Tag Archives: Gladstone Program

Dressage, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

George Morris Summarizes Four Days of Work to Prepare Riders for Final Day of Gladstone Program

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George Morris.

Gladstone, NJ – May 24, 2014 – The fifth day of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program saw an abundance of auditors line the stands at the USET Foundation Headquarters at Hamilton Farm for the Saturday mounted sessions. The sessions this morning reviewed the previous four days of instruction, summarizing position, release over fences and exercises using classical dressage.

“Mostly I read books,” Morris began the session with his words of wisdom. “I read books, lots of books, and I review them over and over again. The key in riding and training is repetition. This is why I am involved with horses, not for the teaching, not for the cheffing, but for the riding. I like training because I hate bad riding.”

Morris continued, “These riders are advanced, they are exemplary riders, but it is important to know that you are always learning. I am teaching you what has taken me a lifetime to learn, and I am only half way there.”

Both groups of riders began their exercises this morning using classical dressage techniques. Morris enunciated the difference between classical and competition dressage, focusing on the importance of preparing all horses with the use of classical dressage and leg aids.

In normal Morris-style, the riders walked forward with impulsion as he commented on their stirrup lengths, notating that the length of the stirrup should be two to three holes longer for flat work. After a day of no stirrups, it was important that the riders maintained their forward positions in the saddle, staying about 5 degrees ahead of the vertical, using their bodies to be slightly ahead of the base of support and never falling behind the movement of the horse.

“Practice doesn’t make perfect,” Morris chuckled. “Perfect practice makes perfect. That is our goal. Position is a work in progress until the day you stop riding.”

Morris advocated the use of two-point contact as the riders lengthened their legs around the horses, focusing on the forward inclination, referring to the position as “indispensable.” They posted for 10 strides, and then held two-point for 10 strides, observing the position and the change in the base of support. The posting or rising trot is exactly like jumping; the movement of the horse thrusts the rider forward in the saddle, displacing the base of support from the knee to the heel, using the stirrups for stability.

After completing several volte, a little larger than 6 meters in diameter, Morris asked the riders to make the circles smaller and smaller until they were working at the pirouette.

Morris continued to work the riders and horses with the four-track ravers (“haunches in”) and renvers (“haunches-out”), as well as with shoulders-in and shoulders-out to increase suppleness and rideability while working on leg aids. Morris then asked the riders to complete leg-yields and half-passes as part of the lateral schooling.

The riders rewarded their horses with what Morris refers to as “the greatest principal of riding,” the take and give. As they did, the horses became content and submissive, softening their backs and stretching on the hand as they descended their necks. Morris expounded that the riders must resist the horse’s mouth in exact proportion, always keeping contact and using their legs to maintain impulsion with the “petite attaque.”

“What I teach is no longer the common fashion,” Morris said. “The light seat and forward positioning is no longer taught; classical dressage is no longer used. Remember, anything that is done to excess becomes a defect; look at the crest release. When you release over the fence your hands should be in a straight line to the horse’s mouth, keeping contact and sinking into the saddle after the fence, not sitting, but sinking.”

Savannah Talcott
Savannah Talcott

Morris completed a series of cavaletti aboard Sloane Coles’ horse during the first session, focusing on the position and jumping with contact. For the second group he had the five riders practice over cavaletti, cantering the series in a forward two-stride to a bounce and into a three-stride to complete the exercise with the halt. Morris then had them reverse and complete the exercise at a collected pace adding strides and halting before the in-gate.

After completing a series of questions from the auditors and riders, the morning session was released. The 10 riders proceeded on to a closed Physio Session with Equine Physiotherapist for the United States Show Jumping Team, Janus Marquis.

“I really base the talk around the fact that it is the rider’s ultimate responsibility to care for the well-being of the horse, and the fact that he is an athlete. We are going to run our hands over the horse, feel for irregularities such as heat and inflammation,” Marquis explained. “The riders need to know their horses every day, and when they find things they will know what to do from stretching to modalities. We will use ultrasounds, lasers, electromagnetics and electro stimulation, that are out there and available to them as tools so they get the most out of their performance and longevity out of the athlete.”

After the Physio Session, each rider sat with Morris to speak one-on-one about his or her career and a program to follow. The Gladstone Program is designed to focus on the 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 to be a “team” rider and represent the United States in international competition.

Tomorrow brings the final day of the 2014 George H. Morris Gladstone Program, focusing on a morning filled with jumping. The riders will face a daunting course promptly at 8 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The morning 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.

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

Dressage, Training/Clinics

George Morris Drops the Stirrups to Pin Point Positioning at Gladstone Program

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George Morris works Savannah Talcott’s horse.

Gladstone, NJ – May 23, 2014 – The fourth day of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program opened to a brisk breeze and 60-degree weather. With the horses feeling fresh, riders had to be on point as they mounted sans stirrups for the morning sessions with the world-renowned horseman. Although the riders would not face the imposing obstacles from the previous day’s sessions, Morris would test both horse and rider mentally and physically with exercises on the flat to improve aids and balance.

Proponents of no-stirrup riding, including Morris, argue that riding in this fashion is natural. It allows the rider to sit over the shoulder and just behind the withers, increasing communication with the horse considerably, while improving balance. Riders adjusted the bridge of their reins, keeping the outside a touch shorter than the inside, putting the excess rein or “bight” to the outside. The horses maintained straightness with help from the outside hand, with each rider moving forward with impulsion at the free walk.

Morris explained, “Riders, myself included, tend to slip back in their position and seat. For this first position, I want your hand on the pommel of the saddle, and pull your two seat bones deep into the saddle while lengthening the legs. Your leg should be slightly behind the girth, keeping impulsion at the walk.”

Although the clinic has focused deeply on the suppleness of the horse for the past three days, today Morris redirected his attention to the suppleness of the riders. He introduced a series of exercises that are beneficial to riders of all levels, working through the ankles, legs, crotch, arms, shoulders and neck. Riders rotated their toes clockwise and counter clockwise three to four times while keeping the leg perfectly steady.

The scissors implementation allowed the riders to open and close their legs to the sides while helping to stretch the adductor muscle group and the legs in entirety. The exercise is very challenging, bringing the legs to a 45-degree angle simultaneously, and Morris only had the riders perform it five times.

“You can never grow out of these exercises; they not only help to make you supple, but they allow the horse to trust you. It is important that the horse always trust its rider,” Morris commented as he asked the riders to move their arms in a circle, brushing the horse’s neck and flank lightly. “You want them to feel content, and trusting. Pat their neck, and lightly brush their flank so they don’t confuse your hand with the whip.”

The riders picked up a slow trot, still holding a forward position, and Morris asked them to rise to the trot. It was very short-lived though, as Morris acknowledged how physically taxing the posting trot is without stirrups. The riders moved through a succession of the volte, ranging about 8 meters in diameter, completing circles at an interval while keeping the horse’s forehand and hindquarters on the same track.

The riders worked with feeling the horse in the hand, pushing the horse with their legs while allowing them to stretch for the bit. As the riders worked on downward transitions, Morris focused on the details of positioning during each, always focusing on keeping the horse in front of the leg.

“The half-halt is the crux of riding,” Morris said as riders transitioned from trot to walk and walk to halt. “The basis of the half-halt is in the hand. It is like you are squeezing a lemon or a sponge. You must close your hand and make a fist. If you need a stronger half-halt, add the arm, if you need to be even stronger use your weight. The French have a great term: stretch the spine. I love that saying. It tells you that you must drive your seat into the saddle.”

Morris then asked the riders to complete leg-yields and half-passes as part of the lateral schooling. “The purpose of lateral work is to get the horse coming from behind; this is horse training,” he said. “This is why I am in the sport: not because I have won numerous equitation, hunter and jumper championships, but because of the horse training.”

The final part of the morning sessions included counter-cantering while using outside aids to correctly ask for a lead change. Morris expected each rider to keep his or her horse straight while asking for the lead change on the track with his or her inside leg and outside leg, contrary to popular teachings. Morris had the opportunity to work Brittni Raflowitz’s horse from the first group session, and Savannah Talcott’s horse from the second mounted session.

As he walked each of the horses at a free walk, it was apparent that they were content and submissive to his legs and hands. “Do you see how the horse is relaxed? It’s not from exhaustion, not from lunging, not from drugging, but from riding. See how she snorts; she is happy and that is her purr.”

Morris finished the session with words of wisdom for his students and spectators. “Our goal is perfection; we won’t ever reach perfection, but that is our goal. The best professionals reach their goals because they set their standards high.”

Day five of the clinic will review the principals that the students learned throughout the week, preparing them for the major day of jumping on Sunday morning. They had the unique opportunity to meet with United States Show Jumping Team Veterinarian, Dr. Tim Ober, DVM, for a veterinary session Friday afternoon where Ober discussed the importance of proper riding and veterinary implementation in a program.

“The foundation of what I have to say builds on what George and Dr. Heuschmann have been saying, that proper riding and balance go hand-in-hand in reducing the need for a veterinarian to be involved too frequently in the care of their horse,” Ober explained. “The best way that a veterinarian can complement you and your horse in the sports industry is to help you to be proactive and preventative about injuries. If you are riding well, your horses are fit, and your vet is helping you get on top of small details, your injury rate will go down; there is no question about that.”

“I think that these clinics and these programs are opening riders’ eyes to standards and common approaches that George and others would like to see adopted in the U.S. I think that shift will have to be nurtured and developed over time, and these clinics are fundamental,” Ober concluded. “How these clinics are getting adopted more and more throughout the year is the next evolution of this.”

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

Dressage, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Gladstone Program Pushes 10 Riders to New Limits Focusing for Future International Competition

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Maggie McAlary completes the water jump using impulsion and anticipation.

Gladstone, NJ – May 22, 2014 – The third day of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program educated both horse and rider alike as the renowned horseman put the 10 riders through rigorous tests and challenges both on the flat and over fences. The devil is in the details provided the main focus for today’s morning mounted sessions, with Morris focusing on the miniscule to enhance the eventual outcome of the riding pairs.

On the flat, riders practiced classical dressage, drastically furthering the suppleness of their horses with serpentine, shoulders in and out, haunches in and out, and flying lead changes on a straight line. Yesterday’s lessons on forward positioning continued into today’s teachings, and although the forward position is no longer “in style” as Morris commented, he preaches a forward seat for the welfare of the horse and contact of the rider in the saddle.

“People are too busy these days to study,” Morris said while shaking his head. “They go to horse show after horse show. Everything we learned at Gladstone so many years ago is extinct. Everybody should read and learn everything that they can. I was fortunate enough to start and stay at the top of the sport. I am 76 years old, and I had one great teacher after another throughout my career, but I supplemented my knowledge on the horse with knowledge in the books.”

Morris focused on working with the riders to use the aids of classical dressage, counter cantering and completing flying lead changes by using the inside leg and the outside rein. He executed the exercise aboard Sloane Coles’ horse, balancing and straightening the horse and demonstrating a perfect flying change down each parallel of the ring as Brittni Raflowitz, Jacob Pope, Maggie McAlary, and Scott Lico followed in suit.

Morris asked each of the riders what they have observed. Pope answered, “I have really learned about the emphasis of the outside aids. They are a big part of what George has been saying. When we were doing the flying lead changes, so many of us wanted to pull on the inside rein to get the change, which is what we were taught, but when you use the outside aids it keeps them straight and you get a true lead change. I also think it is interesting that you get the horse straight by bending.”

After working Coles’ horse in the first group, Morris got down to the details: correcting the positions of Coles’ foot in the stirrup iron, commenting on the importance of maintaining a 90-degree angle next to the girth with one quarter of the foot in the iron while keeping the outside branch slightly ahead of the inside. Once the riders had shortened their stirrups and checked their girths for jumping, he had them begin with a lesson on impulsion.

The exercise began over a liverpool set with two wings on the side. Since the fence was positioned in the far corner, the riders had to move forward. The first couple of times the riders approached the fence behind the horse, teaching self-courage. Once the horse was confident, riders substituted leg for the seat allowing the horses to think forward.

Morris continued to challenge the groups with variations of fences, including a birch cross rail, an imposing double combination, and the liverpool. Each part of the exercise forced the riders to adjust their strides in an attempt to collect and lengthen while continuing their knowledge of the small details to assist with impulsion. When they were confirmed, the water obstacle was introduced.

“This is all about educating the horse, using different fences and using self-initiative to make the horse carry us,” Morris said. “You must think of the future, assisting the horse and training to prevent. You spend the first half of the horse’s life training them to jump the water, and the second half of their life trying not to touch it.”

Using repetition the riders completed each of the exercises until Morris would smile and announce, “A horse can’t jump better than that. They just can’t jump better. Horses need to jump for a reason; when they have learned, stop jumping. Do not over jump.”

Only one variation in the second group, consisting of Alec Bozorgi, Karina Busch, Katie Cox, Christi Israel and Savannah Talcott, separated the morning’s lessons — the angle fence, which proved problematic for several of the riders. Each rider had to take the cross rail and use a left drift to angle correctly to the grey wall as part B of the double combination. Busch’s horse, more inexperienced than its clinic counterparts, ran out on the obstacle several times, but Morris corrected the refusal with the inside leg and outside rein, moving the horse forward through the exercise. When the horses were ready, Morris added the triple bar to the progression, focusing on the double combination where the riders had to collect and stay straight.

“The United States forgot to be serious,” Morris stated. “That’s why we have big owners going to Europe for riders. Why would you want to have a kindergartener ride your horse when you could have a graduate? We got cocky, fat and happy. The U.S. has become content with business and money, losing the competitiveness of the sport.”

In the afternoon the riders put their horses away, working on basic stable management with Barn Manager, Janus Marquis. After a lunch break the 10 riders met with Lee and Erica McKeever to discuss planning for success before preparing for a unique movie night where the groups would watch the 1960 Rome Olympics with Morris commentating, including his own riding in the competition arena.

Pope commented, “This program has been a great learning experience; it is great to make connections, and I am so honored to be here. Obviously, George Morris is the main reason that this clinic is such a big deal, but the fact that this program is at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone is extremely special. There is so much history, and it is pretty impressive to be here and bring you back to your roots.”

Day three of the Gladstone Program will commence tomorrow morning with the mounted sessions beginning 8 a.m., where the riders will drop their stirrups for the session. All 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.

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

Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Gymnastics and Forward Foundations for Day Two of George H. Morris Gladstone Program

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George Morris works Jacob Pope’s mount through the cavaletti exercise

Gladstone, NJ – May 21, 2014 – Day two of the 2014 George H. Morris Gladstone Program got underway at the USET Foundation’s Headquarters at Hamilton Farms early Wednesday morning. Riders were expected to put their newly learned knowledge to the test, continuing their work on the flat in order to better prepare their mounts for the gymnastics session in the afternoon where they would face cavaletti, gymnastic work, and a liverpool.

Legendary horseman George Morris instructed Brittni Raflowitz, Maggie McAlary, Sloane Coles and Scott Lico to work their horses around half the ring, using self-activity and putting yesterday’s knowledge into practice. Jacob Pope watched Morris from the side as he worked with his mount to round the poll and straighten, working with the horse’s mouth to sensitize and utilize leg aids.

“The French call it ‘petite attaque’ meaning small attack,” Morris stated as he put the horse to the bit. “The trick is to push not pull, give a little and then take a little. You want the horse to fall into rhythm, and have contact with the bit. Once they are going with the impulsion, they have no choice; the horse will stretch into the bit. You must know the difference between stretching and leaning.”

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann welcomed Alec Bozorgi, Karina Busch, Katie Cox, Christi Israel and Savannah Talcott to the second mounted session of the morning. Dr. Heuschmann mounted Karina Busch’s horse, and from the moment he positioned himself the familiarities in his and Morris’ riding styles were uncanny. He reinforced his hand position by keeping his hands symmetrical with the horse’s mouth.

The gymnastics mounted session saw the 10 riders in the two groups, using a condensed work model on the flat to loosen the horses and work on suppleness. Utilizing Heuschmann’s principles discussed over the two days, the riders continued to work on classical riding techniques, focusing on a light seat and keeping the horse balanced with their legs and hands. Morris then instructed the riders to move through the cavalettis, maintaining rhythm and allowing their horse to get there without hesitation. Even through the cavalettis the riders focused on keeping a forward seat, similar to that of the obstacles they would soon progress on to.

Morris had them complete several figure eights over the cavalettis, interpreted as “little obstacle,” and then focus on a series of four small verticals set on a circle. “You always want to be progressive when training a horse. We start with two fences, then progress to three, and then four,” Morris described.

“You may not get it right the first time, or even the second time,” Morris explained. “It takes years of practice to get to the level of Beezie [Madden], McLain [Ward] or Laura [Kraut], but we are working to build you and the horse to get there.”

Alec Bozorgi rides to the triple bar, exemplifying what Morris was explaining with a light seat, forward position and deep approach
Alec Bozorgi rides to the triple bar, exemplifying what Morris was explaining with a light seat, forward position and deep approach

The riders focused on holding their position throughout the exercise, keeping contact with a half halt after each fence, by raising their hands slightly. Each rider kept the inside rein open, using the outside leg to guide and allow the horse to bend around the inside leg. When Morris was satisfied with each of the riders, he moved on to a single triple bar.

Morris always focuses on the forward seat as part of his clinics, working to get the horses to go with the riders versus bracing and resisting with too deep of a seat. The riders were asked to approach the triple bar at a forward pace in a two-point position, moving into a light three-point position about eight strides away from the obstacle.

As soon as each rider completed the triple bar, Morris added a vertical-vertical one-stride combination set next to the water. He focused on having the riders look for a deep approach to the fences so that the horses sit back on their hocks, using impulsion to move them through the combinations. After taking six strides to an oxer set on the left from the combination, the riders moved on to the liverpool, an obstacle that proved spooky for several.

“This is where you have to ask what impulsion your horse needs,” Morris asked of his students. “Does your horse need a cluck? A little spur? A stick? You need to think quickly and understand how to keep your horse thinking forward. You must anticipate and predict.”

“I didn’t exactly know what to expect when going into the gymnastics session today,” Raflowitz said. “I have only had my mare for a month, but I was prepared to expect the unexpected. She was super, and I couldn’t have asked her to be any better than she was. Everything George has to say is quite interesting since he has a very different teaching style than anyone I have worked with. I need to work on being softer in the seat, not riding so rigid and so deep in my seat.”

Raflowitz continued, “This clinic is so unique; it combines lectures with professionals in the industry, and an unfathomable amount of knowledge can be gained. Today we met with Yvonne Ocrant, a lawyer, and it was extremely interesting. She kept us engaged, and I came away with a better understanding for a business on both a day-to-day and law-based way. She really explained how to turn what we love to do into a successful business, but we also learned the importance of protecting our business.”

The instructions through the gymnastics provided educational tools for horse and rider, actively fulfilling the purpose of the 2014 George H. Morris Gladstone Program. Day three of the clinic will focus on two group sessions beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. The riders will face more work on the flat, as well as a series of gymnastics. The Gladstone Program incorporates a unique design, utilizing professionals and experts across the equestrian industry to build knowledge for the riders in an effort to pursue a path that will prepare them to be a “team” rider and represent the United States in international competition.

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

Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

George H. Morris Gladstone Program Kicks Off at the USET Foundation’s Hamilton Farm

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Maggie McAlary.

Gladstone, NJ – May 20, 2014 – Ten of the country’s most talented young riders chosen for the George H. Morris Gladstone Program gathered at the USET Foundation’s Headquarters at Hamilton Farms this morning for the opportunity to lifetime. This special program focuses on the 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 to be a “team” rider and represent the United States in international competition.

George Morris started the day by introducing the riders to German veterinarian and leading expert in biomechanics, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, to lead the session on “Biomechanics of the Riding Horse”. Many of Dr. Heuschmann and Morris’ ideas and training are aligned, making Heuschmann a natural fit for the Gladstone Program. Heuschmann’s lecture on biomechanics was the perfect subject for the opening day, introducing riders to the working, riding and training teachings of the masters throughout centuries. All of his education, research and hands-on experience have led him to one conclusion: 95 percent of the problems sit in the saddle.

“The United States is the only country where veterinarians give hock injections,” Heuschmann stated. “There is no need. Sixty percent of lameness problems cannot be diagnosed; however, if you understand the horse, balance and seat, lameness problems can be fixed in a matter of days without unnecessary steroids.”

Heuschmann discussed the importance of the rider’s seat, and how it is the key to classical training. Each rider must know how to have a light seat; it is the most important because this is where all of the connection and feeling happens.

The information from the lecture proved pertinent as five riders from the first group approached the USET Foundation Arena for the mounted session. There was not a jump in sight as Brittni Raflowitz, Jacob Pope, Maggie McAlary, Sloane Coles, and Scott Lico entered the ring with their mounts. Morris and Dr. Heuschmann soon arrived and immediately put their teachings to practice.

Using half of the ring, Morris began the clinic in normal fashion, adjusting positioning and equipment. Riders worked on giving and taking, using minimal use of their hands while focusing on their legs and seat.

“I don’t like a chair seat,” Morris’ booming voice could be heard throughout the arena. “Make sure that you are using a light seat and are positioned forward.”

As they loosened up their mounts and continued around the ring, Dr. Heuschmann commented on how to make them the driver and not the passenger. He focused on not allowing the horse to get above the hand, transitioning from posting trot to sitting trot using the horse’s natural rhythm.

Heuschmann instructed Pope to post on the opposite diagonal, aligning the right hand and the right front. The exercise maintained the purpose of working to sensitize while not desensitizing their mounts, always keeping the horses in front of the leg, and working on longitudinal schooling.

“I always put these three things together on the flat: longitudinal, lateral one track and lateral two schooling,” Morris said. “Longitudinal schooling helps us to work with going forward, backward, and using transitions. The latitudinal schooling incorporates serpentines and circling. I incorporate all three of these to loosen the horse and prepare them to jump. It opens them up to stretch; you must know when to go with the stretch.”

Morris worked closely with Lico to better help his grey mare to respond to leg contact. His techniques opened her up to a more progressive training, and she began to accept and allow Lico to play with the length of her neck. By the end of the session she was accepting the leg, falling into rhythm and correcting her mouth to become suppler.

The riders finished the session out by picking up the counter canter to work on balance. With tomorrow’s jumping session quickly approaching, today’s flat work prepared each of the riders for what they are to face tomorrow. “Jumping is a reflection of the walk, trot, and canter. It is the horse’s natural ability. If the horse is supple and loose, then they will use their natural ability to jump it as best they can,” Morris stated.

The second group of riders, Alec Bozorgi, Karina Busch, Katie Cox, Christi Israel and Savannah Talcott, delved deep into the biomechanics of the horse and the proper positioning to allow for a supple horse.

Heuschmann stood center ring as he commented on leg positioning and hand placement. He advocated keeping hands aligned with the horses’ mouths, working toward a round poll and softness in their movements.

“The hand is made in your seat,” Heuschmann relayed. “One of the most important things you can learn is to keep the hand in balance. Once you are balanced you can relax the shoulders, and in turn, that allows you to work the horse into a longer frame.”

Heuschmann used many of the techniques he had discussed earlier in the day to provide examples for the riders. He utilized the “back-up” to help bring the horses in closer contact with their riders. After a few steps back the horses were responding with a brand new reaction to the aids, lengthening their necks and becoming suppler.

As the group sessions came to a close Morris picked up his measuring tape and walked into the arena with the 10 students following closely behind. Together they built the course for tomorrow afternoon’s gymnastics session.

“The Gladstone Program is not a horse show, it is an educational program. Everyone is going to ‘school’ and learning from veterinarians, sports psychologists, stabling management. It is a different experience, but the overall principle is horsemanship,” Morris concluded. “The participants in the Gladstone Program will have the opportunity to sit with me and design a program, and learn the most important parts of horsemanship as horse trainers.”

Day two of the clinic will commence at tomorrow morning with flat work mounted sessions at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and later in the afternoon riders will tackle the recently set gymnastics at 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. All 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.

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

Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Riders Prepare for George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Hamilton Farm & Annali-Brookwood Farm

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Gladstone, NJ – May 1, 2014 – In a few weeks, a selection of the country’s most talented young show jumping riders will gather at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s headquarters, Hamilton Farm, in Gladstone, New Jersey. Riders will be participating in the George H. Morris Gladstone Program, May 20-25, 2014. Just a few weeks later, ten other riders will participate in the same program at Annali-Brookwood Farm in Antioch, IL, June 23-28, 2014.

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 to be a “team” rider and represent the United States in international competition. Riders 18+ years of age, who are currently competing successfully at 1.45 meter or above submitted applications for the event, and were personally selected by Morris.

This year’s participants for the week at Hamilton Farms will be:

Alec Bozorgi        Antioch, IL
Karina Busch       Elizabethtown, KY
Sloane Coles       The Plains, VA
Katie Cox       Conroe, TX
Christi Israel       Ocala, FL
Scott Lico       Westlake Village, CA
Maggie McAlary   Amherst, NH
Jacob Pope       Columbia, MD
Brittni Raflowitz   Palm City, FL
Savannah Talcott   Pittstown, NJ

The participants for the week at Annali-Brookwood Farm will be:

Adrienne Dixon   Hillsborough, CA
Stephen Foran   Lake Forest, IL
Courtney Frederick   Longmont, CO
Lisa Goldman       Hawthorn Woods, IL
Hunter Holloway   Topeka, KS
Caitlin Hope         Barrington Hills, IL
Lindsey Lamb       Tulsa, OK
Caroline McLeese   Omaha, NE
Ashley Stannard   Tucson, AZ
KC Van Aarem   Ocala, FL

The purpose of the program is to continue to educate, support and guide potential “team” 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 a veterinarian, an equine business lawyer, top team stable manager, and physiotherapist. Riders will be expected to care for their own mounts, learning vital stable management skills. Mounted sessions will include flatwork (with and without stirrups), gymnastics and jumping courses.

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 “team” competition. Morris will also remain available after the program to follow up and monitor each rider’s progress.

The Gladstone Program is made possible through the generous support of BG and Suzanne Porter and Diane Carney.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” Application Deadline Extended to April 18th

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Gladstone, NJ – April 9, 2014 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation announced today that the deadline for the George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” has been extended to Friday, April 18. The program is dedicated to the country’s talented show jumping riders, and offers a this unique opportunity to learn from the country’s former Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe and the founding father of hunt seat equitation.

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

The first program will be held May 19-25, 2014 at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s headquarters “Hamilton Farm” in Gladstone, New Jersey, and the second program will run June 23-29, 2014, organized by Diane Carney and held at Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, Illinois.

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 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 a veterinarian, farrier, a top team stable manager, physiotherapist, and high performance business executive.

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 well-being of the horse.

The Gladstone Program held at Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, IL, will incorporate natural obstacles on a large grand prix field, designed to prepare riders for outdoors 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.

Riders interested in participating should complete an application and submit to the USET Foundation, P.O. Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07935, or fax 908-234-0670 no later than April 18th. Selected riders will be notified on or about April 28th. Applications are available on the USET Foundation and USEF websites: www.uset.org and www.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.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” Application Deadline Nears

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Intensive Training & Team Preparation for Show Jumping Riders

Gladstone, NJ – April 7, 2014 – The George H. Morris “Gladstone Program” for this country’s talented show jumping riders will be returning for 2014, and it continues to grow as the program adds a second event to the list. Applications for both events are due to the USET Foundation on Thursday, April 10. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the country’s former Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe and the founding father of hunt seat equitation.

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

The first program will be held May 19-25, 2014 at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation’s headquarters “Hamilton Farm” in Gladstone, New Jersey, and the second program will run June 23-29, 2014, organized by Diane Carney and held at Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, Illinois.

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 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 a veterinarian, farrier, a top team stable manager, physiotherapist, and high performance business executive.

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 Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, IL, will incorporate natural obstacles on a large grand prix field, designed to prepare riders for outdoors 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.

Riders interested in participating should complete an application and submit to the USET Foundation, P.O. Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07935, or fax: 908-234-0670 no later than April 10th. Selected riders will be notified on or about April 21st. Applications are available on the USET Foundation and USEF websites: www.uset.org and www.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.

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