American actor Jonathan Goldsmith is best known as “the most interesting man in the world.”
But it’s easily said that the most interesting man in the equestrian world – and a guy who’s generated just as many memes – is George Morris.
The legendary American trainer and judge has been training top riders for decades, and each year top equestrians flock to his equitation clinics.
Known as the founding father of hunt seat equitation, his 1971 publication, Hunter Seat Equitation, is still considered the gold standard.
The memes tell the story of an exacting trainer:
“Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”
Certainly, a task master:
“Are you yawning? You don’t ride well enough to yawn…”
But without a doubt, a man who cares deeply about the horse:
“It’s not about the social accessories, the money, the ribbons. It’s not about the winning; that comes easy…It’s about the horse; how to care for the horse, how to ride the horse, and how to look after this great animal – the horse.”
How to look after the great animals is to take the time to know them – and not just during the ride. Know the horse’s body. Know what goes into it and what comes out of it.
Know the horse’s attitude – not just during the ride, but when he’s resting, when he’s turned out, when he’s tired, when he’s anxious. That’s the only way to know if something isn’t quite right.
Educate yourself. When considering products for your horse, read labels, dosage, and usage. Take the time to know whether it’s the perfect product for your horse.