Tag Archives: George H. Morris

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.

Kentucky Horse Shows to Host George Morris Book Signing

Lexington, Ky. – May 17, 2016 – The Kentucky Horse Shows are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a book signing with George H. Morris for his newly released autobiography Unrelenting: The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights and My Pursuit of Excellence.

The book signing will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21, during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The class is the second in the five-part series, which features the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus. During the Kentucky Spring Classic, the derby will be held in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park.

A horse lover, rider, carouser, competitor, taskmaster, dreamer, teacher, and visionary, George Morris has been ever-present on the rarified stage of the international riding elite for most of the 70 years he’s been in the saddle. He has represented our country as an athlete and a coach and, at one time or another, instructed many of our nation’s best horsemen and women. His carefully chosen, perfectly enunciated words are notoriously powerful. They can raise you up or cut you to the quick. His approval can be a rainmaker; his derision can end a career.

But as much as people know and respect (or, perhaps, fear) the public face of George Morris, he has lived, in other ways, a remarkably private life, keeping his own personal struggles with insecurity, with ambition, and with love behind closed doors. It is only now that he has chosen, in his own words, to share the totality of his life – the very public and the incredibly private – with the world in Unrelenting: The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights and My Pursuit of Excellence. This engrossing autobiography, the real story of the godlike George Morris, beautifully demonstrates his ultimate humanity.

For more information about UNRELENTING, please visit www.horseandriderbooks.com.

The Kentucky Spring Classic held May 18-22 will also feature a FEI CSI3* rating. The $35,000 Welcome Speed will be held on Wednesday, followed by the $35,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, as riders try to accumulate valuable points for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, May 21, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix. Once again all three FEI classes will count for the Longines Ranking List and the Thursday and Saturday classes will also count for the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List. In addition, the featured national classes will be the $50,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, which counts towards the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List, and the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, May 22 in the Rolex Stadium.

EQSportsNet will be streaming live webcasts of the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* during the Kentucky Spring Classic on Saturday, May 21. EQSportsNet Full Access subscribers can also watch all rounds of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows series on demand at www.eqsports.net.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

The ‘Grand Prix of Brookwood’ Provides Final Test for Riders in “Gladstone Program”

George Morris shows riders how to prepare their horses for the Grand Prix of Brookwood as he rode Ariel Black’s mount, Bizette B.

Antioch, IL – June 20, 2015 – Today was the final day of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” Training Session at the beautiful Annali-Brookwood Farm, organized by Diane Carney. The six-day training session gained rave reviews from riders and Morris himself, for organization, the choice of the various professionals who made presentations, and the support of the sponsors who made the session possible for the future team riders. The facility, Rush and Caroline Weeden’s home base, was a perfect location, offering large indoor and outdoor arenas with manicured footing, two grass jumping fields, large airy stalls, turnout paddocks and a perfect lounge area for the presentations.

Morris was already on a horse by 7:45 am; Michael Tokaruk’s Zig Zag PCH was the first to put footprints in the manicured outdoor arena. Morris calmly put the 8-year-old mare to work, allowing her to become familiar with her new surroundings. There was plenty to take in, including the 10-foot water with Shamu across the diagonal, another liverpool at the USET jump, the Gladstone-Brookwood planks, a red brick viaduct wall by the gate with no wing standards and a wide oxer-vertical-oxer combination along the side of the ring.

The first group of riders followed Morris during the flat work, focusing on the suppleness of the horse through shoulder in and haunches out exercises. After a short flat work session, junior riders Morgan Dickerson and Hunter Holloway and professional riders Kelly Smith and Michael Tokaruk were ready to attempt the challenging track. The second group of riders with professionals Brandie Holloway, Sarah Vogus and Liz Atkins and amateur riders Caroline McLeese and Ariel Black, could not wait for their turn to try the Brookwood Grand Prix.

The group warmed up over sections of the course at a time, working their way to the USET liverpool and on to the 10-foot water. The great group of horses and riders had no issues at the water.

“We need to jump more water,” said Morris. “It should be a part of every jumper’s program and should be included in every horse show. They don’t have issues with water in Europe because it’s part of their everyday routine.”

Caroline McLeese and Caprisio clear the water
Caroline McLeese and Caprisio clear the water

Each rider took their turn at the track which began with an oxer at the far end of the ring followed by a turn across the middle of the ring right behind the 10-foot water to a skinny black plank, then completing the “S” turn left to the USET liverpool in six strides, then six strides to the red wall by the gate. From there it was across the diagonal to the 10-foot water with Shamu to four short strides to a red gate with no ground line. Finally, riders went around the end of the ring back to the first oxer and seven strides to the triple, finishing with an inside turn and a gallop to the Gladstone-Brookwood planks.

Morris discussed five qualities of a team rider, which are ambition, emotion, management, selection and lastly, talent. Ambition is the desire inside the person to go somewhere. Emotion is the maturity and ability to control emotion. Morris used Olympian Beezie Madden as an example for emotion saying she has ice water in her veins, which is why Morris had her as the anchor on the team. Management is the ability to manage the care of the horse and the program of the horse and rider. Selection is the ability to choose good horses. Talent is the skill and ability of a rider, which is the fifth factor. Riders must have the other factors to make it work.

“Rate yourself on a scale of 0-100 in each category,” said Morris. “Beezie is almost a 500.”

Morris started the second session by riding Ariel Black’s mount, Bizette B, with the other riders in the group following him like the pied piper, imitating his classical dressage.

The weeklong session had horses ready for the challenge, as this group also executed the track, including the water, without any issues.

Morris closed by reminding riders to “pay their dues” by working hard and learning from others.

“Get educated; read books,” said Morris. “Watch Beezie and McLain Ward and Laura Kraut. Learn from great riders like Jennifer Alfano. Learn what they know in the barn and on a horse.”

“Classic dressage makes the horse accept our aids and makes better horses, which makes better jumps,” added Morris. “First is always impulsion; second is straightness of the horse.”

Riders then spend time summarizing their week and sharing their future plans at the farewell luncheon.

“Real riding takes real effort,” said training session organizer, Diane Carney. “George’s endless support of correct riding as it relates to quality performance is the goal of every horse person in the saddle. Organizing the training session for Gladstone and George was a privilege. It was my responsibility to coordinate a week with top industry professionals on every level from barn management and world-class veterinarians and farriers, to Olympic riders and equine business experts, in pursuit of a standard of excellence. Horsemanship 24/7 makes the ‘Gladstone Program’ different than a normal clinic. This week was team building and, I will add, inspiring. It was my pleasure to support the GHM Gladstone Program along with the help of the many sponsors. I had the right facility and the right support people to do my part in bringing the GHM Gladstone Program to the Midwest for a second year.”

Thank you to the presenters, Dr. Deb Bennett, Dr. Marvin Beeman, Anne Kursinski, Brenda Mueller for Chicago Equestrian/Phelps Media Group, DiAnn Langer and Billy Liggett. Also thanks to Harriett Bunker, Dr. Mark Cassells and the Brookwood Farm staff for their hours of assistance in making it all happen. Finally, a special thanks to Rush and Caroline Weeden for the use of their beautiful facility.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Position and Suppleness Highlight Day Five of George H. Morris “Gladstone Program”

“This is what the clinic is about,” said Morris of Kelly Smith’s ride.

Antioch, IL – June 19, 2015 – Day five of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm was review day in preparation for the Grand Prix of Brookwood. The participants of the training session have had daily riding sessions with Morris entailing flat work, gymnastics and no stirrup work. Morris continues to emphasize the importance of impulsion first and then straightness of the horse.

The first group worked on three basic turns, the turn on the forehand, the turn on the haunch and the turn on the center. Morris emphasized the placement of the hind legs in relation to the front legs.

Morris demonstrated the different turns on Caroline McLeese’s horse. The first group also worked on the rider’s position using a cavaletti to practice riding with the motion of the horse, and not ahead or behind the motion.

Rider Kelly Smith of Portland, Oregon was a key demonstrator in the session with her difficult mare. Throughout the weeklong session, Morris worked with Smith to get the mare to accept her aids without fussing. Morris had Smith canter the cavaletti on a large circle over and over, switch directions and canter it the opposite direction over and over. The repetition and the constant contact with the mare’s mouth had her cantering and jumping with her neck and body in perfect flexion and no head flipping.

“That is the entire clinic right there,” said Morris. “This is what we’ve been talking about all week, getting the horse to accept us.”

“The basics are the cake; the flat work and the stable management is the cake,” summarized Morris. “Competition is the icing.”

Morris talked about how the top horses are treated well starting in the barn. They are the ones that are barefoot in the snow for a month before shipping to Wellington. Good horsemen like John and Beezie Madden and Jennifer Alfano do this.

Morris also suggested riders striving for higher levels of competition get technical advisors. Technical advisors are more than trainers and can advise as to showing schedule, strategy, what stock might be needed to achieve goals and barn organization.

The second group worked on position of the rider.

“Beezie is the most technically correct rider in the world,” said Morris. “Her base is so excellent, she can concentrate on the horse.”

The group continued to work on position as they executed downward transitions, tracking and counter canter to counter canter flying changes.

Then Morris drew a box in the sand in front of the cavaletti and told riders to put the horse in the box at the take off to the jump to practice collecting the horse’s stride.

He then demonstrated the exercise on Brianne Goutal’s outstanding horse, Bizette B, who Arial Black was fortunate enough to have for the training session.

Morris emphasized the importance of classical dressage for both the physical well-being of the horse and conditioning, and second, for the mental well-being.

“When the flat work gets better and better, the jumps get better and better,” said Morris.

After lunch the group participated in a lively discussion on conformation and soundness as Dr. Marvin Beeman of Littleton Equine Medical Center in CO, continued his presentation from yesterday. Dr. Beeman answered numerous questions from the group on conformation defects, soundness and treatment options. Dr. Beeman offered the group years of expertise as an Olympic caliber veterinarian. Not only is his resume impressive, but also his devotion and love of horses is even more impressive. Dr. Beeman has dedicated his life to horses and the opportunity to speak with him is inspiring.

Riders had the opportunity to hear from DiAnn Langer, the Young Rider Chef d’Equipe. She gave them FEI information and was available for individual strategy sessions.

The training session moved into the barn and continued with farrier Billy Liggett and his son Tim of Woodstock, Illinois. Liggett has been the farrier of choice for many Grand Prix riders in the Midwest and shared years of his experience with the group.

Riders then took a quick break to feed their horses and then headed to the outdoor arena to set the track Morris designed for the final day.

The training session continues tomorrow with the Grand Prix of Brookwood and a farewell luncheon with Morris.

The “Gladstone Program” is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session continues through June 20, 2015. Auditors are welcome 8:00am to noon daily.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

George Morris and Dr. Marvin Beeman Educate “Gladstone Program” Riders at Annali-Brookwood Farm

George Morris rode Caroline McLeese’s horse without stirrups to demonstrate straightness.

Antioch, IL – June 18, 2015 – It was “no stirrup” day for the fourth day of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm. Morris, along with experts that include the Young Rider Chef d’Equipe DiAnn Langer, veterinarian Dr. Mark Cassells of Homestead Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Marvin Beeman of Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado, professional rider and horseperson Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY, and professional and organizer of the training session, Diane Carney, provided valuable information to the riders for the future of their careers.

Morris put the riders and horses through their paces. No stirrups exercises included bridging the reins and executing the volte to feel the straightness of the neck of the horse and the outside rein. When the horse resists, the leg needs to close to keep the impulsion. When the horse gives us what we want we release the pressure, which is called reward.

Riders worked on transitions within the gates such as lengthening and shortening and moved into lateral exercises of shoulder in and shoulder four.

Morris continues to ride horses in each section of his clinics daily, including participating along with the others in the no stirrup exercises to keep fit. Morris continues to work on perfecting his ride, even after 70 years. He rode Caroline McLeese’s horse Caprisio and Morgan Dickerson’s mount, Undine, who is owned by Liz Atkins.

In addition to the sessions with Morris, Alfano has been working with the riders in the barn all week with Dr. Cassells, providing stable management methods and appropriate care techniques.

“It’s a great program and I thank Diane Carney for organizing it,” said Alfano. “I think all the riders really appreciate what they’re learning. Everyone is very capable in the barn already, some of them are professionals, so if I can help them to the next level, that’s a plus.”

“The program highlights excellence,” said Dr. Cassells, “whether it’s on the ground, in the saddle or general horse care. Diane (Carney) has arranged a fantastic group of riders, helpers and presenters to help riders get to a higher level. The riders are like sponges; they soak up everything they can get.”

The afternoon session featured Dr. Marvin Beeman, who was the vet for Calypso and Melanie Smith during the 1984 Olympics. He has greatly contributed to the education of equestrians across the United States and internationally. An innovator in the equestrian world, Dr. Beeman has been presented with many awards. He has been an equine practitioner since 1957, and his specialties include a variety of lameness and musculoskeletal issues.

When not caring for horses, you can find Dr. Beeman in the hunt field for the Arapahoe Hunt Club, (mounted fox hunting-whipper since 1972, huntsmen since 1986), playing polo (was rated at 3 goals) and trail riding (has been part of Round Up Riders of the Rockies since 1965 and is a current member of their Board of Directors).

Dr. Beeman discussed conformation: form and function. He used a picture of Secretariat as an example of the best conformation, even after all these years. He continued to show examples of horses throughout our history and the conformation that made them exceptional. He also discussed the best conformation for various disciplines as well as how conformation defects affect soundness. Dr. Beeman provided a checklist for reviewing conformation and soundness.

While riders went back to the barn to feed and finish up with their horses, Carney and Morris talked about their next project of commentating for the ASPCA Maclay Finals during the 2015 National Horse Show.

“I’m flattered to be included and look forward to being part of the discussion with George and Tori (Colvin),” said Carney. “I’m sure we’ll get a chance to cover a lot of different topics throughout the class and we’ll try to answer our viewers’ questions as well.”

“I know Tori Colvin will carry the ball since she knows the topic best off of last year’s win,” said Morris.

The training session continues tomorrow with a review from Morris and the conclusion of Dr. Beeman’s presentation. Bill Liggett, farrier, will also give a presentation.

The Gladstone Program is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session continues through June 20, 2015. Auditors are welcome 8:00am to noon daily.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Progressive Gymnastics for Day Three of the George H. Morris “Gladstone Program”

Morris rode Serah Vogus’s mount with the group to encourage them to copy his flat work.

Antioch, IL – June 17, 2015 – George H. Morris started day three of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm by riding along with his riders to encourage them to copy his flat work. Morris chose Michael Tokaruk’s horse for the morning session to demonstrate and review some of Dr. Bennett’s discussion from the previous day regarding flexion of the horse and correct position of the horse’s neck.

Morris worked on counter canter, transitions, haunches in and haunches out to supple the horse. He reviewed the importance of impulsion first when riding, then straightness and contact. Repetition of the exercises, not force, is what trains the horse.

When the horse fails to yield to the rider’s hand or leg, Morris explained to first rule out a physical issue. If the vet examines the horse and determines there is not a physical issue, then it is simply resistance to leg, seat and hand.

“The horse has to accept us,” said Morris.

The groups then moved on to the jumping exercises with a three-stride line oxer to an oxer with a liverpool, finishing with several circles on the backside of the line.

Next they jumped the viaduct wall with a 10-foot water underneath it, requiring riders to ride with leg.

The final line in the exercise was a 4-foot vertical gate, four strides to an airy plank vertical then three strides to an oxer which was three strides from the end of the ring. Riders jumped the exercise both directions.

Riders then put the entire gymnastic course together with circles at the ends of the ring to encourage straightness of the horse.

Hunter Holloway piloted VDL Bravo S over the viaduct wall with the 10 foot water underneath it.
Hunter Holloway piloted VDL Bravo S over the viaduct wall with the 10 foot water underneath it.

“It’s not the jumping that’s the problem; it’s the riding that’s the problem,” said Morris. “It’s between the jumps we need to get better. Most people are inept in how to work a horse. Good horses are ridden with leg.”

The recurring theme during the training session is the better the horses are ridden, the easier the bigger jumps become.

The afternoon session was a media presentation by Brenda Mueller on behalf of Chicago Equestrian/Phelps Media Group. Mueller owns and runs ChicagoEquestrian.com, a marketing and PR company with a Midwest market share and does freelance work for Phelps Media Group, an International media and PR firm out of Wellington, Florida.

Mueller discussed how and why riders should create a brand for themselves and emphasized the importance of getting the message out through the various media channels. She talked about social media dos and don’ts along with different suggestions for marketing their brand.

Input also came from DiAnn Langer, the U.S. Show Jumping Young Rider Chef d’Equipe, based on media experiences she has encountered with some of the teams to date.

The major theme was how to consider the brand and image of the U.S. teams for future interviews and press conferences. Tips were discussed on handling questions from the media before riders each had a chance in the hot seat during a mock press conference.

Three groups each had the opportunity to answer questions from their peers, who acted as journalists, firing questions that were challenging to answer. The answers were discussed so participants could understand the impact of their answers.

Riders then spent time in the barn with manager and Hunter Derby Finals winner, Jennifer Alfano, getting grooming and care tips while putting their horses up for the night.

The training session continues to day four with no stirrups during the riding sessions and discussion on conformation – form and function with Dr. Marvin Beeman from Littleton Animal Hospital in Colorado.

The “Gladstone Program” is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session continues through June 20, 2015. Auditors are welcome 8:00am to noon daily.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Flat Work Exercises Carry into Gymnastics for Day Two of George H. Morris “Gladstone Program”

George Morris demonstrated raising the base of the neck of the horse.

Antioch, IL – June 16, 2015 – Day two of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm began early at 7:30 am with Morris in the irons, quietly starting flat work with Kelly Smith’s horse. Alone in the ring, Morris put the bay thoroughbred mare to work while the curious riders started to file into the indoor arena to watch. All you could hear was the horse’s breathing and its hoof beats, as Morris transformed the horse into a soft and correctly shaped frame by the end of his ride. Without a word, Morris had taught the riders yet another lesson in flat work.

By 8:00 am, riders were mounted up and began working in serpentines and figures of eight, trying to apply what they had just witnessed. Morris emphasized that figures on the flat such as volte, figure of eight, turn in reverse and serpentine should be in every rider’s vocabulary and school. The exercises carried forward the message from day one’s work of impulsion and getting the horse to accept the inside leg at every gate and in transitions.

Riders were asked to do flying lead changes on a straight line and because of the previous flatwork of the serpentines and figures, the horses were light enough to execute it.

Morris noted, “Of course it’s great to have good horses and it’s hard to participate today without good horses, but riders have to be curious about every aspect of the horse to be good.”

The Gladstone Program offers riders opportunity to learn more than just sitting in the saddle. Morris went on to tell a story.

“I was in Wellington watching the hunter schooling ring from the grand prix ring. I saw one horse in that ring that looked like it was being ridden correctly. I couldn’t make out who it was, but I was curious as to who it was. So I walked to the hunter schooling area to watch and it was Carl Weeden.”

Weeden, with her husband Rush, are the facility hosts and owners of Annali-Brookwood Farm.

Morris told the group to watch the influential riders like Jennifer Alfano, Carl, Hunter Holloway, Tori Colvin and Diane Carney’s riders. Morris added they are consistent winners and have been for decades because their horses are properly cared for first in the stable, then ridden with impulsion.

The groups continued with jumping exercises, starting with the caveletti as the bridge to jumping. The ancient gymnastic, as Morris called it, was the trot jump with the 9′ trot rail to a vertical.

The groups then practiced the serpentine with four jumps, working on the same diagonal aids as the flat work to accomplish the task.

Morris concluded with his famous line heard in clinics across the country: “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Dr. Bennett's discussion on collection is illustrated in these two slides.
Dr. Bennett’s discussion on collection is illustrated in these two slides.

In the afternoon session, anatomy expert Dr. Deb Bennett continued her discussion about collection and anti-collection. She showed the riders a slide to help explain how anatomy affects proper shape of the horse when ridden correctly. The focus was on the horse’s loin and spinal cord and the ability of the horse to raise the base of his neck. This was a continuing theme from day one’s work with the model bones of the horse to explain the horse’s movement.

Dr. Bennett also expressed how passionate she was about horses having a good time being engaged in the work they are asked to do, and the riders enjoying the horse. She expressed that every horse needs creativity, not the same identical experience of horse showing week after week. If a horse is only showing, it is getting numb.

She concluded with the concept of training as getting the horse to want to do what you ask with their joy and expression being primary.

Riders then set the course for the next day and spent time in the barn with their horses under Jennifer Alfano’s watchful eye.

Riders continue on day three with the next stage of gymnastics and discussion on conformation; form and function with Dr. Marvin Beeman from Littleton Animal Hospital in Colorado.

The Gladstone Program is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session continues through June 20, 2015. Auditors are welcome 8:00am to noon daily.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm Starts with Flat Work

George Morris demonstrates leg to hand and straightness of the horse on Hunter Holloway’s mount VDL Bravo S.

Antioch, IL – June 15, 2015 – Day One of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Annali-Brookwood Farm, organized by Diane Carney, began with a session of flat work. Heavy rains caused the sessions to be indoors today, but Rush and Caroline Weeden’s Farm had no trouble accommodating with their beautiful facility and roomy indoor arena. With the program’s barn manager, renowned hunter rider Jennifer Alfano and Olympian Anne Kursinski watching over, the opening group mounted up for the first lesson of the week.

Hunter Holloway, Morgan Dickerson, Kelly Smith and Michael Tokaruk were the first group, hand selected by Morris, to practice impulsion and straightness. Morris talked about the steps to make a good horse. The first step starts in the barn; care of the horse is of the utmost importance along with correct tack. If the horse is properly cared for, it will be a good horse. Second is the flat work followed by gymnastics. Together, it will make a good horse Morris emphasized.

Morris demonstrated leg to hand and straightness of the horse using Hunter Holloway’s horse VDL Bravo S. “We can teach you but you have to get it,” said Morris.

Group 2 then had their chance to practice their flat work. Liz Atkins, Serah Vogus, Ariel Black, Brandie Holloway and Caroline McLeese reviewed correct position of the rider and effective aids. Morris demonstrated getting the horse to stretch the neck by working the hind end effectively, using Liz Atkins’ mount, Carletta.

“Every day you get up and you know nothing,” said Morris. “After 70 years, I’m just starting to get it.”

He encouraged riders to read books and learn from other experts. Anne Kursinski was next to perform proper schooling of a horse on the flat. Kursinski not only demonstrated the principles of leg and hand, but she provided inspiration to the aspiring riders.

“You have to work at it,” said Kursinski. “I wish kids could get that. Jimmy Williams used to tell me I’d never be any good. It wasn’t until my third Olympics that he thought I was maybe starting to learn.”

Anne Kursinski demonstrated proper schooling of a horse on the flat on Annie Weeden's Creata Von Ten Biesen
Anne Kursinski demonstrated proper schooling of a horse on the flat on Annie Weeden’s Creata Von Ten Biesen

Kursinski added, “Every day, I’m so thankful to have horses in my life and what they have taught me and the places they have taken me. They took me to the Olympics and Europe and so much more.”

She continued to stress to the riders to work hard and learn how to care for their horses with the help of good instructors, your vets, and farriers.

“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts,” summarized Kursinski.

Dr. Deb Bennett from California conducted the afternoon presentation. She is known internationally for her scientific approach to conformation analysis and has made a career out of conveying a kind of “X-ray vision” for bone structure to breeders and buyers. Her background in biomechanics helps her clearly explain how conformation relates to performance ability. Dr. Bennett is the author of “Principles of Conformation Analysis”.

Dr. Bennett gave a hands-on demonstration using a model of the bones of the horse, provided by Dr. Mark Cassells of Homestead Veterinary Clinic, to discuss conformation and biomechanics. Riders had the opportunity to figure out how to put the neck bones of a horse together to see how it functions.

Dr. Bennett explained the top line of the horse is developed best by contraction and release. She recommended riders change up the exercises and ride off the rail to get the best results.

She then focused on the pelvis of the horse to teach riders how to best help their horses by understanding the anatomy. Dr. Bennett explained collection as the process of coiling the loins and raising the center of the horse’s back to finally raise the base of the neck producing correct form.

Riders then got to see the theories in action as Dr. Bennett used a horse to explain the anatomy and movement of the horse.

The group then set the jumps for tomorrow’s gymnastics and moved back to the barn to feed and complete their day with Jennifer Alfano, who provided them tips on care of the horse.

Day two for the group will consist of flat work and gymnastics along with more from Dr. Bennett.

The Gladstone Program is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session continues through June 20, 2015. Auditors are welcome 8:00am to noon daily.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” Comes to a Close at Hamilton Farm

Lisa Goldman and Aslan jump the wall.

Gladstone, NJ – May 24, 2015 – After almost a week of riding and training with George H. Morris at the Unites States Equestrian Team Foundation’s historic Hamilton Farm, the riders jumped their final course in the big outdoor arena on Sunday, marking the end of the 2015 Gladstone Program.

The day began at 8 a.m. when Sean Leckie, Lisa Goldman, Kilian McGrath and Katie Cox rode into the ring.

Morris instructed the riders to “condense their warm-up,” using the exercises they learned throughout the week to warm up at the walk and trot, saving the canter for the course.

After the horses were flatting with impulsion, riders began schooling back and forth over a small gate, getting ready to jump the full course.

Next, Morris added an oxer on a bending line before the gate, explaining that he wanted the riders to find the deeper distance to the second fence, encouraging the horses to practice adding and round their backs over the jump.

“You either go with the distance, or against it,” Morris said. “And that’s about all there is to say about the distance.”

After Morris was satisfied with the line, he added a rollback to the liverpool, which he instructed riders to ride defensively the first few times through. After that, riders made a tight right turn to the big crossrail, jumping the water five strides later and finishing with a right turn to the skinny fence.

The final course added on an outside single with four strides to a one-strided triple combination, a bending five to an oxer and the liverpool from the opposite direction. Riders ended the day by galloping to a 1.50m stand-alone wall, with only some difficulty from Leckie’s new horse, who refused the fence several times.

“Ambition,” Morris stated. “It’s either in people or it isn’t. That’s the first quality of a good rider. Second is your emotion. What are you like on a bad day? You can’t always say it’s your fault, because sometimes the horse doesn’t have the heart for the job. Next is selection of the horse. Buying horses is very tricky. It’s worse than marriage. It’s easier to get a divorce than get rid of a horse.”

Morris ended by praising all of the riders, making sure Leckie understood that the day’s issues were not his fault.

“Horse training should never go well all the time,” Morris explained. “Stretching. Challenging. That is training.”

Taylor Harris and Kavanaugh IV jump the water
Taylor Harris and Kavanaugh IV jump the water

On that note, Haley Gassel, Sophie Verges, Kate Mulligan and Taylor Harris tacked up and headed to the ring at 10 a.m.

Morris instructed the group to warm up at will, making transitions every 20 seconds and utilizing the lateral and longitudinal exercises he taught during the week.

The second group worked their way up to jumping the same course as the first group, with no trouble galloping up and over the 1.50m wall.

Morris was very proud of the riders in the second group because he does not know them as well, saying they were right up there with the first group, who Morris has worked with in the past.

Morris ended the clinic by facing the audience to share more of his wisdom: “This week was tricky, educational, but doable. You enter a clinic like this; this is serious. People today are not used to difficult questions. In my day, we did puissance every week, mostly 7′, 7’3.” It was very taxing for the horse, but it was an excellent exercise for the high-jumping horse and rider. People these days are so busy, show, show, show, that they have a lot of experience, but no knowledge. You need knowledge and experience.”

USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins commented, “This Gladstone Program was established in 2012 thanks to a gift from Suzanne and BG Porter to the USET Foundation. The Porters understood the value and benefit to our talented young show jumping riders, to be able to spend a week training and learning from George at the iconic Hamilton Farm facility in Gladstone, NJ, where George himself trained and rose through the ranks as a member of the United States Equestrian Team.”

“This program has provided over 40 riders with that same opportunity to help achieve their dream through commitment and hard work to one day also represent the United States in international competition,” concluded Jenkins. “On behalf of the USET Foundation and the riders that have participated in the Gladstone Program, I would like to thank the Porters for making it possible.”

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Riders Ditch Stirrups on Day Five of George H. Morris “Gladstone Program”

Kilian McGrath and BB Casablanca.

Gladstone, NJ – May 23, 2015 – George H. Morris arrived at Hamilton Farm, immediately found Janice Marquis and stated, “I want no stirrups today.” Thus, as eight saddles lost their stirrups, day five at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s “Gladstone Program” got underway.

Katie Cox, Lisa Goldman, Sean Leckie and Kilian McGrath rode into the arena at 8 a.m., where Morris awaited in his golf cart.

“Riding without stirrups is indispensable in that it produces a seat,” Morris explained as the riders walked. “The definition of a seat is the ability to stick to the horse no matter what the horse does.”

Morris instructed the riders to sit close to the front of the saddle in riding seat, which is one step before two point, or jumping seat.

The riders practiced thinking forward to produce impulsion, making the horses straight and driving them up into the bit with their inside legs.

Once the riders felt the horses moving energetically, they moved to the slow sitting trot, making sure to stay slightly in front of the center of the saddle.

Soon, riders alternated between sitting and posting, shoulder-in and haunches-in, later incorporating what Morris calls lateral schooling, which includes making figure eights and circles. These exercises help the horse become more responsive, encouraging the shoulders and hind end to move off the rider’s legs and hands.

The next step was incorporating transitions, which Morris said are “a concert of aids,” meaning the seat, back, legs and reins all play a part in a proper transition.

At the canter, riders practiced departing from the walk without any intermediate trot steps. They alternated leads every six strides, gradually working down to two strides at the walk before moving directly to the canter. Morris explained that this exercise greatly improves collection at the canter.

Katie Cox’s athletic horse Twilight was giving her a hard time, refusing to relax and swapping canter leads. Morris praised Cox for handling him so well, but wanted to hop on the horse himself, sans stirrups, to teach the gelding some respect for the aids.

George H. Morris works with Twilight
George H. Morris works with Twilight

The hot-tempered gelding clearly has a sense of humor, because once Morris got a leg up, he refused to move into the trot.

“He’s a character,” Morris laughed. “I can’t make this horse trot! It’s water on a stone, people. Horses take patience, infinite patience. Wait for the horse.”

The grey horse eventually began to settle, but Morris switched over to schooling him on the lunge line, where the horse completely transformed.

“The lunge line is not my preference,” Morris explained. “But it is a great supplement to riding. I got off this horse because I was running out of gas, and you can’t let the horse feel that you’re weak, because then he thinks he has won.”

The other riders had already returned to the barn, and after Twilight was submissive to Morris’ commands, the lesson officially ended.

Haley Gassel, Kate Mulligan, Taylor Harris and Sophie Verges began their lesson at 10 a.m., walking with impulsion to warm up before moving to the sitting trot.

The riders completed the same exercises as the first group, working on the lateral exercises before cantering directly from the walk and walking from the canter without any trot steps.

To finish the lesson, Morris instructed the riders to hold their reins on the buckle and move the horses into an extended trot, letting the horses stretch.

Morris ended the session with his daily words of wisdom, saying, “If somebody says they know about this sport, run away from them. I’m 77 and I know nothing. I’m just starting to figure it out. You have to feel, and it takes years to feel. You have to be trained and the horse has to be trained.”

After the lessons were over, I had time to catch up with the ninth participant in the Gladstone Program, Bowers Cone.

Due to a broken bone in his hand from a lacrosse injury, Cone is not riding and did not bring a horse, but nonetheless, is happy to be at Hamilton Farm.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Cone said. “It’s an honor being here. This building is 99 years old this year. There’s a lot of history here, and I’m psyched just to be here watching.”

Cone has ridden in two clinics with Morris in the past, but said he cannot get enough of learning about the gymnastics exercises and definitely will try them at home with his horse, VIP Quality Royale.

After getting his cast off, the young rider plans to show at home in Memphis, Tennessee, before possibly heading to Tryon in June.

The Gladstone Program will continue Sunday morning, the final day, with riders jumping a full course at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Riding sessions are open to the public for auditing.

The Gladstone Program will continue Saturday morning with over-fences sessions at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Riding sessions are open to the public for auditing.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com