[QUOTE=spirithorse;5343035]
You have no idea what I think.
I apply pressure even bitless, but I damn sure do not apply what GM is. And I was schooled with bits and never allowed to take such a hold…I was schooled to ask release and then take a soft hold then let go…PATIENCE… [/QUOTE]
I’m sorry but I have to ask… where is your Olympic medal (or even Olympic presence)???
I laugh at all barefoot people, all bit-less people or all no-pressure people. Extremes don’t do well in my book- each horse has its individual needs…
Who are YOU to say that horse didn’t need to get a hold of??
I’ll be happy to look at your credentials… really I will be.
[QUOTE=dags;5343174]
I give up. COTH is just weird this week.[/QUOTE]
I was thinking the same thing.
I try not to get involved in the GM threads. I sit on the fence with the guy. I personally have not ridden in a clinic with him and most likely never will. Why? It is absolutely NOT because I don’t think I would get anything of value from it. However, I personally DON’T do well with his infamous style of training. Yelling at me, belittling me, and calling me names will never get the best out of me. I know this about myself. Hell, I would probably cry. Not because I’m a wuss, but because it’s just a natural reaction that I seem to have - for better or worse - to being treated that way in any aspect of life. I am a thinking rider. I try very hard. I want to be as close to perfect as possible and am disappointed when I am not successful. I like to be pushed, but I don’t want to be treated like dirt.
He is an icon. Take him or leave him. I would love one day to learn from him outside of books, but I don’t think that will happen in the ring with him. People who clinic and ride with him know what they are getting themselves into. They need to make those decisions for themselves as to if the benefit outweighs the bad. What WE think of him doesn’t matter. He is who he is and there will ALWAYS be people wanting to ride with him.
And, for the record, it always fascinates me when random posters who are seemingly clueless claim that they know more about training and instructing that GM does…
[QUOTE=GreystoneKC;5343462]
I was thinking the same thing.
I try not to get involved in the GM threads. I sit on the fence with the guy. I personally have not ridden in a clinic with him and most likely never will. Why? It is absolutely NOT because I don’t think I would get anything of value from it. However, I personally DON’T do well with his infamous style of training. Yelling at me, belittling me, and calling me names will never get the best out of me. I know this about myself. Hell, I would probably cry. Not because I’m a wuss, but because it’s just a natural reaction that I seem to have - for better or worse - to being treated that way in any aspect of life. I am a thinking rider. I try very hard. I want to be as close to perfect as possible and am disappointed when I am not successful. I like to be pushed, but I don’t want to be treated like dirt. [/QUOTE]
Just wondering, have you audited any of his regular clinics? I used to be terrified of the thought of riding in a clinic with him based from what I had read and heard but actually i audited a clinic and found him to be quite tame as compared to his infamous reputation. Sure he demands respect and expects you to pay attention but he is actually quite friendly. I didn’t think he seemed any more harsh than trainers like Candace King (who by the way is also a good clinician, just tough at times).
I think sometimes that his reputation gets built up way beyond reality- he’s definitely not a “warm fuzzy” type but he’s really not a fire breathing dragon ESPECIALLY when he is doing clinics with regular people (as opposed to his horsemastership clinic). So long as you follow directions he will be quite tame- it’s those dang auditors talking on their cells that gets him riled up!
This was my experience also. I have pages of notes from that audit, I was able to pull tons of insight & exercises from the man just standing ringside. And, there was one girl/teen there I was begging him to call a dumbbell… He never did, and I never really saw her improve over the weekend either…
As i left my impression of riding with him was Sure! Right after I spend 3 months without stirrups on my saddle . And no, I don’t handle harsh criticism well either, but as others have pointed out it’s so easy to avoid if you just pay attention and try.
[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]
What? Are you drunk or from another planet? Seriously, calling someone a dumbell and beating your wife and kids are not in the same universe and when and where was that ever ok?
I was fortunate enough to hear him at a Judge’s clinic in Florida sometime ago. He was amongst 2 other panelists…
A different type of venue certainly, but I did gain a perspective on him over the 1.5 days.
It was one of the first Judge’s clinics that included a live riding demonstration both on the flat and over fences. It included a conformation class as well.
George was both humorous and informative and kept the clinic day lively as well as pertinent. He was very memorable; a good commentator as well as presenter.
[QUOTE=BAC;5337559]
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.[/QUOTE]
Absolutely! GM doesn’t coddle. You want coddling, go elsewhere.
I never participate in these discussions, but after reading this thread, I felt the need to register for an account so that I could add my input.
As a rider who participated in this clinic, I would like to say that most of you are being oversensitive and really quite ridiculous. George was tough on us, but also was very quick to compliment us when we did something correctly. He was also very quick to criticize himself during the photo critique saying things such as, “Do I really look that bad?” “My elbows look terrible…Don’t copy that…” He was tough when riders were not doing what he was asking them to do, and became impatient when he had to repeatedly ask someone to do the same thing. None of his comments, both positive and negative, were undeserved. I also think it is important to point out that upper level riding is not a sport for the weak. Riders need to be tough, both physically and mentally, and sometimes that means riding with a trainer who tells it like it is, instead of “holding one’s hand” throughout the entire lesson. So if a rider cannot handle this “tough love” every so often, he or she may want to consider a different career.
Furthermore, I think it is crucial to recognize the horseman that George truly is. George’s sympathy and care for the wellbeing of the horse were prevalent throughout all of his lessons. He has a specific reason for EVERY SINGLE THING that he does in his riding, training, and horse care. His vast knowledge, experience, and ability to pick up on each horse’s needs as an individual is what sets him apart at the top of our sport. George is patient with the horses, and never advocated using shortcuts, or taking the easy way out when training. He is amazing. In his 70’s, he is still more interested and involved with the sport than most. And I firmly believe that unless you have accomplished as much as he has in your lifetime, you have no right to criticize him.
Responding to those who criticized George’s comment that the American culture (which he admitted to being a part of) as a whole being lazy and undisciplined must realize that this comment is extremely true. Very few people here want to put in the time and effort to correctly train a horse. Many people want a quick fix, so that they can get in the ring and win. Kids don’t want to learn how to take care of their own horses, because they can just pay a groom to do it. People don’t want to practice their flatwork, as they would just prefer to get on, jump around, and horse show. George was simply implying that Americans need to make a conscious effort to be willing to work hard, to be patient, to become true horsemen, instead of always striving for the show ring quick fixes.
In response to Bethe Mounce, I was one of the riders chosen from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program to participate in this clinic. I have never once been to an equitation final, and have spent my past two years working with my two young, green horses, bringing them along pretty much on my own. I do not ride with a big name trainer. I was lucky enough to have been able to borrow a wonderful horse to ride in the clinic, as I did not believe it was a job that my six-year-old jumper was ready to tackle. This was a huge, wonderful opportunity for me, and a truly, an experience of a lifetime. Yes, there are areas that I most definitely need to work on. However, that was the purpose of the clinic. It was a learning experience, the purpose of which was to help to further educate us, so that we can hopefully later become top riders in our sport. I also must say, that all of the other riders participating in the training session were more than qualified. They all rode beautifully. No one was perfect, and everyone had certain things that they needed to work on, but that was the point. The purpose of this clinic was not to take riders who are already ready top levels of international competition, and put them together for a training session. It was to take riders who show potential, and further educate them on what it takes to be a top competitor in the sport.
I think that although GM’s teaching methodology may not be the best for those hypersensitive riders or those with excessively low self-esteem, he does know what he’s talking about and he can still ride. I have to say, though, I was somewhat shocked with the immature name calling, though seemingly innocuous, may have some negative consequences. If I were the “victim” of this name calling, I would hate to have it publicized and accessible for the world to see. I think that they should just edit out the name calling parts of the videos online. I think the name calling is just an automatic reaction for him and don’t think that he conscientiously does it for educational purposes. It is his fight or flight response. If someone isn’t following directions, he resorts to name calling. And if “dumbbell” is as bad as it gets, I’d say that GM has become more domesticated. He could have said “Follow the f#$%$#% directions, you m%$&@$# f%$#” and then the girl would have really paid attention!
The funniest part was when the riders were closely hovering around GM and he wanted his space, so he tells them he wants to teach them, not marry them (in other words, go away!). He does have a sense of humor, and although some of his remarks may seem sexist, condescending, and immature, he sure knows how to teach and train horses. My former trainer used to ride with him and actually taught me how to use the pulley rein and proper half-halting. Of course, that was like twenty-five years ago :eek:, but I still remembered the basic principle. As a prospective re-rider and being horseless for over ten years, watching those GM videos makes me want to lease a horse and start taking lessons again (and hopefully buy one when I can afford it). I would like to know the truth of that alleged case of negligence though, but couldn’t find any information about it online.
Thanks MHC for sharing! You are a wonderful rider!
[QUOTE=SaturdayNightLive;5340180]
I think this has gotten blown WAY out of proportion. You realize this is an 18 page thread debating about the word “dumbbell” right? Do you feel stupid yet? Because you should.
Here’s my take on it: Micheal Vick can commit felonies and brutally kill living things, but nobody cares (including some people on this thread, and not the ones defending George) because he is a very talented quarterback.
Therefore, GM, who is wildly more successful in his sport than MV will ever be in his, has earned the right to use the word “dumbbell”.
When you become the Olympic coach, you can teach with love and hugs and sunshine. Until then, go take a riding lesson or something.
*Disclaimer: I think MV should be shot. However, I also think the girl in the lesson was being a dumbbell. I’m a puzzle.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm, Michael Vick is a terrible person who thought torturing dogs was fun. This is NOT an exagerration, just read the court documents. He is a conviceted felon. Even most football fans, my husband for one, do not generally support him (some do, sadly)
I don’t think George Morris, who acts cranky and not very nice at times, should be compared to a convicted felon, whether or not you appreciate his style. Much less to forgive here than in Vick’s case
In response to Bethe Mounce, I was one of the riders chosen from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program to participate in this clinic. I have never once been to an equitation final, and have spent my past two years working with my two young, green horses, bringing them along pretty much on my own. I do not ride with a big name trainer. I was lucky enough to have been able to borrow a wonderful horse to ride in the clinic, as I did not believe it was a job that my six-year-old jumper was ready to tackle. This was a huge, wonderful opportunity for me, and a truly, an experience of a lifetime. Yes, there are areas that I most definitely need to work on. However, that was the purpose of the clinic. It was a learning experience, the purpose of which was to help to further educate us, so that we can hopefully later become top riders in our sport. I also must say, that all of the other riders participating in the training session were more than qualified. They all rode beautifully. No one was perfect, and everyone had certain things that they needed to work on, but that was the point. The purpose of this clinic was not to take riders who are already ready top levels of international competition, and put them together for a training session. It was to take riders who show potential, and further educate them on what it takes to be a top competitor in the sport.[/QUOTE]
You are an exception to the rule, and I’m glad to see that the EAP is helping to uncover the hard workers.
I was and am like you. Rode young horses mostly on my own and took lessons on the weekends. Finally had a shot at some medal final stuff when someone let me borrow their 5 year old. I wish we had an EAP when I was a junior. I was just three or four years too old when they started the program.
[QUOTE=MHCSK725;5344706]
I never participate in these discussions, but after reading this thread, I felt the need to register for an account so that I could add my input.
In response to Bethe Mounce, I was one of the riders chosen from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program to participate in this clinic. I have never once been to an equitation final, and have spent my past two years working with my two young, green horses, bringing them along pretty much on my own. I do not ride with a big name trainer. I was lucky enough to have been able to borrow a wonderful horse to ride in the clinic, as I did not believe it was a job that my six-year-old jumper was ready to tackle. This was a huge, wonderful opportunity for me, and a truly, an experience of a lifetime. Yes, there are areas that I most definitely need to work on. However, that was the purpose of the clinic. It was a learning experience, the purpose of which was to help to further educate us, so that we can hopefully later become top riders in our sport. I also must say, that all of the other riders participating in the training session were more than qualified. They all rode beautifully. No one was perfect, and everyone had certain things that they needed to work on, but that was the point. The purpose of this clinic was not to take riders who are already ready top levels of international competition, and put them together for a training session. It was to take riders who show potential, and further educate them on what it takes to be a top competitor in the sport.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for your input, and congratulations on being selected. I enjoyed watching all of you and thought that you looked great!
[QUOTE=allintexas;5344757]
Hmmm, Michael Vick is a terrible person who thought torturing dogs was fun. This is NOT an exagerration, just read the court documents. He is a conviceted felon. Even most football fans, my husband for one, do not generally support him (some do, sadly)
I don’t think George Morris, who acts cranky and not very nice at times, should be compared to a convicted felon, whether or not you appreciate his style. Much less to forgive here than in Vick’s case[/QUOTE]
Agree.
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
It’s our own responsibility to try to hold ourselves to our highest standards. It’s a slippery slope once we start saying, “well s/he did something worse, therefore it’s okay for me to do something not quite as bad.”
. And no, I don’t handle harsh criticism well either, but as others have pointed out it’s so easy to avoid if you just pay attention and try.
