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Tuesday, August 13 2013 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

The Legend of George Morris

By Doris Degner-Foster

 

George, in 1950, shows off his amazing form over fences.  Carl Klein Photo courtesy of The Chronicle of the Horse

George, in 1950, shows off his amazing form over fences.
Carl Klein Photo courtesy of The Chronicle of the Horse

George Morris is a charming man with impeccable manners. “What you see is what I am: old breeches, old sweaters, that’s me,” he said modestly. Perhaps someone who didn’t know him might think he was just a kind uncle who had come to the barn to visit his young relatives.

 

But, they probably wouldn’t think that for long.

 

George has little patience with students who don’t pay attention. He said he is of the old school and his firm style reflects his own upbringing. He points out that his methods have been very successful and the facts support his statement.

 

In his first eight years of teaching as a professional, seven of his students were winners of the ASPCA Maclay and AHSA Hunter Seat Finals. Those students were followed by a very long list of other successful students, including, but not limited to, riders who have won medals in the 1984, 1992, 1996 and 2004 Olympic games.

 

He attributes his success in teaching to his early education with quality trainers. Although he was a teenager when he trained with Gordon Wright, George said Gordon was a teacher’s teacher and influenced him in many ways.

 

Gordon had said that a good teacher didn’t spend time telling people what they did right, but told them what they were doing wrong so that they could improve. Commenting on others who influenced him, George said, “The great horsemen who came before me, Bert de Nemethy, Jack Le Goff, Bill Steinkraus, Mark Todd of New Zealand, Rodney Jenkins, Michael Matz – these people taught me when I was listening, watching or reading.”

George – an icon in equestrian sport. Photo by THEBOOKLLC

George – an icon in equestrian sport.
Photo by THEBOOKLLC

 

George insists he was not a natural rider. Instead, he had to work at it. The evidence of his effort is clear. He won the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Finals and the AHSA Hunt Seat Equitation Medal Finals at Madison Square Garden in 1952 when he was just 14. George explained that he was “13 in horse show age,” meaning he was actually 13 at the age cut off date for juniors. The record has yet to be broken.

 

George expects the same hard work and diligence from his students. Those who he feels show him a lack of respect in any way will receive the full brunt of his wrath. He is quick to point out faults and ask unfocused students questions like, “Do they put stupid in the water here?” He is also known to tell riders in his clinics that they should loose weight, pointing out the importance of considering their horse’s welfare in carrying the extra pounds. Some say his style is too harsh, others say the former chef d’equipe of the USET jumping team is very deserving of respect – regardless of his methods.

 

His students have said that if you give it your all, George will stick with you through thick and thin until you succeed. Conrad Homfeld, a former student of George’s and winner of the 1984 team gold medal, has said that George has an effect that reaches beyond riding. The way that he demands hard work and discipline 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.”

 horseshowGeorge3

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 showing, George suffered from nerves the whole time. Before performing 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 nervousness 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 Maclay, 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.

 

George, with Beezie and John Madden, at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Photo by PhelpsSports.com

George, with Beezie and John Madden, at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.
Photo by PhelpsSports.com

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 him a place at her farm in New York. Her daughter, Jessica Newberry Ransehousen, was training there with legendary Danish dressage trainer, Gunnar Andersen. George said the year he spent there was the most valuable and enriching year of his life, and that Gunnar was the greatest rider he had ever ridden with.

 

Although George did consider a career in dressage, his excellent reputation was in hunters. He stuck to the plan to teach in that discipline and was a great success from the start. “I worked at different places around New York,” George said. “I’d freelance.”

 

Although things were going well, George said he had a midlife crisis during the early ‘70s. “Yes, I’ve had lots of midlife crises,” he said with a smile.

 

Nick Van Heerden, a friend from Rhodesia, told him, “George, you can push the boat away from the dock only so many times.” For George, that was a great piece of advice. “That’s when I bought Hunterdon, my place in New Jersey. I anchored. I was a little bit adrift, but from then on I steered the course of my life,” George said.

Along with his busy teaching schedule, George has held multiple positions with the USET, has been a member of various committees and chef d’equipe for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. He has also been president of the United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame.

 

George now resides in Wellington, Florida, but does not have his own barn. He explained, “I stop at Beezie Madden’s, Laura Kraut’s or Jane Clark’s. It’s hit and miss because they’re away most of the summer.”

 

He just turned 75 and, while teaching and holding clinics across the country, he now brings young riders along for the ride. “I try now to find people, really good riders that can pick up the slack. I can’t ride all these horses anymore. I don’t want to take the risk and it helps the young riders. If they’re not riding, they’re learning, listening, watching and it seeps in, even if they don’t know it.”

 

At 75, George still has great form.  Photo by Doris Degner-Foster

At 75, George still has great form.
Photo by Doris Degner-Foster

In 2008, he was asked to be one of the guests of honor at the Equestrian Aide Foundations’ celebrity roast. The foundation assists equestrians in need because of accidents or other catastrophic events. The gala was held at the Palm Beach International Polo Club in Wellington. It honored George and his longtime friend, dressage icon Jessica Ransehousen, as they both turned 70.

 

Dressage rider Robert Dover, the foundation’s founder, said the purpose of the event was to honor the two beloved equestrians and have a little fun with them, too. It turned out to be just a little too much fun for George. The event had over 500 individuals in attendance who were entertained as 14 people took the stage to tell their funniest stories about George and Jessica. Dozens more spoke by video.

 

George says, “It ended up being an unpleasant evening for me. It put me in an embarrassing position because it was done in a big room full of strangers.”

 

Perhaps the loved and sometimes feared legendary George Morris is more like the rest of us than we might think. Like those of us who ride to nourish our souls he says, “I’m quite happy teaching but I’m happier on a horse,” he repeats with emphasis, “On a horse!”

 

George and his U.S. team during the course walk at the 2011 FEI Nations Cup in La Baule, France. Photo by PhelpsSports.com

George and his U.S. team during the course walk at the 2011 FEI Nations Cup in La Baule, France.
Photo by PhelpsSports.com

Considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in equestrian sport, George received the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Photo by PhelpsSports.com

Considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in equestrian sport, George received the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Photo by PhelpsSports.com

 

 

About the writer: Doris Degner-Foster lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma and rides with Harvard Fox Hounds when she is not interviewing interesting individuals in the horse sport. She also enjoys writing fiction and is working on a middle grade book series about teenagers who ride horses and solve mysteries.

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Tagged under: Along for The Ride, beezie madden, Doris Degner-Foster, dressage rider Robert Dover, Edith Van Cleve, Equestrian Aid Foundation, equestrian sport, FEI Nations Cup, france, george morris, Gordon Wright, hunter jumper trainer, Jane Clark, Jessica Ransehousen, La Baule, laura kraut, Legend, Medal and Maclay, olympics, Palm Beach International Polo Club, PhelpsSports.com, Ruth Newberry, show jumper, sidelines-magazine, USEF Lifetime Achievement Award, wef, wellington, World Equestrian Games

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

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Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
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You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
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Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

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Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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