Jack Burton

Jack Burton studied at Michigan State University, where he served in ROTC. Joining the Army after graduation, Burton went to Fort Riley, Kansas, joining the US Army Cavalry School there. During World War II he fought in the Pacific Theatre under General MacArthur. After the war he returned to Fort Riley to teach advanced horsemanship. Burton became a career military officer, eventually reaching the rank of Major General. He served in Vietnam, and in the military his decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (1st OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd OLC), Air Medal (V Device & 54 OLC), Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Ribbon. However, he became very involved with the US Equestrian Team (USET), especially in teaching and judging dressage.

Burton founded the US Dressage Foundation Advanced Young Rider Council, and chaired it for 10 years, then being named chairman emeritus. From 1975-85, he was executive vice-president of the USET, then served a three-year term as President of the US Combined Training Association (USCTA, later US Eventing Association). He was manager of the 1976 US Olympic equestrian team, and was chef d’equipe of the 1988 US dressage team. Burton wrote books on the rules for combined training, and dressage riding and judging.