• Save

George H. Morris Heads to Alabama for Clinic at Blackjack Farms

Birmingham, AL – Sept. 27, 2018 – George H. Morris is pleased to announce that he will soon be traveling to the Southeastern region of the United States where he will host one of his renowned clinics from Oct. 5-7, 2018 at the Gorrie Family’s Blackjack Farms, located in Birmingham, Alabama. After an incredibly rewarding career as a winning rider, chef d’equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, coach, clinician, judge and author, Morris has shifted his focus on helping to develop the future of the sport by conducting clinics across the globe.

Known as the “founding father” of hunt-seat equitation, Morris emphasizes the need for mastery of correct form and function in the saddle, as well as sound horsemanship and a workmanlike attitude in the barn. Morris’ extraordinary talent in the saddle is matched by his keen eye on the ground which easily identifies and helps fix riders’ errors in order to bring out the best in each and every horse.

The team at Blackjack Farms is thrilled to welcome Morris back to their facility once again to teach the next group of riders, marking his 15th anniversary at the farm. Previous clinicians include Frank Madden, Mike Winter, Jeff Cook, Michael Pace, Kyle Carter and Lainey Wimberly, amongst others.

Morris will instruct participants over the course of three days and instill his teachings to groups of up to eight riders starting on Friday, Oct. 5. There will be three sessions per day beginning with the Intermediate section jumping 3′ from 9-11 a.m., followed by the Advanced Intermediate section jumping 3’6″ from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

A lunch break generously sponsored by Adamson Ford, GHJA, AHJA, Lyda White and Diana Walker will take place in the Rider’s Lounge from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. before the final Advanced session of the day will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and see riders jump 4′ in height. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate this USHJA Trainer Certification Program (TCP), which features a roundtable discussion on the evening of Friday, Oct. 5.

The cost of the clinic is $1,150.00 which includes gifts from Finish Line horse products, three breakfasts, three lunches, a barbecue dinner on Saturday evening and beverages and light refreshments all three days. The rider participation fee includes one free auditor or attendant per day. Overnight stabling is available for $140.00 for three nights. Checks may be made payable to Blackjack Gardens Equine, LLC and sent to 2420 Burns Lane, Birmingham, AL 35210.

While all riding sessions are limited to eight riders per group to allow for an intimate training session, there is no limit to the number of auditors each day. The cost of auditing per day is $100.00. Pencils and notepads are recommended for all auditors.

Saturday night’s BBQ will be a special evening for all attendees as Blackjack Farm unveils all of the newest renovations it has undergone for 2018. This includes remodeling the entire main barn, all bathrooms, and lounges, as well as paving all of the farm roads. Blackjack Farm also had the footing in all the arenas leveled and reworked in preparation for this year’s event.

Riders and auditors will also have a chance to purchase and get a copy of Morris’ autobiography, Unrelenting: The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights and My Pursuit of Excellence, signed by the renowned rider and instructor himself on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those who sign up to audit for a 3-day auditor package for $300 will receive a complimentary autographed copy of his book. Books are available for purchase at the clinic on a limited basis for $55.00.

Due to the high demand of this special opportunity to train with Morris, the selection of all riding positions will be based on skill level, past participation in George Morris clinics and the rider’s previous horse show record. All junior riders selected must have both a trainer signature and parent signature on file. Selected riders must have all releases signed and are required to ride all three days for the duration of the clinic.

Riders and auditors coming from afar may choose to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, located just five miles from Blackjack Farms. Those interested in booking a reservation may call 205-655-5222 and request the event rate.

For more information about the George Morris Clinics and his 2018 schedule, please visit www.ghmclinics.com.

Leave a Reply