Jeff Burley – A Passion For Performance

Click here to read the complete article
34 – October, 2017

by Susan Winslow

Every once in awhile, a family will have an outlier, a kid who has a passion that no one can explain. For those of us who come from non-horsey families, the passion to ride, care for, and compete with horses can often be viewed as curious, a bit odd, and from the perspective of the bill-paying parent, somewhat horrifying with a fervent wish for a short duration.

There is no doubt Jeff Burley’s parents may have experienced some of those emotions when they signed up their nine-year-old, horse-loving son for riding lessons near their hometown of Rochester, New York. Jeff recalls, “There are no other members of my family that are involved with the horse industry, so it was always a mystery to my family how I became interested.” However, Jeff thrived in his Monday afternoon riding lessons. Within a short time, it became apparent that he had both natural talent and the drive to become an accomplished rider. After leasing horses for a few years, Jeff’s parents agreed to help him purchase his own horse, but with a brilliant condition: he would have to pay for half.

Showing the drive and determination that would eventually elevate him to World Champion status, young Jeff got to work mowing lawns, collecting cans, and doing odd jobs to raise over $2,500. His parents were as good as their word, and Jeff was on his way. He says with a laugh, “Like most parents, they assumed their child would not have the patience to raise enough money, but they were wrong. They were impressed with my dedication, and I believe that’s when they realized this was not just a phase. Since then, my parents have been there for me 110%, including supporting my decision to become a horse trainer. They are my number one mentors, hands down. There are a lot of parents who try to decide their children’s future, but that was not the case with mine. As hesitant as they were, they always encouraged me to do what I love and reminded me to chase my dreams.”

Click here to read the complete article
34 – October, 2017