20 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
George is all smiles during a 2013 clinic in Oklahoma.
Photo by Doris Degner-Foster
will elevate and change riders forever.
“As much as riding is my first love, teaching is my second love,”
George said. “That’s probably what I was meant to do is be a
teacher. Teaching is probably where I’m most proud. I think I will
be remembered more as a teacher than a rider.”
He added, “I wasn’t born that talented of a rider, but I was born
a lucky rider.”
A major turning point occurred in George’s life when he turned
to show jumping and continued his success.
Among others wins, he won the Grand Prix at Aachen and a
silver medal in the Olympic Games in 1960. In 1988, while still
maintaining his teaching career, he won the grand prix in Calgary.
What people might not know is that as much as he loved show-
ing, George suffered from nerves the whole time. Before perform-
ing in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, he noticed a cleaning lady
working in the distance and wished he had that job so that he
wouldn’t have to jump the high obstacles. He managed his ner-
vousness and went on to win the silver medal. He insists, “It all
comes down to your knowledge, your homework and your habits.
That’s what pulls you through.”
Along with the temptation to switch careers to cleaning, he did
consider other careers. “I traveled with my family a great deal
growing up and when I was younger I thought of the diplomatic
service,” he said. “But, very soon after winning the Medal and Ma-
clay, I thought of the Olympic team – so the diplomatic service
didn’t last long. I also liked the theater, where I was OK but not
great, so I went back to the horse business.”
Before the 1960 Olympics, George had to maintain his status as
an amateur to be on the team. After that accomplishment, it was
time to choose a profession – and he didn’t go straight to horses.
Working with his father on Wall Street didn’t appeal to him, but
he had always been interested in the theater. Horsewoman and
top agent, Edith Van Cleve, befriended him and helped him enroll
in acting school.
He worked in the theater for two years and, as much as he
liked it, he missed the passion that came with riding. A turning
point occurred when his parents attended a play in which he had
a leading role. During one scene, George said he was practically
naked and his father was mortified. Although his father had
always said that he would not support George’s choice to be a
professional horseman, after seeing the alternative his father
asked him, “What about the horse business?” and helped him get
started.
When he resumed riding and training, Ruth Newberry offered
At 75, George still has great form.
Photo by Doris Degner-Foster
Continued on page 22
George, with Beezie and John Madden, at the 2006 World
Equestrian Games.
Photo by PhelpsSports.com
