Major General Jonathan R. Burton an Integral Part of the Birth of the United States Equestrian Team

“The concept for this production was a result of an amazing conversation I had with General Burton one day at a dressage show," explained executive producer Mary Phelps. "I have known Maj. General Jonathan R. Burton throughout my 30 years in this industry, but had no idea until that day the extent of his contribution, not only to our sport, but to our country. I know there are many young riders who see Jack Burton at the 20 or so events he continues to officiate who do not have a clue how fortunate they are to be in his presence. This man was an integral part of the birth of the United States Equestrian Team through his service in the American cavalry in Aachen after World War II. I wanted to share some of that conversation through this production, and it grew into so much more!"

Maj. Gen. Jonathan (Jack) Burton, who served his country in both World War II and Vietnam, is a legend in the U.S. equestrian world. A former U.S. cavalry officer, he represented America in numerous international equestrian competitions, including the 1948 and 1956 Olympics. Skilled in both jumping and dressage, Gen. Burton is perhaps best known for being one of the key figures behind the development of eventing in the U.S.

An international judge, competitor and technical delegate in three equestrian disciplines, Gen. Burton served as vice president of the U.S. Equestrian Team and as president of the U.S. Combined Training Association. He is among an elite group of military officers who served as the bridge by which equestrian sports in the U.S. moved from a military-only sport to the modern-day era of open civilian competition.