Alexander Grayton

Since 2008 Alex Grayton and Holly Burns have been operating Grayton Farms Ltd out of their home in Priddis, Alberta, Canada. Their combined experience as well as their mentors and trainers, both past and present, have molded their training program into what it is today. A foundation of trust and respect for one another's knowledge is paramount to the success of their program.
	Alexander began riding as a child, and maintained an active interest in hockey, soccer, and especially tennis through his school years. After completing the bilingual (French and English) International Baccalaureate programme in high school, Alexander enrolled in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. He graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Oil & Gas Engineering. Upon graduation, Alexander was able to fully focus on his career goal of being a professional show jumper and horse trainer. It was at that time he purchased his first two top level grand prix horses, Gran Duca and Heros des Etisses, from Europe through Frank Selinger. The fall of 2007 marked the beginning of a road trip for Alexander and his girlfriend and barn manager, Holly Burns, to compete and learn from American Grand Prix rider Kyle King. On this trip they showed extensively on the East Coast in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Ontario, and Florida. At the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, ON in 2007, Alexander was crowned National Talent Squad Champion with Heros des Etisses. Alexander competed with Gran Duca in International Grand Prix in Wellington, FL, and at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB. Beginning in June 2008 Alexander began riding with his childhood idol and legendary equestrian, Ian Millar. This experience has been an all important step in developing both Alexander's riding and training abilities. His consistent performances at a high level are solidifying his place as one of the top riders and trainers in Canada. Career Highlights
	Holly has been a large part of Grayton Farms since the begining. With her mother being a horsewoman, Holly’s exposure to horses began at a young age and continued through her childhood growing up in Victoria, BC. After moving to Calgary, AB in 2002 Holly worked and rode for Canadian Olympian Jonathan Asselin, as well as spending several years working for Calgary-area professionals Andrew More and Joely Mann gaining valuable experience. Under the tutelage of Joely Mann, Holly developed a very strong background in classical dressage. Holly's knowledge and understanding of horse training makes her invaluable to Grayton Farms Ltd. She has learned from legendary horsepeople such as Lori Green, Ian Millar, Andrea King, Kyle King, Matt Collins, Joely Mann, Paul Belasik, and Andrew More over the past few years. These experiences have helped enable Holly to be most effective with any horse at the highest level. Holly's interests extend to web design and photography. She has designed websites for Alexander Grayton of Grayton Farms, Canadian Olympian Ian Millar of Millar Brooke Farms, and many more. Her photographs have been featured in such publications as Gaitpost magazine and Phleps Sports. Please visit her website www.hollyburnsmedia.com for more information.

Photo Credit Lara Dziurdzy of www.Briarwoodphotography.com
	Grayton Farms Ltd Alexander is based at his family farm, Grayton Farms Ltd, in the beautiful Priddis, AB. The farm features 15 stalls in two barns, indoor arena, outdoor arena, large turnout fields, plenty of creekside property, and walking trails. This is the perfect place to train and ensure proper care for top athletes when they are home. Alexander is now one of the top up and coming Canadian show jumpers. He is fortunate to have a very talented string of Grand Prix horses in his stable, as well as a fantastic support system including his barn manager and girlfriend Holly Burns, and of course his mother, Patricia Smith-Grayton, who generously owns his horses.