John brings over 30 years of professional teaching and riding experience to the team. Born and raised on Long Island, he was fortunate to begin his love of horses at Knoll Farm under the tutelage of Larry Palmer. Surrounded by quality Hunt Seat education as well as learning from international dressage trainers, Anne Gribbons and Linda Mudge Smith, John was exposed to the highest levels of competition at an early age and was lucky to spend his last junior year lessoning with Robert Hoskins before leaving for college. While attending Virginia Intermont College, he continued his riding and showing under the guidance of David Meacham and Kim Burnette. After leaving VIC to further his academic pursuits, John turned professional at an early age and had the privilege of working alongside George Morris at his Hunterdon, Inc. for two years where his professional development took shape. So much of what he learned at Hunterdon still resonates in his daily teaching and coaching today. John served as Assistant Director of Hunter/Jumper Activities of The American Horse Shows Association (now USEF), was inducted into the inaugural class of USHJA Certified Trainer Program and was honored to serve as judges assistant at the 1995 AHSA/ Pessoa Medal Finals alongside Rodney Jenkins and Marcia “Mousie” Williams. Additionally, he has managed USEF rated horse shows and co-coached New York University’s Intercollegiate team to 2 Regional Championships.
John is most proud of his students over the years and their accomplishments including numerous championships and ribbons at shows like The Hampton Classic, HITS Saugerties, Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, St. Clements Saratoga, Old Salem Spring, Winter Equestrian Festival, and notably, Kimberly Sarrica’s National Marshall and Sterling Pony Medal Championship and many more. Additionally, John’s students have qualified for ASPCA Maclay, USEF Medal, and Marshall and Sterling Junior Medal Finals, as well as Junior and Pony Hunter Finals. He has served as hunter/jumper/equitation clinician for years and also coached peers at shows like The Pennsylvania National, Devon, Kentucky National, The Hampton Classic, and Capital Challenge.
Barbara Burnett Trainer
A USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with 30 years’ experience in the US and Europe, Barbara Burnett offers rare guidance to professionals and beginners alike. While achieving national Eventing recognition early in her career, Barbara honed her life-long passion for dressage. With diligence and compassion, she, her horses and her students have attained national success.
Barbara is dedicated to creating a channel for success for both horse and rider. Her students have competed and won at Dressage at Devon, Pony Club Nationals, Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival, in addition to Regional and National Championships. Patient and engaging, Barbara is able to evaluate and address individual needs while being uniquely prepared to support all students as they work towards and achieve their goals.
