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GM is nothing but a bully.

Hunter/Jumper
#1

I almost hate starting this thread… as we’ve been down this road before, and I know where it will end up. But did anyone else catch the quote in the Chronicle’s coverage of the Horsemaster clinic?

“But Morris was not pleased with the group’s execution of the difficult exercise. “Tighten that turn, you dumbbell!” he barked to one rider. “I’m starting to think you’re half-dumb. Don’t waste my time.””

Really? REALLY??? Are you f-ing kidding me?

At what point does USEF say, “Thanks for all you’ve done George… but its best you ride off into the sunset now. Your mouth and unprofessional behavior no longer outweighs your considerable equestrian knowledge.”

I don’t know who he said that to, but he owes the young lady an apology. A SINCERE apology, with a promise to himself that he will never again sink to the level of calling students names that wouldn’t be tolerated in Kindergarten. For all he preaches about how Americans have become so soft and undisciplined… you’d think he’d start by having the self-discipline to act in accordance with basic courtesy.

Look,… I have to admit, I’ve never thought GM was the end-all be-all of the equestrian world. But I have his books, and I acknowledge that he’s a very knowledgeable guy. Knowledgeable enough that I totally understand why grown adults may decide to buy a set of earplugs, don their armour and go clinic with the man. But why are we subjecting our young riders to this crap? And why, as a profession that has SO MANY problems with professional behavior, is the USEF ENDORSING a man who cannot be relied upon to show basic manners?

I’m done. I used to think if I got the opportunity, I’d like to clinic with him. But now he really just makes my skin crawl. He’s a bully. Nothing more. You take a young girl who has, “OMG” made the list of attendees… schleps herself and her horse down to Wellington, and tries her best to comply with your demanding exercises in front of hundreds of people… and you call her a dumbell. You’re a class act George.

Go ahead defenders. Go ahead. Just try to defend this one as one more example of George “telling it like it is”… or being “colorful”… or not suffering fools. I’m waiting…

It makes me sick to my stomach.

1 Like
#2

Like you said this has been debated to death, and this is only going to turn into a train wreck. So you don’t like him, your entitled to your opinion, just like everyone is. No one is forcing you to clinic with him or even regard him. I respect your opinion and have my own, that’s part of free will.

#3

The sad thing it is video’d and made into a lifetime memory of that young girl being called that. It is not appropriate. Maybe they will mute that part before they start selling the dvd’s. I don’t think riding is for softee’s but keeping in mind that this was being filmed some form of professionalism should be used. At his age the filter left long ago.

#4

So hellerkm, the OP is not entitled to state her comments here because it might be a trainwreck. Tough crap, both sides are fair game.

#5

GM

If that quote is correct, there is no excuse for that behavior. I have heard he can be tough but…treating a rider in that fashion is hurtful and just plain wrong. George is a horseman that is looked up to, he should keep that in mind when dealing with riders at a clinic, nothing is learned by those comments but hurt feeling and low self esteem. He has every right to be tough but constructive would create a good learning environment for all. It is like battered wife syndrome, they keep coming back so he will continue the behavior.

#6

I bet you would never hear him say “you are half dumb for paying me to bully and put you down”

#7

It seems to me that many people buy into the humiliation school of riding because GM is not by any stretch the only BNT who does this.

One of my trainers paid $$$$ to ride with a BNT. She came home and said, there’s a man who’s made a career out of insulting middle aged women!

Some people can still learn in that environment; I prefer not to be insulted unnecessarily because then I’m too angry to absorb the helpful things that person might say.

#8

I can understand his frustration, these girls are picked as the best in the country, yet have HUGE holes in their training. That doesn’t excuse the comment… I’m sure he wanted to say worse.

#9

I don’t have an opinion one way or the other on GM in general. BUT I will note that these young girls, and most young girls, already have issues with learning about their own self esteem, and learning to be confident young women. It’s hard being a teen. I remember! I don’t think it’s appropriate for ANY adult to berate a young person like this. This could affect this girl internally into adulthood regarding her self worth, etc.

That being said, sure, you can be tough. But I don’t think that was well executed by GM.

#10

George is not the kind of guy you go to if that kind of comment is going to bother you. If he believed the rider was not trying hard enough or not paying attention or whatever… that is the type of comment he will make.

As hellerkm stated - and pretty respectfully, IMO, so there’s no need for any bashing - this topic comes up pretty much every time GM does a public clinic. Some people shrug and say, “hey, that’s George,” and others echo rileyt and say

Really? REALLY??? Are you f-ing kidding me?

(hey, at least GM didn’t use the F word…)

#11

I think I love you…

#12

I guess I have thicker skin than most - but I don’t think that the comment was that horrible or offensive. I found the OPs rant a bit of an over-reaction.

These riders are the top juniors in the nation - being steered towards international careers for the most part. They are going to have the confidence, the skills and the thick skin to get over the comment and learn from the lesson. And I don’t think any of them went down there not prepared for some GM comments - it’s not like people didn’t know what to expect. Just my $.02.

#13

GM is rough around the edges and always has been but he is without a doubt one of the best trainers in the world. USEF like other sports organizations, chooses it’s team coaches and clinicians based on results not how nice they are as a person. Would it be nice if he were a little more polite? Of course but until our country produces another trainer of his caliber, he will be the go-to guy.

From what I have seen, he actually seems to have toned it down a bit in recent years.

#14

I notice that those of you posting about the “mean” comment he made haven’t actually WATCHED the clinic in question. He did call the girl a dumbbell - he told her repeatedly to do something and she didn’t do it. Later in the clinic she did something beautifully and he told her that too. I definitely wouldn’t call his tone that of a bully.

And it’s easy to mistake tone, especially when you already have your mind made up that “George Morris is nothing but a bully”. But you didn’t hear him say anything, you read it in an article and then projected your own tone and feelings onto it.

And these girls aren’t that young. They’re all pushing 18 and they all knew what they were signing up for.

If you honestly believe that GM is a bully, then I hope that you never ever try to participate in any other sports. Some of the things I’ve heard tennis and football coaches say to players who weren’t listening would make your ears bleed. GM is a kitten compared to some of them.

And yes, GM sometimes comments about people’s weight. Is it such a crime that he expects people to take their sport seriously? Would you be as offended if a ballet teacher or gymnastics coach made the same comments? Being overweight DOES effect your riding (ask me how I know) and GM has every right to comment on it.

#15

Anyone that can’t take a little criticism shouldn’t be taking riding lessons, with GM or anyone else. I hardly think anyone is going to be scarred for life by the term dumbbell. And several of those riders are just plain rude, I’ve noticed some not even paying attention, or just wandering around on their horses as GM is riding. That is so disrespectful and a whole lot worse than being called a dumbell IMO.

I don’t think GM is losing any sleep that rileyt is too thin skinned to want to ride with him either. Lots of deserving kids out there would be thrilled to get this opportunity.

#16

Think we are about train wrecked out so no chance for this one.

GM is notorious for this, always has been and always will be when he feels a rider is not listening or is not prepared. Self esteem or not, some of these claiming to be “top level” riders and paying a ton of money to get in this type thing need a wake up call and so do their trainers-and a clinic with limited time is not a place to expect the warm fuzzies.

The USEF is NOT going to “get rid” of him as he turns out and/or works extensively with most of our International riders and they do pretty well under his guidance. No claims are made for his patience or willingness to work with those that do not listen or make the same mistakes over and over.

He is what he is and has been for the 50+ years he has been teaching. It’s no secret and nobody is going to change him.

Actually, he has mellowed quite a bit and we have several posters who work with him regularly.

#17

[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;5337513]
I don’t have an opinion one way or the other on GM in general. BUT I will note that these young girls, and most young girls, already have issues with learning about their own self esteem, and learning to be confident young women. It’s hard being a teen. I remember! I don’t think it’s appropriate for ANY adult to berate a young person like this. This could affect this girl internally into adulthood regarding her self worth, etc.

That being said, sure, you can be tough. But I don’t think that was well executed by GM.[/QUOTE]

It’s not George’s job to stroke their self-esteem and promote their self-worth. He’s there to help them improve their riding.

His teaching style isn’t for everyone. I couldn’t handle it. But at this point, it’s hardly a secret that he can be harsh and direct with the criticisms. I am sure all those riders had a pretty good idea of what they might expect.

#18

As others have said, these ladies knew what they were signing up for. In this day and age of self-esteem, only saying positive comments to kids, everyone’s a winner, etc., it is pretty obvious how little of a backbone people have.

If you aren’t confident in your abilities, then the comment GM made would hurt, and you shouldn’t be there. If these girls have the confidence they need to be top world competitors, then they would pay attention and work harder to get his praise for accomplishing the task at hand.

GM could go about things a bit more tactfully, but this group is exeptionally fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest.

#19

I think people need to keep in mind that GM is teaching the ‘Young Rider’s’ and aspiring Pro’s - the up & coming ‘super-stars’ - Olympians? You don’t see NFL, or college football coaches, babying the athletes on the sidelines. Sorry, it’s sink or swim. GM has brought along some great riders, if you want to play in his ring you will follow his rules. As ammy’s watching, we have the right to turn off the live feed if it’s not for us :wink:

FWIW, that girl’s circles were huge, not anything like he asked for - and asked for repeatedly. Not ‘super-tight’ & the horse was overbent.

#20

I audited a clinic with him last summer. It frustrated ME when one of the riders appeared to not even attempt to do what he was asking (which was to get off her horse’s back). She didn’t even TRY, it was like he was talking to a wall.
Personally, I loved his comment quoted in the Chronicle “At my age I don’t care about your happiness. Only mine.” :lol:

I agree you go in knowing what to expect. If you can’t (or don’t want to) take it, don’t go.

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