Question: will the videos from this clinic be available on dvd at some point?
[QUOTE=lyndaelyzoo;5339616]
Wow! This is very disturbing and I didn’t know it was a guilty verdict.[/QUOTE]
And, he left the dead horse in the ring while continuing to teach. That is weird, sick, I just can’t even begin to imagine what sort of person let’s amateurs watch another amateurs horse die tragically and basically says “well, that was inconvenient.” can we have the dead horse removed and jump rebuilt? Snap to it, we don’t have all day!"
[QUOTE=Kmqsick;5339804]
Well, as Murphy’s Law would have it, the daughter of Grande Saber’s owner happened to be in that class (I had no idea, and seriously what are the chances?!). She approached me after class to inform me that George Morris was responsible for neglecting, and ultimately killing her beloved horse. The good part of this story was that I eventually became friends with this girl, and I spent many lovely afternoons at her family’s farm playing with Grande Saber’s babies. The sad part is that I witnessed how horribly the death of Saber affected her family. It was like a cherished family member had died—even years after he perished. Naturally, my opinion of George Morris was tarnished by the pain his neglect inflicted on my friend and her family. But for a long time I still respected him as a talented trainer, although perhaps not a great horseman (if it is possible to distinguish the two).
I have to say that now that I am older I have almost no respect for any teacher of any kind who belittles or taunts his/her students (and yup that includes George Morris). It took me a very long time to realize that no matter how talented or knowledgeable the trainerI will NEVER learn very much from someone who lacks common courtesy. Forget all of the “thin vs. thick skin argument”–in a very fundamental way, it’s distracting to have a trainer make snippy/rude remarks when you’re trying to learn. I’d rather have MY focus be on MY riding instead of someone else’s rudeness.
George Morris is professional, and frankly he should be able to provide criticism/feedback in a professional manner. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter if “you can take it” from him because he shouldn’t be doling “it” out to begin with! I feel a little sorry for anyone who thinks that they NEED someone to be rude to them in order to learn. Personally I will not pay anyone to be disrespectful/rude to me—there are simply too many people in this world who will disrespect me for free! :)[/QUOTE]
I snipped a little for brevity. I can understand how you must feel and your post is most insightful. I cannot imagine the grief of the family. Professionalism is more appropriate no matter what the sport. Perhaps George is the way he is because “he has always done it this way.” I have no idea. I wasn’t there when the comment was made, so I truly should not have an opinion even though I have already posted several comments. As a trainer and coach myself, I have always tried to maintain professional ethics in all areas…am sure I have ticked off a few people by being too candid and direct. In fact, I know I have. Would I call someone a name? Unlikely, unless it was in fun. I don’t teach like he does nor would I even try. But I do agree with what he says about riding and the trend he sees these days. He does have a voice within the sport. I am not saying he is the end all and be all, but he has a ton of influence. Can he be a bully? I would be willing to bet he can. I see your point, it has tremendous validity. Well said.
GM only likes boys…
When was the last time a 70 year old sent in a picture?
He would be appalled by my horse’s current “fuzzy” mane growing out, feathers getting long state, he gets to be a horse, and I see no reason for him to be clipped and shined to the nines in order to correctly school him over fences. He is in good weight, feet trimmed. I don’t brush his tail out til he’s due for a bath, which will be about the end of march, and I won’t do his mane again until then either. I’ll be wearing half chaps and whatever is warm.
No he wouldn’t. He might be appalled that you chose this particular condition the take a picture and be critiqued.
My position will be the same as it’s been for 40 years (and I don’t do a crest release, because I learned to not rely on the reins for balance when I was about ten years old). My heels will be down, my leg will be exactly where it’s supposed to be and my horse will have his knees up and square and will be cracking his back like Rox Dene. I however, am no longer a size 6 and I ride a draft cross that you could foxhunt in any country and take over anything you’re brave enough to point him at. I am not going to ride with Mr. Morris
And he would happily compliment you on your release and your leg and your good brave horse, as long as you were both trying to complete the exercise.
Dumbbell: an inanimate object that can actually be beneficial IF effort is exerted to use it.
i.e.: a bump on a log, which is actually never useful no matter what you do with it, but I’m guessing everyone would be okay with that colloquialism.
So, he called her an inanimate object, which sounds like it was accurately descriptive.
THEN he said he was starting to think she was half-dumb 
[QUOTE=rileyt;5338180]
MistyBlue - I have tried hard to be respectful of all posters on this thread… even the ones I vehemently disagree with. But after this second post of yours where you miss the point so completely, i have to wonder whether you are being deliberately obtuse, or whether your reading skills just aren’t that great. please try again to read for comprehension before you make assanine statements like the ones above. I never claimed I could read the man’s mind… and i think you know it. When you intentionally mischaracterize someone’s statement in this way, it only makes you look foolish and immature.[/QUOTE]
Well, we certainly know it wasn’t the fault of the writer for not being clear!
[QUOTE=Jumphigh83;5338341]
So help me understand what seems to be duplicitous thinking. So defenders, what if a school teacher had used this technique in the classroom? How long before that teacher would be in front of the school board and/or looking for a new job? [/QUOTE]
Apples and oranges. The kids under GM chose to be there and are supposed to represent the highest level of junior riders.
Then again, I remember a paper I wrote for an college prep class. There was a big red circle around a long paragraph with a notation to the side to the effect of, Did your ten year old brother write this?
[QUOTE=justathought;5338580]
And Jumphigh’s comparison to what is appropriate in school is apt — unless we all believe that people learn different in sports.
.[/QUOTE]
No, I believe people learn differently when they choose to be there because they want to attain the highest level possible, rather than have to be there no matter how apt, or not, they are.
And, he left the dead horse in the ring while continuing to teach. That is weird, sick, I just can’t even begin to imagine what sort of person let’s amateurs watch another amateurs horse die tragically and basically says “well, that was inconvenient.” can we have the dead horse removed and jump rebuilt? Snap to it, we don’t have all day!
O.K., so what went on with poor Grand Sabre? The horse had a fall or something and the neglected to get it veterinary care?
[QUOTE=Doctracy;5338795]
20-30 years ago it was also ok to beat your wife and kids. I would hope we’ve made progress as a society![/QUOTE]
Damn, where did you live then??
I am not surprised by those defending bad behavior and bad manners. There is never an excuse to behave badly no matter how frustrating or badly someone is riding/living/acting/behaving/etc/etc. Stooping to the lowest level is indicative of a LACK of self control and self discipline something which Mr Morris apparently takes pride in…curious.
Someone should do to him…
what a rider did to her hunter trainer in Fla one year. It was at a QH show and this trainer is a loud mouthed SOB. He was ripping her very loudly in the practice arena and she rode up to him on a very tall horse and kicked him in the mouth with her boot!!! It was priceless. She followed suit with a ripping of her own and promptly fired him! It was fantastic!
GM is not anyone I worship as a god, nor would I ride with him. He is a very effective trainer for some people. He has his ways. Many trainers are like him in that they shoot straight and can get pissy.
The good thing is that everyone KNOWS GM is not going to hold your hand and kiss your ass. Everyone knows he might call you out for being unfit or not paying attention or having a dirty horse.
The best thing is that you don’t have to ride with him if you don’t want to. Last I heard his clinics fill. If you don’t like him- skip the clinic and don’t let your kids go. Don’t audit. Don’t buy his book.
It’s easy enough… it’s not like he is head of esteem development for 13 year old girls- he can be avoided if you are sensitive.
[QUOTE=paintjumper;5339916]
what a rider did to her hunter trainer in Fla one year. It was at a QH show and this trainer is a loud mouthed SOB. He was ripping her very loudly in the practice arena and she rode up to him on a very tall horse and kicked him in the mouth with her boot!!! It was priceless. She followed suit with a ripping of her own and promptly fired him! It was fantastic![/QUOTE]
I hope she was arrested for assault.
Responding to :"No, I believe people learn differently when they choose to be there because they want to attain the highest level possible, rather than have to be there no matter how apt, or not, they are. "
You said:
[QUOTE=Midge;5339878]
No, I believe people learn differently when they choose to be there because they want to attain the highest level possible, rather than have to be there no matter how apt, or not, they are.[/QUOTE]
Huh? There are many many high school, college students, graduate students, adult learners in academic programs by choice - who want to attain the highest levels… and (like riders with the same goals) they have differing levels of natural talent.
The analogy is apt.
BTW their are many professionals at the top of their fields - the highest levels - where anything but professional decorum - common courtesy - in unprofessional and unacceptable when dealing with clients.
And… now I am going to need a flame suit…
I think the analogy to other professions is rejected so often because too many of us forget that we are clients and trainers are service providers. We have hired them for a particular expertise and we have faith in that expertise but we are clients. It is reasonable to expect that trainers will treat students with the same courtesy attorneys treat clients, doctors treat patients, etc. Clients expect their attorneys to explain the options available to them in reaching their goals when they draft a will or undertake a business contract. Patients expect doctors to inform them of all their treatment options and the benefits and disadvantages of each. Clients and patients expect to be educated and advised by the expert they have hired, but they know the ultimate decision is theirs. They expect to be treated with common courtesy and respect.
Somehow, too often, that gets lost in this bsuiness - and there is no reason it should be.
One person, one opinion.
He’s knowledgeable, but not god. I see no reason to belittle and degrade riders.
There are very good clinicians around, who don’t treat riders like crap.
I would ride with one of them, before wasting my money on a bully.:yes:
There are some very large inaccuracies here, the chief of which is this clinic is provided FREE OF CHARGE to these kids. They pay NOTHING! And are treated like royalty all week, except in the barn where they have to actually WORK. How do I know? I was part of the first four years of this clinic. I was there for EVERY SECOND of it. The kids are picked via the equitation rankings or their eq winnings. They are invited to attend, but certainly can decline if they wish. It must be pretty much in high demand because Victoria was back for her THIRD time, and last year, half of the kids were back for a second time. Victoria didn’t have an easy time her first year, but huh, she seems to think it worthwhile to come again.
Every year, I have had to have a MAJOR smackdown with at least one kid, if not all of them, due to laziness, lying, covering up for another, failure to perform a task they were given. One year, I had a girl sobbing because I told her I detected no empathy in her for her horse. Funny, though, she came back another year, MUCH improved, so much so that she needed no help, and we are quite good friends.
Do you REALLY think these kids who have been performing at a high level for YEARS don’t have the gonads to take some strong criticism, even name calling, if that is what it takes to get their attention? Do you REALLY think its fair for George to devote a week of his very busy life to kids who don’t want to pay attention, or auditors who think texting and talking on cell phones is more important? Sorry, I didn’t see this instance, but there have been instances just like it every year, and the kid in question deserves every comment he makes, and ALWAYS immediately improves. The poster who compared it with using the stick on your horse to get attention is spot on.
George also has a theatrical background and uses it when necessary. He plays to the audience. He gets dramatic. So what? There is NO ONE ON THIS PLANET with his resume. No one. And for those of you who think he’s worthless, or a horrible man, well, you have no idea what you are talking about.
I met him in 1974. He shouted at me twice (as an auditor) because I was talking. I’m sure he called me a name. I’m sure I was embarrassed. Big deal! He and I are dear friends and he can call me anything he wants if I deserve it! I try not to deserve it.
This sport will be much the worse off when he is gone, with no one NEARLY as capable to replace him.
Nope Midge…
Applauded…loudly. It was fantastic…he got what he deserved. I was later told it changed his attitude a bit too. People will do to you what you allow.
As I am watching this morning’s lessons, I am liking Chase Boggio more and more, he has a more professional and business like look about his riding, an air of confidence and polish. I have never seen this kid ride before, just heard his name. He may have come from the equitation ranks, but he also seems able to adapt and sacrifice some “equitation” to allow horse to jump properly. And his toes are not so “out” as the others, nor is he stiff. He makes it look so easy. And he is truly mounted on a super horse. Chase has figured out how to push the right buttons at the right time. His position over a fence is not so perchy and pretty, it’s effective! My kind of kid!
