George H. Morris Teaches Beginners to Ride : A Clinic for Instructors, Parents, and Students

by Morris, George H.

• ISBN13: 9781599210032
• ISBN10: 1599210037
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-11-01
• Publisher: Lyons Press

Summary

George H. Morris, hunter-seat equitation and show jumping's pre-eminent trainer and commentator, offers advice about a range of relevant subjects, including how to select a riding facility and instructor, correct clothing, ponies versus horses, individual versus group lessons, and student and instructor attitudes toward lessons and learning. At the heart of the book is Morris's noted system of exercises that develop form and control on the flat and over fences, a system that has produced generations of champions from backyard horse shows all the way to the Olympics. With a new introduction to this edition and with 137 step-by-step photographs that illustrate Morris's system, this clinic for students, parents, and instructors is required reading for aspiring riders and their trainers.

Author Biography

George H. Morris was a member of U.S. Equestrian Team squads in the 1950s and ’60s. He has produced more hunter/jumper champions, including Olympic show-jumping medalists, than any other trainer. Morris was named Practical Horseman magazine’s Horseman of the Century. He lives in Wellington, Florida.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	v
Foreword by Gordon Wright	xi
Introduction to the 2006 Edition	xiii
Basic Principles of Teaching Horsemanship	1	(32)
Introduction	1	(1)
Grounds	2	(5)
General Conduct	7	(7)
Authority	14	(2)
Basic Method: The Exercise System	16	(1)
Attitudes	17	(2)
Qualifications of the Teacher	19	(1)
Compatibility of Rider and Horse	20	(3)
One Step at a Time	23	(2)
Communication	25	(2)
Education for the Teacher	27	(1)
Technique and Position	28	(1)
Group Teaching	29	(4)
Teaching the Beginner on the Flat	33	(76)
Tack	33	(2)
Mounting and Dismounting	35	(5)
Stirrup Length	40	(4)
Basic Position at the Standstill	44	(14)
Exercises	58	(6)
Upper-body Angulation at Gaits	64	(4)
Exercises in Motion	68	(10)
Aids	78	(21)
Diagonals and Leads	99	(4)
Control	103	(6)
Teaching the Beginner to Jump	109	(15)
The Fundamentals	109	(6)
Cavalletti and Crossrails	115	(4)
Co-ordinating Exercises	119	(5)
Summary	124