Westbrook Hunt Club Staff
Jane Dow Burt - Owner Westbrook Hunt Club
I was born in New Haven, CT and grew up in Short Beach, part of Branford, CT. I have been riding since I was 10 years old. As a junior I rode with Victor Hugo-Vidal and under his direction won many state and regional championships. In 1967, my mother bought Westbrook Hunt Club. I attended the University of Hartford and earned a BS in Business Management.
Through the years I have trained many students, and developed consistent winners, including "Major Dilemma" the 1983 Children's Services Grand Hunter Champion and Stacie Seidman's "Just Humour Me", Champion Small Junior and Regular Working Hunter. To this day my favorite thing to do is to develop and train a green horse!
In 1994 a devastating fire leveled the Westbrook Hunt Club. It was one of the biggest challenges I ever faced, but I knew I could rebuild the business. The Westbrook Hunt Club stands proudly once again, and now hosts many one-day shows of different ratings, as well as Dressage shows. In addition, we host four USAE "A" Rated multiple day shows.
I currently serve the Connecticut Hunter and Jumper Association as its Past President. I am also a member of the Professional Horseman's Association, the USAE Zone 1 Committee and the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. I am also a USAE Registered Judge in Hunter, Hunterseat Equitation and Jumper.
email: jane@westbrookhuntclub.com
Alex Shokat - Rider/Trainer
Rider and Trainer Alex Shokat has been a member of the Westbrook Hunt Club since June 2005.
Alex moved from Florida to be part of Westbrook Hunt Club's team of quality professionals and horses. He found the beautiful location and state of the art facilities to be a great place to work with young horses and to further enhance his skills as a professional.
Alex had a successful junior riding career competing throughout the southeast training under the guidance of accomplished horseman and judge Paddy Downing-Nyegard. Alex had numerous appearances at Pony Finals earning individual and overall placings as well as the Sportsmanship Award in 1995. In addition, he earned many Circuit championships and Best Child Rider accolades during his showings at HITS Ocala.
He is a graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!) earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Presently Alex can be found at the shows bringing up young hunters and jumpers through the ranks and helping young riders accomplish their goals.
