Thank you !!! This was such a pleasure to read! I feel the same way about GM that you do. I was taught his " system" by my mother as a kid. And I am now teaching MY kid the same system. It’s just " how we ride" and since we are all so used to using his terms we all understand each other. Even my 7 yr old understands " inside hand to outside leg". I have not had the privilege to audit one of his clinics yet, but I recently told my husband that it is the #1 thing on my bucket list! He laughed!
Your admiration of his work and ethics shines through in your post!! Thanks!!
Nicely done. We can never get enough of George.
Great post. I too attended my first GM clinic this year. I was shocked. George was NOT rude, condescending, arrogant, or any other adjective I had heard over the years. He was demanding, direct, and fair; a marvellous teacher with great insight. His humor, a bit dry at times, was hilarious and charming, not mean spirited. (my favorite, he told the crowed “don’t be content in your imbecility!” - that’s funny) By the end of the day, I found George to be a sympathetic character. A great horseman constantly surrounded by idiots (like me). His patience was remarkable. A day of great (re)learning and entertainment. If he comes by my way next year, I will definitely attend again and will be bringing numerous friends.
Thanks for spreading the truth. BTW, I think I know the source for all those untrue derogatory comments I’ve heard – from riders that already know their “good.” :lol:
Thank you all so much for your responses and support! Your comments brought tears to my eyes - maybe hormonal :lol: but really - It means a lot to me what you said.
Smileitlooksgoodonyou - I think you should go for it if you have stamina. Boy do those riders work. I actually think he complements an exersise done right more than he gets upset with anyone. He was quick to say “that’s the way it’s done” or “look at that riders focus and concentration” or “look at this young mans release, it’s perfect”. I am so glad my thoughts might help you take the opportunity of a life time!
laruiep - You lucky dog you! What an amazing person to be able to call your friend. Thanks for your words; and I agree we need to cherish him and his gift as long as possible.
KatKat - the neck rein George explained - your hands stay together - as you are turning left for example; both hands move to the left and you have pressure of the right rein on the neck like neck reining. You don’t exagerate it like a western rider, hands stayed pretty close to the mane… if that makes sense? George said you should teach your horse to neck rein.
RegalBegal - I have done some writing for many-many years on various subjects. Never shared until now. I’m kind of a chicken about it. But I was told one of the best complements a writer can get is when someone says it’s like they were there. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Depechemode - with a name like that you need to move to SoCal!!!
Jingo ace - LOVE YA!!! Hope you had a good show today!!!
Roo - Explaining anything to hubby’s is impossible! I just say he’s the Tiger Woods of horses! (well before the scandals anyway)
bhrunner06 - 
I wish I would have said hello! You guys are amazing! Keep up the good work and tell GM hello from all his fans at COTH!!
Bit O Groby - Oh you make me cry. Thanks for saying my writing was good!
Jsalem - GM would love your digs!!! Beautiful facility… keep up the GM spirit.
Happyhooves - That’s awesome. And you are definately right about Megan. She looks so good as she works those horses too. How can she do that?
Sugarbrook, jumpingmaya and hellerkm - ahhh you make me cry too! Thanks! GM for President!!!
Thanks a lot for taking the time to share your experience with us, and your insights. I have followed GM for some time in PH and other publications. I have to admit that while I respected him, at times I thought of him as the Simon Cowell of the H/J world.
That changed when I read a recent PH article, and found that he is as critical of himself as he is of other riders…probably more so. It gave me a new respect for him.
As did your piece…
Thank you so much for posting this! I had wanted to go audit this weekend, but work and life just got in the way. See what I missed out on?
I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience, and hopefully I will make it out (to audit!) someday.
Thanks so much for posting that. Made me feel like I was there.
GM is an untalented rider who cannot ride his horses in any kind of roundness or connection. And he cannot coach worth a damn.
[QUOTE=Anonymo;7896242]
GM is an untalented rider who cannot ride his horses in any kind of roundness or connection. And he cannot coach worth a damn.[/QUOTE]
Right, you’re totally not trolling at all.
[QUOTE=Anonymo;7896242]
GM is an untalented rider who cannot ride his horses in any kind of roundness or connection. And he cannot coach worth a damn.[/QUOTE]
LOL!
