I first met the General as a student at W.D.E.I. at Morven Park. We hosted a USDF judges symposium and the national portion was run by him. I was impressed with his thoughts on Dressage and how he handled the vigorous debates between people like Axel Steiner and Micheal Poulin noted professionals in their own rights, over things like accuracy vs. artistry.
A few years after I graduated the school sadly closed. I decided at one point a few years after that to return and rent some space and try my own business.At that time General Burton would go there two or three days a week and ride one of his close friend, Coronal Paul Wymert's horses. I asked him if he would be willing to teach me and thankfully he said yes!
He taught me so much about how to organize my work. How to and when to go from one movement to the next. How to be clear and positive when training horses, and riders!!! Always leg and seat to hand, if the hand was needed at all!I could go on and on. It was incredible! Many of these things were taught to me By Tad Coffin and Raul de Leon when I was a student at W.D.E.I.(which I will talk more about in future posts) but the General was able to take them to another level for me.This was due to his Fantastic system and that we were working one on one.He is also why I was able to ride with his close friend Conrad Schumacher.I owe him a 1,000 Thank You's !
I want to keep my point today simple, polite, and clear the way the General always is. If you approach things by giving your best, you are on time, you are positive in your outlook and thinking you will ultimately have success.This can be applied to anything in life! Have a great day! and Kudos to you for trying!
If you don't know who general Burton is here are a few links which will tell you about a few of his countless acomplishments. If you want to know more just google him and there you will be blown away by all he has done and is doing at 90! ttp://useventing.com/hof/ ,http://www.usdf.org/halloffame/inductees/profiles/burton.asp, http://www.shophorsesdaily.com/products/dvd-conversations-with-major-general-jonathan-r-burton, http://www.229thavbn.com/1stcav/History.html, and http://www.dressagedaily.com/index.php?Itemid=437&catid=343:novemb
I hope this has helped you in some small way.
Sincerely,
John
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