Tag Archives: George H. Morris

George H. Morris Continues Classical Instruction on Day Four of the “Gladstone Program”

George H. Morris rides MDC Athena.

Gladstone, NJ – May 22, 2015 – Four days into the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s “Gladstone Program,” the sun finally peeked out over the historic Hamilton Farm, casting a soft glow on the property as the riders cleaned stalls, fed and groomed their horses.

When the clock struck 8 a.m., Lisa Goldman, Kilian McGrath and Katie Cox strode into the outdoor arena, with Sean Leckie surrendering MDC Athena to master horseman George H. Morris.

The ring setup was identical to that of day three, except for the addition of a five-stride line with a big crossrail leading to the water jump.

“Make friends with your horse,” Morris said. “This is more for the rider. It shows a good relationship with the horse…”

The audience scribbled notes, awaiting the master’s prophetic conclusion: “This is called petting.”

After a laugh, the lesson began at the walk, with riders “turning on their engines,” having forward impulsion to encourage the horses to be light and responsive. The riders focused on keeping the horses straight, using the inside leg to drive.

Morris instructed the riders to follow him at a trot, alternating between shoulder-in and haunches-in around the ring, giving and taking with the reins to encourage the horses to drop their heads and raise their backs.

The riders finished working laterally, returning to straight lines to lengthen and shorten the horses’ strides, incorporating the cavaletti as they changed direction and following Morris like baby ducks in a line.

When Morris transitioned to the counter canter, like three baby ducks the riders followed suit, using their inside legs to regulate the impulsion and half halts to encourage the horse to carry itself.

“We have to be listening to the horse, but it takes two to dance,” Morris said. “The horse has to want to do it for itself.”

After a few flying changes, the riders dropped back down to a trot, holding their reins on the buckle to allow the horses to really stretch in preparation for jumping.

Morris explained the upcoming activity for the bounce, which included changing the left hand’s position every time he shouted a number.

Lisa Goldman rides Aslan through the bounce, hand on her head
Lisa Goldman rides Aslan through the bounce, hand on her head

“One!” Left arm out to the side, parallel to the ground. “Two!” Hand to the chest. “Three!” Hand to the hip. “Four!” Hand on the head. “Five!” Arm behind the back.

The riders took turns through the bounce, snapping their hands to the proper positions as Morris shouted the numbers over the loudspeaker. A sharp “next!” from Morris kept the line moving steadily.

“This type of exercise is indispensable,” Morris said. “Indispensable for riding, indispensable for jumping.”

After a few comical repetitions, the riders moved on to the outside triple, working on adding four strides in a three, and pulling up and facing the rail whenever Morris dictated. The horses and riders were learning not to rush, and that speed is never the answer to a sticky situation.

Finally, riders navigated a course starting with the skinny, moving to a bending line from the liverpool to an oxer and ending with the crossrail and, five strides later, the infamous water jump. However, to everyone’s slight surprise, all the horse-and-rider combinations handled it without a single hiccup.

“Great horses, people. We have two excellent groups,” Morris commented, ending group one’s lesson for the day.

Shortly after, Taylor Harris, Kate Mulligan and Sohpie Verges arrived at the arena, while Morris got a leg up on to Haley Gassel’s 17.2 hand Quiet Dark 2.

The group warmed up at the walk, trot and canter, completing the same shoulder-in, shoulder-out exercises as the previous group, making transitions and circles, lengthening and shortening the stride and practicing staying straight during flying lead changes.

“This isn’t just dressage chit-chat,” Morris reminded everyone. “It’s for all disciplines. All horses are different, but after they’re ridden in classical style, they go the same. It’s so easy that you people don’t get it.”

After doing the same balance exercise through the bounce, riders moved on to practice pulling up in the triple combination.

“Point the horse at the barrier,” Morris instructed. “I promise that horse will stop. A tree, a group of people, a wall, a fence; I love to gallop at the Ferraris in Wellington. I’ll gallop to a Porsche. Horses can stop very quickly, people.”

The riders moved on to complete the same course from the morning, again without hesitation at the water jump, leaving Morris highly impressed with the horses and riders.

As the horses cooled down, Morris turned his golf cart to face the spectators and delivered more wise words about the importance of self-carriage in horses: “Riders today carry horses because they have to sell them. It breaks my heart to see the hunters go today. That self-proficient hunter system never gave bad results. In fact, we had our best results, and riders want to change it. Not when I teach you. No, no, no.”

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

Riders Transition Flatwork to Fences on Day Three of George H. Morris “Gladstone Program”

George H. Morris rides Aslan.

Gladstone, NJ – May 21, 2015 – After two days of solid flatwork, the riders at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s “Gladstone Program” were feeling eager to transfer their newly acquired knowledge of classical riding from the flat to the fences.

George H. Morris, Katie Cox, Kilian McGrath and Sean Leckie rode into the arena not a minute past 8 a.m., while Lisa Goldman looked on from the sidelines as Morris piloted her ride, Aslan.

The large outdoor ring was set up with a number of obstacles, including cavaletti, a four-jump bounce, a triple combination, a single jump and a skinny fence. In the middle sat an oxer with a rolltop and liverpool underneath, which Morris explained was preparation for the water jump.

The riders began warming up their horses at a slow trot, keeping their inside legs and rein contact steady to encourage the horses to move with impulsion and soften at the poll, reaching for contact with the bit.

“You have to ride the horse into your hands with your legs,” Morris explained. “You have to acquire perfectly steady hands.”

Morris encouraged the riders to frequently change directions, make transitions, and ride shoulder-in and haunches-in, using half halts throughout to help the horses loosen up and engage their hind ends.

“What’s my secret?” Morris boomed over the loudspeaker. “My secret is my legs. My secret is to give and take with my hands. My secret is suppleness.”

Morris instructed the riders to have a deep seat, but to lean forward so the horses could move freely. When everyone demonstrated a controlled trot at various stride lengths, the group moved on to the canter and counter canter, incorporating half passes and flying lead changes.

“It’s just like going to the gym,” Morris said. “The muscles are working and changing. I don’t know all the Latin names like Dr. Heuschmann, but I know by the feel.”

When the horses were warmed up and ready to jump, Morris reluctantly returned Aslan to Goldman, saying, “Wow, that’s a horse.”

Katie Cox and Twilight
Katie Cox and Twilight

The riders took turns going through the bounce, continuing to work on driving from their legs to their hands. From there, the riders tackled the outside combination, and finally, moved on to the big liverpool oxer, making a sharp rollback to the skinny.

Morris asked the riders get in a light seat, lengthening and collecting their horses around the arena, working on setting the “pace to the base” of the jump.

Once the jumps were raised and everyone had completed the short course to Morris’ satisfaction, they walked their horses out as group two headed to the barn to tack up.

Shortly after, Haley Gassel, Taylor Harris and Kate Mulligan entered the ring, with Morris riding in on Sophie Verges’ mare, Q Royal Palm 2.

The riders followed Morris, walking forward with impulsion and preparing to transition smoothly to the trot with their horses rounded and collected. The riders did circles, transitions and half passes at the trot before moving to the canter to practice flying lead changes, working on staying straight throughout the change.

Once the horses were warmed up on the flat, the riders completed a balancing exercise while navigating the bounce. In their right hands, the riders formed a bridge with the reins, moving the left hand up the neck to grab mane and focusing on keeping their legs steady and eyes up.

“If you were taught this before, thank God,” Morris said. “If this is repetition and you’re bored, thank God.”

The riders moved on to the combination, jumping the first jump at an angle, skipping the middle fence, and jumping out on an angle. After a few times through that, riders jumped the whole line and continued on to make a figure eight over the fence at the top of the ring, working on making the circles smaller each time, getting their horses to listen and engage their shoulders, back and legs.

The big oxer was next up, with riders taking turns lengthening and shortening their strides on the approach to the fence before moving on to jump the skinny fence.

Morris was impressed with all the horses and riders, saying, “We have two super groups, and what horses! I’m going to buy all these horses. Very good.”

As the riders cooled the horses off at the end of a successful lesson, Morris left the group with some wise parting words: “If people and horses can’t take discipline, they won’t succeed. For one thing, the boundaries exist because this is a very dangerous sport. Second, I want excellence. That requires tough love.”

After taking care of the horses, riders headed to the farm’s historic library for a presentation about talking to the media and shaping their own personal brands.

Mason Phelps, Chip McKenney and Ariel Weisman of Phelps Media Group (PMG) educated the young riders about social media best practices, branding tips and interview strategies, closing with a mock interview and question-and-answer session.

The “Gladstone Program” will continue Friday morning with over-fences sessions at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and a lesson on equine nutrition with the president of Kentucky Equine Research, Dr. Joe Pagan, at 1:30 p.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

George H. Morris Focuses on Flat Work during Day Two of the “Gladstone Program”

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann works with Sophie Verges.

Gladstone, NJ – May 20, 2015 – As the sun rose over Hamilton Farm on day two of the USET Foundation’s Gladstone Program, George H. Morris zipped his Ariat Team USA jacket all the way up. “It’s a bit cold,” Morris remarked as he assumed the driver’s seat in his signature golf cart, stepping on the gas to meet the first group of riders in the outdoor arena.

Katie Cox, Lisa Goldman, Sean Leckie and Kilian McGrath rode into the large arena at 8 a.m., ready to begin another day of flat work with Morris and German veterinarian Dr. Gerd Heuschmann.

The ring was set up with one ground pole on each side and two separate combinations of cavaletti in the center. One combination had three elements, which could only be taken at the trot. The other had two cavaletti, which could be ridden at the trot or canter.

After walking the horses, Heuschmann instructed the riders to pick up a very slow trot, working on relaxing deep into the saddle and waiting for the horse to initiate contact, keeping a steady inside-leg pressure all the while.

“When you warm up, you connect to your horse,” Heuschmann explained. “Your horse has to learn to wait for your seat. If you don’t have the back, you don’t have the horse. You can only drive if the horse waits for you.”

Heuschmann continued by teaching the riders to raise their inside hands slightly to encourage their mounts to round at the poll, keeping constant pressure on the outside rein and waiting for the steady inside leg to encourage the horse to sink into a longer frame.

As the horses showed signs of accepting the seat and relaxing, Heuschmann told the riders to open the stride when they felt the horses with them.

After moving through walk-trot transitions and opening up to various strides at the trot, the riders moved to the canter, lengthening and shortening the strides to stretch and flex the horse’s topline.

Katie Cox’s horse, Twilight, looked noticeably more relaxed today, collecting nicely and quietly transitioning between gaits.

Heuschmann remarked, “This horse is doing much better today, George,” to which Morris responded with a drawn-out ‘yay’ as he cantered by on BB Casablanca.

After slowly working the grey mare through circles and transitions at a slow, collected pace, the satisfied Morris hopped off, making way for rider Kilian McGrath.

Once Morris assumed command of the microphone, the riders began working over the cavaletti, tracking left to make a figure eight over both sets. Morris explained that cavaletti work is crucial to bridge the gap between flat work and jumping.

“You people need steady contact,” Morris reminded the riders. “If the horse resists the bit, close your hand; don’t saw on his mouth.”

Sean Leckie and La Gracia canter over the cavaletti
Sean Leckie and La Gracia canter over the cavaletti

Under Morris’ direction, the riders got into jumping half seat and began lengthening the canter stride around the ring, preparing themselves for the week of jumping ahead. Morris was adamant about being able to ride from all seats, changing the hip angle to match the task at hand.

“Constipated cats,” Morris boomed over the microphone, warning the riders about getting too stiff. “I don’t want constipated cats like we had in Wellington.”

As the horses began to break into a sweat, Morris announced that they had enough and needed to rest in order to jump the rest of the week.

With that, group one filed out of the ring and group two started tacking up their horses in the barn.

At 10 a.m. sharp, Haley Gassel, Taylor Harris, Sophie Verges and Kate Mulligan entered the arena and began a similar program as the first group, working on initiating connection with their seats.

“You have to feel as if you weigh an extra 200 pounds,” Heuschmann said. “Smile and relax as if you had a whiskey.”

Heuschmann took 20 minutes to warm up Gassel’s Quiet Dark 2, doing transitions and circles while rounding the “big guy” at the poll and encouraging him to engage his hind end.

On the opposite end of the arena, Harris received some one-on-one attention from Morris, who worked with her on an invisible lunge line to calmly warm up her spooky horse.

Morris instructed Harris to lengthen and shorten the stride, throwing in the occasional shoulder-in, half pass and change of direction. Eventually, the pair was cantering, counter cantering and changing leads quietly.

The young riders finished warming up under Heuschmann’s expert eye, working on steady rein contact combined with driving and bending laterally from the seat and legs to collect the horses with forward impulsion.

When Morris came back to the microphone, there was not a second of hesitation as he asked the riders to make figure eights over the cavaletti, lengthening and shortening their strides, maintaining contact and impulsion throughout the exercise.

“The horse is active, but does not rush contact,” Morris explained. “The horse has to listen, not run through the hand.”

When Morris was satisfied with everyone, he simply stated, “very good,” marking the end of the day’s lesson for group two.

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann will be returning to Germany and wanted to leave the riders and spectators with a final word of advice: “Classical riding only works if you love your horse and you love to ride.”

The Gladstone Program will continue Thursday morning with over-fences sessions at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and media training with Mason Phelps, Chip McKinney and Ariel Weisman of Phelps Media Group at 1:30 p.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

Auditors Spaces Still Available for George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Hamilton Farm

George Morris and Dr. Gerd Heuschmann.

Gladstone, NJ – May 12, 2015 – The 2015 George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at Hamilton Farm is right around the corner, and there are still a select number of auditor positions available to learn from the legend himself. Scheduled for May 19-24, 2015, the intensive clinic held at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters offers auditors a unique opportunity to learn from the country’s former Jumping Chef d’Equipe and the founding father of hunt seat equitation.

The week-long event features top young show jumping riders handpicked by Morris himself to continue their learning process and further their potential as future representatives for the United States on the international stage. This clinic offers Auditors a unique opportunity to learn about all of Morris’s methods as well as watch this country’s top young jumping talent.

All mounted sessions run from 8:00am to 12:00pm with one exception: on Tuesday, May 19 the 8:00am session will feature a lecture with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. Dr. Heuschmann is a renowned expert in the field of biomechanics of the horse and how it relates to the training and overall wellbeing of the horse. Space for this lecture is very limited and is available to auditors on a first come, first served basis.

The fee for auditors is $75/day or $375 for all six sessions. To register to audit the sessions, please click here to download the auditing registration form and schedule, or call Trish Millon at (908) 234-1251. All proceeds will help fund the United States Equestrian Teams’ High Performance programs.

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

Auditors Welcome at George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Hamilton Farm

Gladstone, NJ – April 28, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation will be hosting the George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” at its headquarters at Hamilton Farm May 19-24, 2015. This will mark the third year that Morris returns to Gladstone, NJ for the clinic, which is dedicated to the country’s talented jumping riders and offers a unique opportunity to learn from the country’s former Jumping Chef d’Equipe and the founding father of hunt seat equitation.

Auditors are welcome to attend this event to learn about all of Morris’s methods as well as watch the top young jumping talent in the United States.

All mounted sessions run from 8:00am to 12:00pm with one exception: on Tuesday, May 19, the 8:00am session will feature a lecture with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. Dr. Heuschmann is a renowned expert in the field of biomechanics of the horse and how it relates to the training and overall well-being of the horse. Space for this lecture is very limited and is available to auditors on a first come, first served basis.

The fee for auditors is $75/day or $375 for all six sessions. To register to audit the sessions, please click here to download the auditing registration form and schedule, or call Trish Millon at (908) 234-1251. All proceeds will help fund the United States Equestrian Teams’ High Performance programs.

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” Intensive Training for Show Jumping Riders Returns in 2015

Gladstone, NJ – March 12, 2015 – The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that the George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” for this country’s talented show jumping riders will feature two returning programs in 2015. The first will be held May 18-24, 2015 at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s headquarters “Hamilton Farm” in Gladstone, New Jersey, and the second program will run June 15-20, 2015, organized by Diane Carney and held at Annali-Brookwood Farm in Antioch, IL.

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 program is open to riders 18+ years of age, who are currently competing successfully at 1.45 meters or above. A maximum of 10 riders for each clinic will be personally selected by Morris.

The purpose of the program is to continue to educate, support and guide riders on the overall knowledge and expertise required to succeed at the top level of show jumping internationally. In addition to daily training sessions with Morris, the riders will participate in hands-on sessions with top industry professionals.

This year, one of the clinicians during the Gladstone Program at Hamilton Farms will be Dr. Gerhard Heuschmann, renowned expert in the field of biomechanics of the horse, and how it relates to the training and overall wellbeing of the horse.

The Gladstone Program, held at Annali-Brookwood Farm in Antioch, IL, will incorporate natural obstacles on a large grand prix field, designed to prepare riders for outdoor venues like Spruce Meadows. Dr. Marvin Beeman DVM from Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado will be the presenting veterinarian.

Each rider will meet one-on-one with Morris during the week to discuss their current and future plans and Morris will help guide them in putting together a program that will continue their preparation for international competition. Morris will also remain available after the program to follow up and monitor each rider’s progress.

“George’s continued involvement in the High Performance program is critical to providing the path, and establishing a pool of riders that are prepared and ready in every respect to represent the U.S. on Nations Cup teams. Gladstone is the perfect setting to host this important program as it is the place where the ‘team’ lived, trained and competed under the watchful eye of legendary coach Bert DeNemethy, producing some of our most successful and iconic show jumping riders, Bill Steinkraus, Frank Chapot and George, to name a few. I am most grateful to George for helping me increase the depth of talent available for Nations Cup competitions, and instilling the Gladstone ethic in these riders, which is what this program is all about,” remarked Robert Ridland, USEF Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe.

USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins said, “This program has been realized through the generosity of USET Foundation supporters Suzanne and B. G. Porter and Diane Carney who recognize the enormous potential of the U.S. Show Jumping program and the opportunity we have with George to mentor and guide the next generation of team riders as they progress up the ranks.”

Riders interested in participating should complete an application and submit to the USEF, P.O. Box 83, Gladstone, NJ 07934, or fax: 908-234-9417, no later than April 17th. Selected riders will be notified on or about April 24th. Applications are available on the USET Foundation and USEF websites, www.uset.org and www.usef.org, or by emailing Lynn Lopez at llopez@usef.org.

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

South Carolina Prepares to Host George H. Morris

Pendleton, SC – November 11, 2014 – Clemson University is preparing to host George H. Morris next week, who will be conducting a clinic at their T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena. Organized by Sherry Pace, the clinic will be held November 21-23, 2014. The legendary horseman and coach will be instilling the foundations of good horsemanship to eager riders and auditors from South Carolina and surrounding areas.

After retiring as Chef d’Equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, Morris has set his sights on developing the future of the sport by conducting clinics around the world. Focusing on helping riders develop correct form and function, Morris has often been referred to as the founding father of hunt seat equitation. Second to none, his teachings, technique and style are revered around the world. Over the course of his career, Morris has been highly successful as a rider, coach, clinician, author and judge.

“I am extremely excited to have George come to South Carolina,” said Pace. “This is my eighth year working with him. The knowledge that he brings to our local trainers is immeasurable. Everyone can learn something from him at every level. We’re fortunate to have him in our area and I just can’t say enough about how please I am and how excited everyone is to have him here.”

While spots to participate as a rider in the clinic filled up immediately, auditor positions are still available to gain knowledge from the esteemed Morris through observation. A waiting list is also available for riders should spots open up. Auditor spots are offered for $65 per day and a donation will be made to the Clemson Equestrian team.

The daily clinic schedule will begin with the first group of intermediate riders at 9:00 a.m., followed by advanced-intermediate riders at 11 a.m. The final group of advanced riders will commence at 2:00 p.m.

For more information about the clinic at Clemson University, please contact Sherry Pace at pacemap@aol.com.

For more information about the George Morris Clinics and his 2014 schedules, please visit http://www.ghmclinics.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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International Arena at Tryon International Equestrian Center Dedicated to George H. Morris

Katherine Bellissimo, Mark Bellissimo, George Morris, and Roger Smith at the dedication ceremony.

Four other equestrian families were also honored: the Reynolds Family, Gordon Wright, Jarrett Schmid, and Carter P. Brown.

Tryon, N.C. (October 7, 2014) – Legendary horseman George H. Morris was honored on Saturday with the dedication of the main International Arena at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The dedication occurred prior to Amanda Flint’s victory in the $100,000 Salamander Resort and Spa Grand Prix at TIEC in Tryon, North Carolina.

Chris Kappler, Gold and Silver medalist from the 2004 Athens Olympics, introduced the ring dedication to George Morris, commenting, “There are thousands of reasons as to why I consider George to be the greatest horseman in the world, but the most important is his incredible understanding and fantastic respect for the horse. That is why George is particularly proud to be dedicated to this ring because that is what this facility is going to represent: the ultimate understanding and respect for the horse. So much thought has gone into all of this. It is going to be the facility of the future and I think you will see many world championships and other fantastic international events here.” George Morris commented during the dedication of the International Ring: “I can tell you, this is world class. Due to my age, I have been to every horse show in the world and I can compare this to the great horse shows of Europe and Calgary; this is of that class, and will only get better and better.”

Click on the following link to view the dedication of the George H. Morris International Arena: http://bit.ly/1yIEfZm.

Finally, a hand painted Venetian Carousel was installed in the public plaza at the spectator entrance where hundreds of children took turns riding the carousel. Mark Bellissimo added, “The carousel is dedicated to the children of the community who may get their first opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the horse whether the experience is a memorable ride on a carousel or their first ride on their way to Olympic level competition. Every dream begins somewhere.” The first carousel rider was Rebecca Lawlor, daughter of Fate Lawlor, one of the Project Managers for Clary Hood who was instrumental in the construction of the facility. She was joined on the carousel by the legendary George Morris.

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About Tryon International Equestrian Center

Owned and managed by Tryon Equestrian Partners, whose partners include Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Roger and Jennifer Smith, Lisa Lourie, Jenji and Diana Mercer, Howard and Gwen Dvorkin, and Joe and Cindy Mitchell. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is part of the new Tryon Resort which is only an hour west of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and 40 minutes from the highly acclaimed Cities of Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC. The equestrian facility includes five riding arenas with world-class footing and 500 permanent stables. When fully completed, the equestrian facility will feature up to 10 riding arenas (including one with stadium seating for 6,000), 1,000 permanent stalls, elevated and shaded viewing decks, a large covered riding facility and the Tryon Sports Complex. For more information, visit www.TryonHorseShows.com.

Tryon Resort | | info@tryonhorseshows.com | http://www.tryonhorseshows.com
4066 Pea Ridge Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756

Final Day at Annali-Brookwood Farm with George Morris

George Morris demonstrates on Hunter Holloway’s mount.

Antioch, IL – June 28, 2014 – Today was the final day of the 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, auditors 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.

The session today was standing room only for auditors as Morris demonstrated correct flatwork and basic dressage on Hunter Holloway’s mount in the first session and Ashley Stannard’s horse in the second session.

“Calm, forward and straight is what we need to work a horse. If we are missing one we can’t have the other,” explained Morris as he rode.

Morris discussed five qualities of a team rider: 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.

When the groups moved to the jumping, Morris stated the course would tell the tale of the rider’s ability.

“These riders are green at this level,” said Morris. “They haven’t jumped at Calgary in the 1.60 meters, and they haven’t been on the [Longines Global Champions Tour]. These riders want to go on to do that. Riders must be realistic about their goals and the ability of their horses.”

Morris had the riders warm up, jumping out of the ring into the grass and back into the sand ring. Next it was back and forth over a 5’6″ wide oxer; then riders were ready to take on the track. The course asked many questions of horse and rider such as: are they bold as they jump out of the ring? Do they have impulsion, which is what the riders have been working on all week, as they galloped uphill to a 5′ wide triple bar? Do they have control as they galloped downhill to a vertical and then had to make a turn to jump back into the ring?

Caitie Hope tackles the water jump
Caitie Hope tackles the water jump

Then the technical questions of the course were next with the roll back to the liverpool oxer away from the in-gate, a very specific six strides to a very imposing wall, which the beginning of the wall, oxer, oxer combination uphill.

Continuing on course, the riders worked on the time allowed making an efficient turn to the 5’6″ wide Swedish USET oxer with a liverpool, making their way to the hardest line of the course.

The last line proved to be the most difficult with the horses having to canter parallel to the auditors to get the correct line to a tall natural vertical with a specific five strides to the water and seven strides to last narrow swoop wall, with straightness critical to jump it clean.

Morris was the perfect example of calm as the riders took to the track, only re-riding a few jumps that proved difficult for the horse and rider combinations. For some it was the impulsion in the triple combination, for some it was the straightness in the line to the water, for others it was jumping back into the ring and for some it was the jumps in the grass.

During the week the ten riders were divided into two groups and team leaders were appointed. Throughout the week, the teams helped each other out and today they had a friendly competition for what they all fondly called, “The Grand Prix of Brookwood.” Team one was Caitie Hope (team leader), Stephen Foran, Lisa Goldman, Hunter Holloway and Courtney Fredrick. Team two was Ashley Stannard (team leader), Adrienne Dixon, Lindsey Lamb, KC Van Aarem and Caroline McLeese. After calculating the faults with one score dropped for each team, the riders were pleased to announce it was Hope’s team with the win! Posting clear rounds today, which was the goal of the program, were Hope, Holloway and McLeese.

The riders all agreed the opportunity to listen and learn from the various professionals was priceless. The week provided the opportunity to ask questions and apply what they were learning to the daily activities. The riders couldn’t agree on what presentation they thought was best since all the presentations were extremely informative and relevant to the rider’s goals. Riders took away something from every presentation and could apply the information to their programs. All the riders said they learned the importance of flatwork and will be going home and signing up for dressage lessons.

Adrienne Dixon jumps the triple bar
Adrienne Dixon jumps the triple bar

“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 co-ordinate 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.”

During the farewell luncheon, riders were awarded silver plates from the USET Foundation for their participation in the training session along with a commemorative group photo signed by Morris and Carney, compliments of Phelps Media Group. The ten riders thanked Morris and Carney for making the session possible then said their goodbyes to their new friends and future teammates before heading home.

Special thanks goes to the USET Foundation for making the Gladstone Program possible in order to educate future team riders for the United States. The program is not just about riding, but also about the care and management of the equine athletes that inspire our sport and us.

To make a donation to support the Gladstone Program, please click here.

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.

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

Gymnastics Test Riders during George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Annali-Brookwood Farm

George Morris demonstrates dressage – Photo by Aullmyn Photography.

Antioch, IL – June 26, 2014 – Day three of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Annali-Brookwood Farm, organized by Diane Carney, brought more experience and knowledge to the ten riders selected by Morris to participate in the prestigious program. Today’s session included a review of flatwork, more difficult gymnastics for horses and riders, continued education on confirmation, and learning and understanding an FEI jog; as well as a discussion with Young Rider Chef d’Equipe, Diane Langer.

In Morris’ sessions today, he emphasized contact with the horse’s mouth and raising the hands to meet the horse’s mouth. Horses ridden correctly have no need for draw reins to get the horse on the bit. Morris said gadgets and trendy gimmicks have no place in proper riding. He also made the point that riders should make sure the horse go forward, and then come back and listen to the leg. The horse should always be in front of the leg and behind the hand.

“If you teach a horse something they will use it against you,” said Morris. “If you teach them to go forward they will run away. If you teach them to stop and back they will rear. That’s why the counter canter is so helpful to discipline the horse.”

The groups moved on to a trot jump and a bending line to a 4′ wide oxer and 20′ to a vertical and did the exercise back and forth. The jumps today included a triple bar over the 12′ water, the USET oxer with a liverpool, a single narrow wall with a picket gate and a three-oxer triple combination.

Adrienne Dixon
Adrienne Dixon

“A gymnastic can be any arrangement of jumps,” said Morris, “they don’t have to be in a straight line to be a gymnastic.”

For the afternoon session, G. Marvin Beeman, DVM of Littleton Equine Medical Center in Denver, CO, continued his presentation on conformation. Dr. Beeman, the key veterinarian behind the successful career of the Olympic horse, Calypso, spoke about the dynamics of locomotion – where the horse lands, turns and puts pressure. Then he gave examples of diagrams used to study the conformation of the horse, speaking to the fact that about 60-65% of the horse’s weight is supported by the front end.

“Horses can tolerate poor conformation but it eventually catches up with them,” said Dr. Beeman. “It’s also usually not one defect, but a combination of defects that can limit the horse’s ability or soundness.”

He continued to teach riders how to evaluate conformation. Dr. Beeman broke it down into five categories: Head, neck, body and balance; front limb; rear limb; type of horse; and way of going. He explained the details of each category.

He also discussed the effects of altitude on horses and navicular, the foot and shoeing and the skeleton and muscle attachment. Dr. Beeman’s presentation encouraged conversation and questions from the riders. It was clearly evident he is a true horseman who has dedicated his life to horses like Morris. Morris then emphasized that to be the best it takes dedication and ambition.

Riders fed their horses and then sat down to listen to Diane Langer talk about applications and information considered for a United States team competitions. Langer was a wealth of information and opened the floor for discussion about the Young Riders competition. She also discussed with riders the need for them to create a plan and a map of competitions, allowing their horses to peak at the right times and which types of classes riders should be striving for.

The group also discussed the FEI jog, which riders will actually participate in at 7:30 am tomorrow. In addition to Morris’ sessions tomorrow, riders will hear from farrier Bill Liggett.

For more information, contact Diane Carney at dtelluride@aol.com or 847-922-6167.

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.

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