in team competition.
In the same year, he won first place in the Nations Cup team championships in Aachen and gold at the Le Lion d’Angers World Championships riding Fire Fly.
In 2017, he achieved another important milestone by winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials event in the UK, riding his horse Nobilis 18. This was a great achievement in his career and made him one of the few Australian riders to win this competition.
“My saddle was always a big part of being able to make the time cross country – it allowed for freedom and lightness in the seat and is very light on the horses back. I still use the same saddle today in showjumping where riding smooth and fast is just as important”.
