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Early Life and Education
Christopher Burton, affectionately known as "Burto," was born on November 22, 1981, in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. He grew up on a grain and cattle farm at Box Ridge, Brymaroo. For his early education, Burton attended Kulpi State School in Queensland before moving on to Downlands College for high school.
Equestrian Career
Christopher Burton dedication to equestrian sports led him to England, where he moved to enhance his chances of competing in the Olympics. By June 2012, he was residing in Dorset, England. Standing 180 cm (71 in) tall and weighing 70 kg (154 lb) at that time, Burton quickly made a name for himself in the eventing discipline.
In 2011, Christopher Burton achieved significant success, finishing 2nd in the FEI World Cup overall standings. He also had impressive performances in various competitions, including 8th place at the Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4 in France, 5th at the Gatcombe British Open Championships in Great Britain, and multiple 2nd place finishes at events such as the Sydney CIC3 and Kihikihi CIC in New Zealand.
2012 Summer Olympics
Christopher Burton efforts culminated in his selection to represent Australia at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Competing in the eventing category, he rode Holstein Park Leilani and secured 6th place in the team event and 16th place individually. This marked his Olympic debut after previously attempting to qualify twice without success.
Subsequent Achievements
The 2013 season saw Burton achieving notable victories, including winning the CICO3 in Aachen and the Australian International Three Day Event with his horse TS Jamaimo. The following year, he was selected to represent Australia at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, but had to withdraw during the competition. In 2015, he demonstrated his skill with a 4th place finish at the Luhmühlen Horse Trials and a 3rd place finish at the Burghley Horse Trials.
2016 Summer Olympics
Christopher Burton returned to the Olympics in 2016, where he earned a team bronze medal and placed 5th individually. Although he led the individual competition after the cross-country phase, mistakes in the jumping stage prevented him from securing an individual medal. Shortly after the Games, he won the Burghley Horse Trials with Nobilis, becoming the first Australian to win at Burghley since 2006.
Recent Successes
In 2024, Christopher Burton achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a Silver Medal in the Equestrian Individual Eventing at the Paris Olympics, riding his horse Shadowman.
Notable Horses
Throughout his career, Burton has ridden several notable horses:
- Newsprint: A 1995 Bay Thoroughbred Gelding who won the 2008 Adelaide CCI.
- Holstein Park Leilani: A 1996 Chestnut Mare who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, achieving 6th place in the team event and 16th place individually.
- TS Jamaimo: A 1999 Bay Thoroughbred Gelding who won the 2013 Adelaide CCI.
- Nobilis 18: A 2005 Bay Hanoverian Gelding who won the 2016 Burghley CCI.
- Fire Fly: A 2010 Bay Dutch Warmblood Stallion who won the 2016 FEI Eventing Young Horse World Championships Gold Medal.
- Santano II: A 2007 Black Hanoverian Gelding who won the 2016 Rio Olympics Team Bronze Medal and placed 5th individually.
- Lawtown Boy: A 2010 Dark Brown Holsteiner Stallion who placed 11th at the 2017 FEI Eventing Young Horse Championships.
Personal Life
Christopher Burton is married to Rebekah Thompson. His commitment to the sport and his impressive achievements make him a prominent figure in the world of equestrian eventing.
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