Trainer/Rider Michael Burnett Focuses on Consistency at all Levels of Riding
- M4E
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Hosting Chris Kappler Clinic May 23-25, 2025
Michael Burnett and Chagrand at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Anne Gittins Photography.
Wellington, FL – April 10, 2025 – Trainer/rider Michael Burnett focuses on consistency as a goal for all levels of riding. Burnett, of Lebanon, Indiana, brings riders up the ranks by emphasizing fundamental skills that carry into higher riding levels, which creates performance consistency. The young professional also applies this philosophy to horses when bringing up young horses or keeping the veterans going. Burnett’s consistent program creates success in the show ring for both hunters and jumpers as well as making it possible for riders to move up to the next level easily.
Burnett himself has a great track record and works out of his farm in Indiana with a Wellington, Florida, location for the winter. He prides himself on education and holds a clinic annually with Olympic rider Chris Kappler. This year, the clinic is scheduled for May 23-25. Reservations to ride can be made by contacting Michael Burnett at michaelbhorses@yahoo.com.
Michael Burnett Highlights
Burnett’s accolades include numerous top finishes at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Circuit since 2018 in the 1.30m - 1.45m jumper divisions with multiple horses, including young jumpers.
Burnett and Chagrand at WEF.
During WEF 2025, Burnett piloted Chagrand and Hendrik Wildrick to top 12 finishes in 1.30m, 1.35m, 1.40m, and 1.45m open classes. He also catch-rode some young hunters to give them experience in the show ring.
Kait Meggenhofen Highlights
Burnett spends one-on-one time with clients such as the successful Kait Meggenhofen, who back in 2020 started at WEF in the Low Children’s Hunters, fast forward to 2025, now Meggenhofen is finishing in the top 12 in the highly competitive 1.40m Amateur Jumpers with Darius Du Reel. The amateur jumper divisions at WEF typically host 50-85 riders per class and some tough competition with top horses from around the world.
Kait Meggenhofen in 2020 just starting (left) and now in 2025.
Back in 2023, Meggenhofen was WEF Circuit Champion in the Modified Children’s Jumpers on Kenner VDL, which included being champion or reserve six times in the 12 weeks. Burnette's program has helped Meggenhofen move up in divisions and stay in the ribbons consistently.
Meggenhoffen on Dirty Girl (left) and VDL Ivar (right).
Darius Du Reel - multiple top 12 finishes in the highly competitive and very well-attended 1.40m Amateur Jumpers.
Dirty Girl - finished in the top 12 in the 1.20m Low Amateurs.
VDL Ivar - finished in the top 12 in the 1.20m Amateurs and $10,000 1.25m Amateur Classics.
Wanda Dodd Highlights
Wanda Dodd, another client, laid down over 10 clear rounds in the Master’s division during the WEF circuit. Her consistency is quite an accomplishment.
Wanda Dodd on VDL Karusa iBlue (left) and Fiji Moon (right).
VDL Karusa Blue - finished 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th in the $10,000 Master’s classics.
Fiji Moon - finished 3rd in a big 1.05 Amateur Classic, finished top 12 in 1.10m Amateur classes, and also jumped clear in the Master’s Division.
Casal I, Dodd’s show mount of over six years - finished top 6 in the .80m Child/Adult Jumpers for fun!
More Burnett Farm Riders
Ava Ehret and Lex Toccino were in the top 12 in the 1.15m Modified Adult division 15 times.
Ava Ehret and Illegally Blonde finished in the top 12 in the .90m Child/Adult and 1.0m Amateur Jumpers.
Kendyl Rudolf and Fiji Moon finished in 6th in the $2,500 1.15m Modified Adult Classic.
Kantaro and McKenzie Ellery finished in the top 12 in 1.10m Amateur and 1.15m Modified Jumpers.
Kamryn Ousley and Jackson Bay earned good ribbons in the USHJA 2’ Hunters
Bailea Abbott and Coral Z started in the .80m jumpers and ended up getting ribbons in the 1.0m. Coral Z is a very green 6-year-old and WEF was only his second show.
Burnette Farm invites riders and horse owners to visit the facility and hear more about Burnett's services. Advanced riders can participate in the Chirs Kappler Clinic May 23-25 at the farm in Lebanon, Indiana by contacting the farm at michaelbhorses@yahoo.com. Auditors are welcome, contact Burnett for pricing.
For more information on Burnett Farm, visit the website at www.MichaelBurnettFarm.com.
About Burnett Farm
Michael Burnett has an impressive resume in the jumper ring and a talent for bringing along young jumper prospects. Burnett is growing his farm in Lebanon, Indiana, and is accepting serious show clients, sale horses, and horses in training. Burnett’s teaching philosophy is based on the classical style of American riding and he is extremely passionate about his sport and dedicated to his clients.
Contact Michael Burnett for more information on Burnett Farm’s services and schedule at michaelbhorses@yahoo.com. Follow them on Facebook at Burnett Farm.
Burnett Farm
Michael Burnett
1585 W 800 N Main Street
Lebanon, IN 46052
(317) 752-5240
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