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George Morris Demonstrates Classical Style at Beverly Equestrian Center

George Morris watching Courtney Young.

The Plains, VA – April 30, 2015 – When the “Founding Father of Hunt Seat Equitation” speaks, people listen. Today at the Beverly Equestrian Center in The Plains, VA, a captive group of auditors had the opportunity to hear what the master had to say, and the focus was on classical style.

Host Darrin Mollett stated, “It’s always great having George here; we look forward to his visit every time. You always learn something, even though he’s been here a couple years and I’ve sat in on hours and hours, I get something new every time. I really like to see the horses improve, and the riders improve each day – it’s always really impressive.”

Three groups of riders turned out for the three-day clinic that began on Tuesday, and this morning the advanced group at 3’6″ kicked off the day. After Morris inspected the eight riders’ tack and turnout, he had them work at will. During the warm-up the theme, which would persist throughout the day, was impulsion.

“As you are working, impulsion increases if you are working leg to hand,” said Morris. “Impulsion is always first. Rhythm is second. Most people don’t ride with their legs because they can’t see the back of the horse. They ride with hand, but you need to ride with leg.”

The first group exercise was a set of five cavalettis set on a small semi-circle, and riders had to work their horses by collecting them to take the inside track or teaching them a larger stride by taking the outside route.

The next exercise was to improve the canter – a gait that Morris said there is actually no such thing as, the canter is simply a collected gallop. For the first exercise, there were three fences, a two stride line to a five stride line, but riders had to first make their horses collect by doing three and six strides in both directions. Riders were next asked to do the correct strides, but after completing the first line, do a bending four-stride line from a gate to the first fence followed by a series of spiral circles to create a “perfect uphill balance.”

The next exercise was more challenging for the riders as a plank fence and triple bar set over a liverpool was added to the equation. The spooky liverpool required riders to ride defensively to the fence and get behind their horse. The entire exercise required riders to do the previous bending line in a direct three strides, before making a very short 90 degree turn to the plank, and then a direct bending three strides to the triple bar. While some horses baulked at the challenge, Morris was able to coach the riders and help them support their mounts so that they could answer the question the track asked.

When one rider’s horse wanted to stop, Morris quipped, “He goes over it, he goes under it, or he goes through it.”

Once all of the riders successfully complete that task, Morris set up a gymnastic with a line including a one-stride to a two-stride combination. The goal of the next exercise was to work on upper body control.

Morris commented, “Position is first, second is understanding the aides, and third is the basics of classical riding – impulsion, straightness, rhythm being uphill. Beezie and McLain can do what the Europeans can do with style – that is our goal. You don’t ride position – position helps you effectively ride with style. ”

Morris demonstrated correct position on Madison Warner’s mount, and, while the horse was hesitating to the fences, Morris stressed repetition and that a disciplined horse is a relaxed horse.

Another horse that Morris worked with earlier in the day was Devan Graham’s, who appreciated Morris’ attention to detail. “It was really interesting,” she expressed. “I don’t really see anyone ride him too much, so it was fun to see him ride him and deal with his strange behavior. I think it’s really good how [Morris] is all about precision and how we can focus on specific details of certain things before we move on to the larger picture.”

Kathryn Luke
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Kathryn Luke

Kathryn Luke also participated, saying, “It has reinforced a lot of what my trainers have told me over the years, who have all learned from him originally. He keys in on the same faults I’ve always had, but it was nice to get validation that some things are right, even if there are things to work on. My horse is still very green and doesn’t have a lot of experience, but was able to get it done and meet the test and hold his own. I was very happy with him and what he was able to do.”

At the end of the session, Morris said, “I don’t know what I am doing, but I know more than you do. Take what you got out of this clinic and work with your trainers and continue your education.”

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.

For more information about the George Morris Clinics and his 2015 schedules, please visit http://www.ghmclinics.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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