George Morris Clinic Suggestions

[ZIL]

Gina Miles was in the last one I watched.

The whole reason you go to a clinic is to try something new and different. So, even though she rides a certain way, she should be willing to try a different method in a controlled learning environment. If she wants to keep riding the exact same way she does now, what’s the point?

If she does go, she should use her stadium jumping tack and wear conservatively colored clothes and saddle pad. The horse must be well groomed and all tack must be clean and conditioned. The rider must wear spurs and carry a crop. Any bits with a curb action must have 2 reins. Rider’s hair must be neatly contained, and a belt and gloves should be worn.

I think the value depends on the attitude with which one anticipates the experience. For me, it was one of my greatest equestrian experiences.

[WB_Mom]

She is definitely NOT thin skinned by any way, shape or form. She is also very open to change and learning new things for her ever-expanding tool box. This is why she clinics whenever she can. Thanks for bringing up these points. I have faith that GM can take a rider who events and definitely give them their money’s worth. Since it is kind of a ‘high profile’ type of event and it is a lot of coin, she may be second thinking it - wanting to be sure it’s worth it, which I’ve never seen her do before. I appreciate her wanting to be as sure as she can that it is the right thing to do. I love how respectful she is of my budget! :yes:

[Chouteau]

OP’s trainer is a very good, very tactful rider who is always well-turned out, she would be a perfect fit in the clinic. I’m an event rider and I am doing this clinic - I’m terrified but it’s on my bucket list & can’t pass up the opportunity of him being in town! We don’t have many eventers in our area, at this point I expect to be the only one so I would love to have company (you know, someone else in a monoflap saddle:)

[MHM]

Honestly, I think anybody who goes to a GM clinic with a properly turned out horse and rider and an open mind will get a lot out of it. People who listen closely and try their best will learn a ton.

[WB_Mom]

Chouteau, looks like you won’t be the only one in a monoflap saddle! I’m looking forward to a weekend of learning and fun! Besides, it’s my birthday weekend, so what better present? :winkgrin:

[SnicklefritzG]

^^ I am currently attending a GHM clinic and will post a report as soon as I get home and to my computer.

MHM is absolutely correct. If you have the opportunity to ride with George, do it. I was terrified of him for years, but my trainer encouraged me to attend the clinic and I’m glad I did.

Yes, he found some things I need to work on, but that’s why I was there, to learn from a master. He was also quick to praise people when things were done correctly.He only got hard on people when he thought they weren’t paying attention.

If horse and rider are well turned out and pay attention and try all the exercises honestly, then they will learn and have a positive experience.

[Laurierace]

A bit of a hijack. Do his clinics usually follow a set pattern? I can only afford to audit one day but would rather not watch grid work. Any idea which of the three days would be best for me?

[WB_Mom]

Oh. My. God.
Just have to say, that going to one of his clinics is an ‘experience’, not just a clinic. That man gives 110%. He’s got it down to a science, for the horses, riders and auditors. He covers all the bases.
And nobody told me about his sense of humor. Biting, dry, witty and sneaky.
He gives you a peek into the upper, upper levels of the sport that I’ve known were there, but never experienced. He opens that window just enough to make you want to work at opening it a bit more so you can see through a bit better.
He shows you the mindset that made him who he is. He expects perfection from everyone all the time.
Worth. Every. Penny.
He is one of the most amazing individuals I have ever been around, period. I loved his crankiness, truth, spunk, wit, drive and, well, just his ‘George-iness’.
Best time and money I will EVER spend. EVER.

[Jackie_Cochran]

My riding teacher audited one of his clinics a week or so ago (daughter riding).

She said exactly the same words–oh.my.god.

[RugBug]

[QUOTE=WB Mom;7636661]
Oh. My. God.
Just have to say, that going to one of his clinics is an ‘experience’, not just a clinic. That man gives 110%. He’s got it down to a science, for the horses, riders and auditors. He covers all the bases.
And nobody told me about his sense of humor. Biting, dry, witty and sneaky.
He gives you a peek into the upper, upper levels of the sport that I’ve known were there, but never experienced. He opens that window just enough to make you want to work at opening it a bit more so you can see through a bit better.
He shows you the mindset that made him who he is. He expects perfection from everyone all the time.
Worth. Every. Penny.
He is one of the most amazing individuals I have ever been around, period. I loved his crankiness, truth, spunk, wit, drive and, well, just his ‘George-iness’.
Best time and money I will EVER spend. EVER.[/QUOTE]

Love this. I’m so glad you were able to appreciate him for who and what he is. I think A LOT of people miss the sense of humor piece. He is really quite funny, but it’s very dry.

[ybiaw]

[QUOTE=RugBug;7636745]
Love this. I’m so glad you were able to appreciate him for who and what he is. I think A LOT of people miss the sense of humor piece. He is really quite funny, but it’s very dry.[/QUOTE]

Agreed 110%. George’s sense of humor is one of the things I love most about him. I sometimes think that people who say he’s mean or said something mean to someone, missed that it was said in a dry, joking manner. Like in the Horse Mastership clinic this year, he called Michael Hughes a jerk. “You’re a nice guy, but kind of a jerk!” It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard.

[Running_Fox_Farm]

One word- hair net!!!
Well it’s 2 words, but for God’s sake DO NOT go with a pony tail flying out from under your helmet.

[WB_Mom]

Being in my 50’s, I’m sure what I took away from him is different than someone in their teens/20’s. I’m glad I didn’t know about the humorous side of him. A pleasant surprise for sure. My trainer got more feedback during the clinic than she’s probably ever gotten before, like ever. He did pick on her, but she was like, 'Bring it on!". Definitely more questions asked than I’ve ever seen in a clinic. It was great as they were in a large jump field with ‘cross country’ type fences as well as ‘stadium’ ones. Ditches, banks, hedges, liverpools, water, etc.
He is definitely a true gift to this sport. And I bet he will teach until the day he goes over the rainbow bridge.
And after that? I wouldn’t put it past him…

[BAC]

[QUOTE=WB Mom;7637738]
. . .He is definitely a true gift to this sport. And I bet he will teach until the day he goes over the rainbow bridge.
And after that? I wouldn’t put it past him…[/QUOTE]

There will never be another GM, so its nice to see that so many appreciate his gifts and contribution to the sport.

[Dewey]

[QUOTE=chestnuthunter;7591089]
There is going to be a GM clinic just a few hours from me (by a few, I mean 7, but I would do it) but I’m too terrified :lol:

I am a full-fledged GM cult member, and it is on my bucket list to ride for him once, but threads like this scare me![/QUOTE]

Certainly you could go and watch. That would be an education in itself.