I'm sitting right in front of George Morris!!

[Ready_To_Riot]

Now that I’m reading this book, he elaborates a little more and says that you should sit on your arse when a horse has vices that need to be corrected. Buckers, rearers, horses who are looky at fences. Basically, what I’m getting, is sit on you crotch unless your horse is being a jerk. Lol

Two other things that really struck out to me with him were bits and stirrup length.

Regarding bits, I’ve always been taught that less is more and if your horse can’t go in a simple snaffle, it needs more training. He doesn’t seem to feel this way. He put a very heavy handed rider in a double twisted wire snaffle yesterday. The horse originally was going in a happy mouth pelham. The rider chose that bit because he knows he is heavy handed. GM said put the bigger bit in and you CAN ride softer. The horse was totally different and after speaking to the rider after the fact (okay I didn’t speak to him, but I stood next to someone who did! Lol) he said he rode with lighter contact and that it was hard at first, but ultimately got a better horse out of it.

Then, regarding stirrup length, GM says flatting stirrups hit below your ankle bone and go up 1 hole for every foot high you jump. He made the riders adjust their stirrups this way.

My trainer has never had me adjust my stirrups and when I asked her if I could out on XC she told me no that I just need to ride better. So the entire drive home and all night I was wondering where my stirrups are in regards to my ankle bone. So I rushed to the barn this morning to check. Sure enough, they sit right below my ankle bone. I flat great in them. So now, I’m wondering how much it will improve my confidence and ability to not fall off if I raise them 2-3 holes. I haven’t ridden with my trainer in about 2 months (and will admit I’m pretty inconsistent with lessons so I really haven’t been riding with her for all tha long despite the fact that it’s been about a year since our first lesson), so I’m tempted to try it out at home and see how I feel!

Anyone have anything to add to this?

I’ve always love GHM, but now, I want to train his way and only his way! Lol he was so incredible yesterday.

Also shout out to Blackjack Stables in AL. It’s a beautiful facility and the owners are the sweetest kindest bunch I’ve ever met!! 4 generations can be found wandering around the farm and despite them being billionaires, they are ALL as humble as can be. The 1st gen owners made a huge BBQ dinner for us and supplied beer and wine! And the daughter or granddaughter (can’t remember) made 6 homemade cakes as dessert! And I must say, that cake was freaking stellar! They have the best stories and just love the animals! The farm manager (unsure if he is blood related, but is definitely part of the family), is so dedicated to the animals. He was running around all day and never had an annoyed look in his eye! I look forward to going back to audit or ride at their place!!

[Cat_Tap]

Thank you R to R it is nice to read such a positive review both about GM and the stable owners. It is a change from all the negatives that seem to be everywhere these days.

I too audited a GM clinic a few years ago and enjoyed it. I appreciate his honesty and directness. A friend of mine rode in his clinic. She is middle aged and not exactly thin riding a TB. He did not criticize her but gave her lots of compliments. She did ride well and her horse was talented. One of his statements to to audience was “this rider really wants it”. I would have loved to ride in his clinic. Years ago I had the horse and the ability but that time has passed for me.

[mroades]

This thread has made my weekend, thank you

[rennyben]

RtoR, I’m so happy for you. I audited my first GM clinic 2 years ago. It sorta rocked my world. I realized then that there was so much I hadn’t been taught. So I decided right then I’d find someone to teach me. I picked out one of the grand Priz riders whose attitude and riding I admired and asked for lessons. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And even though I quit lessoning with my precocious trainer we remain good friends.
Point is – if you want this knowledge go after it! ??

[Ready_To_Riot]

I cannot imagine anyone having anything negative to say! He had 4 of his pupils make the jump off in Rio. 4!!! Anything anyone says probably comes out of anger because he did not speak nicely to them when they rode him. Sorry. Some people can’t handle it.

There was a bigger rider in the clinic this weekend. And he didn’t say a word to her. She tried her heart out and was very well mounted! He corrected her riding and complimented her when she deserved it. That’s how he was with all the riders.

I read he still has a farm. Does he teach out of that farm or does he only clinic?

[anmoro]

[QUOTE=Ready To Riot;8861404]
I think it would be difficult to hate the riding if every person in a discipline, so I’m sure you’re right. Just repeating what he said and I read last night in the book. He specifically calls out German riders (possibly German school of riding? But I don’t have the quote in front of me). He does go on to say there is still a lot to be learned from them[/QUOTE]

I spent several days at his clinic in Northern Virginia at Beverly Equestrian. I was supposed to ride, but my mount was not ready so I sponsored a young rider at my barn and gave her my spot. Best decision I ever made. She learned so much, as did I auditing.

Anywho,I know EXACTLY what you are referring to, regarding German riders. I recorded King George talking about the difference between German riding and French riding. The video is public on my Facebook page if anyone wants to view it to see (several of the videos from the clinic are). They are on my business page Southern Charm Equestrian and Saddle Fitting. The one where he is explaining the difference in riding style, he is sitting on a cross rail and you can see him with his legs swinging. Summarizing it, he talks about the base of support. German riders sit very deep in the seat, feet parallel, thighs more in contact with the saddle causing them to pinch at the knee with a swinging lower leg which is evident in dressage riders and GP riders over fences. He also said you notice their horses tend to be very hot, and said it was because the swinging lower leg caused the horses to be spurred more and a little more “up”. He never said it as an insult. He said English and Dutch riders tend to ride in this style as well. Then discussing French riders, they are lighter in the seat, toes at a 45 degree angle, more contact with lower leg to saddle instead of thigh keeping the base of support in heel and lower leg. This also keeps the lower leg just behind the girth. The other advantage of this seat, it allows for more adjustability: 2 point, 3 point, galloping position. He said Portugal, Spain and America tend to mimic this style made famous by the greats like Bert De Nemethy.

It was very interesting when he broke it down. He actually picked two riders in the group that mimicked both styles and showed us the difference. Then set up a complicated exercise and showed us the advantages of having the lighter seat and base of support in lower leg.

As far as awesome King George quotes… he had a ton on day 2. He was full of himself. If I had to pick one, he was going after these two auditors. They were probably 16 or 17 year old girls, they were snickering at a rider who was struggling with her very hot horse. He said “you two! You are very distracting and extremely rude. You better shut up right now or leave. If you don’t leave, I will have you removed! Is that a smirk I see? Wipe that smirk off your face right now young lady or I will climb over this ring and smack it off your face with my own hands GDit!” Literally everyone in the auditors section sat straight up in their chairs and wiped every look off all our faces. But it was priceless and those little brats deserved it!

[Didi]

anmoro - LOLOLOL and probably well deserved! I would LOVE to be “cussed out” by GM! Would learn A TON!!!

[Foxtrot_s]

Your enthusiasm is infections OP! We think the world of GM and his comments can be hilarious - love them.

But the man can ride ---- somebody look up George Morris rides Catherine Haddad’s Winyamaro (her GP dressage horse) - and he does not ride dressage, ever but does know how.

[Laurierace]

I audited his clinic for the second time last weekend and both times found it to be almost life changing and I don’t even really know why. He didn’t really say anything I didn’t already know or even something I didn’t completely understand but there is something about him that makes me want to run through a wall for him.
There was a girl in one of the sessions who could only be described as significantly overweight and he not only said nothing derogatory about her weight in the session I saw but praised her profusely FYI. She was one of if not the best rider of her session though which probably weighed in to it, no pun intended.

[GoneAway]

George Morris makes unicorns smile.

(^ I dare you to not be happy when you watch that video. I DARE YOU!)

[Ready_To_Riot]

I’m at work (trying to make up the $300 I spent this weekend!) I’ll respond after a work! Thanks for making great comments!! I was thinking I made a mistake by posting this, I’m so happy it took a turn for the better :))))

[Atlas_Shrugged]

I am reading his book and am am surprised with how much he discusses his sex life - though I find the rest of it very entertaining.

[Equitational]

I LOVED his new book Unrelenting!

I had the privilege of riding in one of his clinics 12 years ago when I was 15. He told me I was “weak” because I couldn’t get my horse to canter in the deep mud (LOL) but later complimented my on my “confrontation” (tall and thin, obviously his fav). I later realized that I wasn’t “weak” all those juniors year, I was just ineffective! Would love the chance to see him in real life again!

I had him sign my copy of Hunter Seat Eq, would love his signature on Unrelenting too! He put something like “Can you tell I like picking on you?” when he signed.

OH DID I MENTION HE RODE MY HORSE TOO!

[Ready_To_Riot]

[QUOTE=Atlas Shrugged;8862063]
I am reading his book and am am surprised with how much he discusses his sex life - though I find the rest of it very entertaining.[/QUOTE]

I’m ordering that book! It comes with a disclaimer!!! I’m super exited about reading it!

[Curly_Feather]

Thanks so much for your notes, I would love to read more if you want to type them out I’m in South Africa, so unfortunately not in a position to ever audit him live, but I’ve watched and read everything I could find, and I just love listening to the man teach. Thanks again!

[McGurk]

Love George, would love to audit a clinic but haven’t had the opportunity.

In re: the book Unrelenting which is an interesting read and worth the purchase price for the photos alone, please don’t worry that you’re going to clutch your pearls over discussion of his sex life.

I mean, we all knew he was gay, right? Since the 70s? He was never really in the closet. So there are mentions of who he was involved with at certain points in his life, but nothing graphic. Your pearls are safe.

[MontysGal]

I am on the list to audit a clinic in 2 weeks time in Ontario! OMG SO EXCITED! I will be there with notepad and NO SMIRK.

[Shine]

This thread makes me want to audit one of his clinics and this isn’t even my discipline.

Thanks RTR!

[MHM]

[QUOTE=Laurierace;8861950]
I audited his clinic for the second time last weekend and both times found it to be almost life changing and I don’t even really know why. He didn’t really say anything I didn’t already know or even something I didn’t completely understand.[/QUOTE]
I’ve noticed the same thing. When he teaches, he doesn’t necessarily say something new or different, but he manages to say exactly the right thing at exactly the right time to hit the nail on the head. It’s a gift he has, for sure.

[relocatedTXjumpr]

I know a couple of the riders, including the young girl you mentioned, that rode in the clinic. Sounds like most came away with some good lessons and had a good time.

Blackjack is amazing isn’t it?! Glad you had a good time as well!