When you think of Olympic-level equestrianism, you might picture intense training, elite horses, and high-stakes competition. But when you sit down virtually, with a strong latte in hand with someone like Chris Burton, the narrative softens. It becomes more human. More real.
In our latest Horses & Coffee episode, I caught up with Chris from his new base in Goulburn, Australia. He spoke with grace and honesty about moving home, building from scratch, and how family not medals anchors his life.
A Morning That Starts With Coffee (Of Course)
Chris might be known as one of Australia’s most naturally talented eventers, but his day begins not in the saddle, but in the kitchen with a coffee, served in bed for his wife. "Coffee is very important to Australians," he laughed. “Last month we had an Australian blend, this month Italian. But always, always coffee.”
The Big Move
After years based in the UK at Cheddington, Chris and his wife decided it was time to come home. The 2024 season was intense horses flying between countries, a full team of jumpers and eventers, and not even knowing which airport he was waking up in. “We always said, after Paris, we’ll move back to Australia,” Chris shared. Now, they're building a barn, an arena, and most importantly, a home.
A New Venture: Breeding with Purpose
Chris’s next chapter includes launching a breeding program focused on well-bred stallions with the potential to improve sport horse quality in Australia. “There are already some really nice horses being bred here,” he said, “but we want to help strengthen that base even more.”
From Eventing to Jumping and Back Again
While the world saw Chris dominate eventing, a lesser-known chapter unfolded when he narrowly missed Tokyo selection. “That hit me hard,” he admitted. “So I went showjumping. And I nearly made the Paris team just in a different discipline.” It’s a testament to his resilience and versatility, and a reminder that in equestrian sport, the path is rarely straight.
The Thoroughbred That Made the Man
When asked about the horse that changed his life, Chris didn't hesitate: Dio Giovanti, a $2,500 off-track Thoroughbred his parents bought for him as a teen. “Without him,” he said, “I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you today.”
It sparked a bigger discussion how Thoroughbreds can offer access and heart to young riders with ambition but limited budgets. “Go to your local trainer,” Chris advised. “Find a slow racehorse. With the right support, they can become something incredible.”
Mental Fortitude at the Top
Elite performance takes more than talent. Chris shared his mantra: “It’s better to try and fail than not to try at all.” He acknowledged the emotional toll of being left off a team and the physical toll the sport takes as you age. “In my twenties, I didn’t even have to think about it. Now, it’s core strength, physio, bodywork... all to keep doing what I love.”
Behind Every Great Rider…
It was clear throughout the episode that Chris sees his success as shared. His wife, a rider herself, manages the logistics, books, and business behind the scenes. “I don’t know why I got so lucky,” he smiled. “She runs the show.”
The Final Sips
In our lightning round, Chris revealed a few truths:
Coffee Order: Strong latte
Favorite Show: Aachen
Always in the Bag: Toothbrush
Mood-Booster Song: Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
Underrated Barn Item: The saddle (obviously!)
Midnight Snack: Chocolate
This episode is a reminder that beneath the medals and photos and press releases, there’s a person drinking coffee, swatting flies, building fences, raising kids, and figuring it all out.
And that’s exactly what Horses & Coffee is about.