Chris Burton and Holstein Park Leilani at Kentucky, 2010 Photo: Toni-anne Collins
In 2011 Christopher Burton made the difficult decision to up sticks from New South Wales and head for England. After talking to Chris a few weeks ago it sounds as if he is still coming to terms with the move as the British winter takes his toll on this former Queensland boy. However before you start feeling too sorry for ‘Chris in the cold’ after chatting to him I discovered he was actually enjoying a short break from his horses and living it up on the ski fields of France!
“Moving over here has been a big learning curve for me. Because the ‘off season’ here in Britain is during the winter, it’s not at all relaxed - it’s just hard work. All the horses are stabled, everything takes twice as long to do and it’s cold, wet and horrible. Compared to our off season at home where we would ride a few horses in the cool of the day, then jump in the pool or watch the tennis – it’s poles apart. I am lucky to have an American groom, Elena, working with me. She is fantastic and I couldn’t do what I do without her. I’m probably at the stage of needing a third person but right now it’s just the two of us working very hard. I think it’s pretty tough on the horses as well, although they are finally starting to adjust to the climate change between the two countries and I’m looking forward to them coming back to competition even better than last year. Because they are all stabled and I’ve been trying to keep weight on them they are feeling pretty well and try to buck me off when I ride them. It’s not ideal but it’s great at least they are feeling well.
Chris and Jaybee Calypso Sydney 3DE 2010
At the moment I have eight horses to ride. I brought five over here from Australia and have since taken back the ride (from William Fox-Pitt) of a horse called Jaybee Calypso (owned by Alex Townsend) that I previously rode in Australia. I have also picked up a ride on a British thoroughbred horse, which means I have my first British owner … that’s a little bit exciting. The eighth horse is just in for schooling and will go back to his owners shortly. As for the horses I brought with me, Holstein Park Leilani will do Badminton, hopefully en route to the Olympics. I’m pretty excited about Badminton and Leilani’s owners, Jean and Jade Findlay, are coming over to watch so that will make it even better. She’s a great mare and I’m feeling pretty confident about our chances for London. We’ve had some ups and downs with the other four horses but I think this year will see them produce some good results.
I also feel extremely lucky to be able to base myself with Sam and Lucy Griffiths. They have been so helpful and really taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes, which has been an enormous help. Australia should be proud of Sam – he’s a really nice guy. Although I still miss Australia now that I’m here I want to give it my best shot and it’s a pretty exciting year to be here. Whatever happens I’m sure I will look back and think that this time in my life was a great experience. And after London, well I think we’ll just play it by ear and take what comes.”
