George Morris Horsemastership clinic

Screen Shot 2017-03-07 at 8.33.53 PM

Screen Shot 2017-03-07 at 8.31.29 PM

Screen Shot 2017-03-07 at 8.34.21 PM

Photo credits to Margot Lynne Hirsch, Phelps sports, and USEF Equestrians!

The George Morris Horsemastership clinic is the best of the best learning experience for young equestrians hoping to expand their career. Each year, a certain amount of riders are choose to participate in a flatwork, gymnastics over fences, and mock nations cup round. Twelve riders; Caroline Dance, Cooper Dean, Brian Moggre, Coco Fath, Maddy Goetzmann , Emma Marlowe, Gracie Marlowe, Maya Nayyar, Tj O'Mara, Hallie Robinson, Taylor St. Jacques, and Micheal Williamson were selected this year.

These lucky twelve went through an athletic evaluation, flatwork demonstration with Anne Kursinski, five-time U.S. Olympian and winner of a silver medal at the Seoul Olympic games, Gymnastics with Beezie Madden, one of the leading ladies in show jumping, very looked upon equestrian, and the winner of two Team Gold Medals, one Team Silver Medal, and one Individual Bronze Medal over the course of four Olympic Games, and finally, mock nations cup jumping with Laura Kraut, winner of a team Gold Medal at the Hong Kong Olympic Games and the team Silver Medal at the World Equestrian Games. More honorable appearances by Lauren Hough, a past representative for the U.S. in Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, and Pan American Games competition, and a whole team of course designers, ring crew, and equine experts.

Photo of Hallie Robinson and Airforce - by Margot lynne hirsch

All Things Equine was very fortunate to be able to interview one of the twelve participants; Emma Marlowe who rode Barichello in the clinic!

INTERVIEW TIME;)

1. What was your first reaction when you found out you were going to be a part of the clinic?

I was ecstatic! I’ve always dreamed of doing the clinic and it was so special to be able to do it with my sister.

2. Did you do any special preparation before the clinic?

I did a lot of no stirrups before I came! We ended up not even doing a lot of no stirrups but it was good practice anyways.

3. Was it nerve racking to be around so many honored Equestrian's?

At first. yes, but once you’re around everyone it’s very normal. Sometimes you must remember even all the “famous” riders we look up to are just like us. It was an honor to ride in front of them, and a once in a life time opportunity.

4. Which equestrian was the most helpful/ and or exciting to learn from?

Hm, that’s such a hard question! Everyone was extremely helpful, I learned something from everyone. I have to say Janus Marquis was extremely knowledgeable of the horse’s body. It was really cool to listen to her talk and learn more about the inside of a horse.

5. Did you learn anything new about your riding or your horse from the clinic, and how will this experience help you in the future?

I picked up new skills and learned something in each session from each clinician. Anne Kursinski really emphasized on a deeper seat and correct flatwork. The next day Beezie continued teaching well with what Anne taught us but in different words. I felt like the gymnastic prepared my horse and I well for nations up day. I felt like I learned enough about my horse in the couple of rides to be well prepared for the nations cup.

6. What was a day in the clinic like? (Did you have to tack up your own

A day in the clinic started at 6:30am with morning chores (feeding, cleaning your stall, taking care of your horse, etc ) , then we usually had mounted or un mounted sessions all day. We all finished off the day with night check at 8:00. There was never a dull moment at the clinic. The days go by fast and you’re always doing something.

7. Facts about your horse. My horse’s name was Barichello. I barrowed him from Eduardo Meneze

He was a 10 year old bay warmblood gelding

He was 16’1 hands

He loved treats!!!

He was super sweet and loved to lick my face

8. A little bit about your riding career.

I’ve ridden since I was 18 months old, I showed in my first cross rail course when I was 4 years old. My mom is a horse trainer so I’ve always been in the barn. Horses are my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

9. Did you prefer the flatwork, gymnastics, or nations cup?

Honestly, I loved every session of the clinic. I felt each session prepared you better for the next. I have to say my favorite day was the nations cup day! I love being a part of a team and the nations cup was so much fun!

10. What was it like to also be surrounded by some of the most amazing junior riders too?

Everyone was very nice! I knew a couple of the riders already but it’s nice to know that even some of the top riders are friendly too.

I highly recommend people apply for this clinic!