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 Morris demonstrates dressage without stirrups on Hunter Holloway's Grand Prix horse.
Auditors Take Advantage of Opportunity for Education
Antioch, IL – November 29, 2014 – Saturday, day two of the George H. Morris Chicago clinic at Annali-Brookwood Farm emphasized 45 minutes of no stirrup work for each group, keeping the  tradition of no-stirrup November. Morris himself rode without stirrups as he demonstrated leg to hand contact on a horse in each group. After autographing books, Morris couldn’t resist a chance to ride Caitie Hope’s Total Touch, owned by Kathleen Hope. Jumping exercises for the day followed the theme of contact and educating the horse, when the horse’s head goes up the hand goes up. Gymnastics and bending lines allowed riders to practice the automatic release as they jumped a triple bar liverpool to a rolltop square oxer to a brick wall without wings. Morris also stressed the importance of reading books about riding, particularly Gordon Wright’s book Learning to Ride, Hunt and Show. “Everywhere I go I have a book about riding,” said Morris. “I read about dressage, I read about conformation – I’m always learning about horses. Riders need to read more and get educated.”
Morris developed the Gladstone Program through the USET to help raise great riders for future U.S. teams. The Gladstone Program is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The program not only focuses on proper riding but also on horsemanship in the barn and correct care of the horse. Twenty riders are hand selected for the program by Morris. Ten riders attend a clinic at the USET’s Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ and ten riders attend the clinic at Annali-Brookwood Farm June 15-20, 2015.
The clinic continued on Sunday with the World Cup of Brookwood as the finale for each group. Morris meticulously spent time with each horse and rider from walking the course to special jumping exercises for each horse and again demonstrating his teachings by riding.
Caitie Hope and Vision EH.
A full house of auditors definitely got their money’s worth from Morris, with many taking notes as Morris spoke and had a chance to ask questions. Auditors were just as eager to watch as the riders were for the opportunity to ride with the master.
Auditor Egle Keturakyte of Downers Grove, IL, was supposed to work on Sunday but after watching on Saturday, called in and said she couldn’t possibly make it to work so she could watch Morris another day. Keturakyte is an eventer and found Morris’s education priceless.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Keurakyte. “I watched on Saturday and went home and rode my horses with a whole new perspective. Being able to see it, hear it and watch others do it helped me understand his theory.”
IHSA rider at Northern Illinois University Julie Wiersma came to learn from Morris as well.
“It gives you a higher level of perspective and something to compare what you’re currently learning and working on to,” said Wiersma.
Hunter Holloway, who finished second in the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals.
A group of IEA (high school) riders also came to audit and listen to the author of Hunter Seat Equitation in person.
Many professionals came to hear Morris and some to watch and support their riders. Area professionals Linda Valetic, Steve Foran and Janet Sassmannshausen to name a few, audited the clinic while professionals Brandie Holloway, Amelia McArdle, Lindsey Lamb, Lindsey Yinger, Ali Senatore, Serah Vogus, Caroline Weeden, Shawn Remillard, Katie Leverick and Ryan Sassmansshausen rode in the clinic.
Professional Jennifer Welhouse from Poynette, Wisconsin drove two hours and stayed at a hotel to fit in two days of education with the former Chef d’Equipe. Welhouse is a hunter/jumper and quarter horse trainer and was eager to hear more from Morris.
“I saw him teach about four years ago,” said Welhouse, “it’s always great to watch him and review his technique.”
Professional Serah Vogus encouraged her students to come and watch Morris by offering a free lesson if students came back to the barn with notes from the audit session.
“I wanted to encourage my students to come so they wouldn’t miss out on a great opportunity,” said Vogus.
Brenda Perkovich enjoyed the weekend watching her 13 year-old-son Kyle ride with Morris for the first time.
Kyle Perkovich
“I’ve never seen him so motivated,” said Brenda Perkovich. “He can’t wait to get to the barn and is now really inspired to ride.”
Professional Ryan Sassmannshausen added, "I ride in the clinic to improve my riding and to learn how to be a better teacher in my own business."
“The clinic is successful because of the broad industry backing it receives from sponsors and the support of Rush and Caroline Weeden,” said clinic coordinator Diane Carney. “The Weedens have a beautiful facility they keep absolutely impeccable and go above and beyond to help make it a success. Also thank you to the sponsors; Devocoux, Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Stall Watch, Tudor Oaks, Barrington Saddlery, Wholsome Goodness, Finish Line and Chicago Equestrian.”
For a schedule of George H. Morris clinics please visit www.GHMclinics.com.
For more information on future events contact Diane Carney at dtelluride@aol.com or 847-922-6167.
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