Mary Burke, an accomplished FEI 4-Star Event rider and Prix St. George dressage rider, is dedicated to coaching and teaching. Her passion for instruction enables her to create a positive and inspiring learning environment for students.
As a Physical Therapist, Mary Burke has a solid knowledge base that she incorporates into her coaching. She uses her expertise in human kinesiology, physiology, and anatomy to create a performance-focused coaching program.
Mary decodes the “art of riding” for both competitive and non-competitive riders across all levels. She achieves this by combining her understanding of how a horse thinks and moves with her Physical Therapy expertise in human movement patterns.
…a lesson with Mary is a great experience! She is professional, detailed and tuned in…
Our sport is difficult because the rider is only as good as the horse. Mary Burke’s philosphy is that with hard work and the right mentoring, there are realistic possibilities that can be achieved for every rider.
As a mentor Mary aids in the growth and development of each rider. She provides career guidance, emotional support, problem solving skills, networking and resource referrals to help bring out the best in each horse/rider partnership.
As a Trainer Mary has the skilled eye for details and the caring approach required to train both rider and horse systematically and correctly.
Mary Burke’s expertise helps her clients train for success.
Mary has greatly improved my dressage riding. As an event rider, I’ve always been more comfortable jumping… read more
I brought my horse to Burkeridge Farm my freshman year of college at CWU and have loved every minute… read more
I have been training with Mary for nearly a year and have found her to be a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and… read more
Mary and Richard plan and work on their goals of having a top notch training facility and it shows. Each season brings new… read more
Richard Burke is the co-owner of Burkeridge Farm and has been involved in the equestrian industry for over 55 years. After purchasing Burkeridge Farm, Richard used his talents to build and develop the entire 30-acre farm into an efficient and successful equestrian facility.
Before owning Burkeridge Farm, Richard served with honor in the United States Marine Corps, traveling the world for several years. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he embraced a firefighter career and retired as Chief of Operations for Eastside Fire and Rescue.
“My husband, Richard Burke, is the most important piece of the Burkeridge Farm business and my success as a rider and as a person! He is a wonderful and supportive husband and father. More than that, he is, hands down, the person who helps me through my most difficult times and my darkest equestrian moments. Everyone needs a ‘go-to man,’ and he is that, and more!
No one can ride at the FEI level, work as a physical therapist, run an equestrian business, and maintain sanity without a strong support system. My ‘Superman’ has always been there to handle every task, from changing a flat tire on the horse trailer to mending fences and building the beautiful tack room at Burkeridge Farm. He also consistently helps clients at shows or on the farm with a smile.
I’m not certain that I could ever find a better person than my husband to spend my life with. He has truly been the main contributor to my success, and I’m so blessed to have him in my life!
Thank you, honey, for being there for our biggest wins, scraping me up off the floor when I was in tears, and, above all, keeping me grounded. You are truly the best.”
– Mary Burke