George H. Morris

George H. Morris (born February 26, 1938) He was chef d'equipe for the United States show jumping team, which won Olympic gold under his leadership, from 2005 until 2013. He also served as chef d'equipe for the Brazilian show jumping team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Morris trained students at his Hunterdon Stables and traveling clinics, producing nationally and internationally successful riders, including Olympic champions. He and his siblings rode with the New Canaan Mounted Troop, and by 1947, Morris was riding at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club.

Morris attempted an acting career in the early 1960s. and in 2000 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In 2005 Morris decided to sell Hunterdon Stables and became chef d'equipe of the United States show jumping team. where the team finished sixth. His term as chef d'equipe ended in 2013, when he was replaced by Robert Ridland.

In 2016 Morris served as chef d'equipe for the Brazilian show jumping team at the Rio Olympics.

Morris served on the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Jumper Committee and Planning Committee.

Lifetime ban for sexual misconduct On August 5, 2019, Morris was provisionally banned by the United States Center for SafeSport from USEF for sexual misconduct involving a minor. The ban was subject to appeal.

Independent arbitration regarding Morris' lifetime ban was held on November 7 and 8, 2019, in New York City. Under the lifetime ban, which is reciprocated by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), Morris is not able to coach international teams for any country. The lawsuits also target USEF, which the plaintiffs claim turned a blind eye to sexual abuse, which was an "open secret" in the equestrian community. He currently resides in Wellington, Florida The Hunterdon Cup, an equitation competition named after Morris' stables, was held from 2006 until 2019. On 26 November 2019, in the wake of Morris' lifetime ban, the USHJA announced that it had voted to eliminate two tributes to Morris: the Hunterdon Cup and the George H. Morris Trophy. The Hunterdon Cup was renamed the Gladstone Cup, while the George H. Morris Trophy was removed.

In 1989, Morris began contributing to the Chronicle of the Horse magazine's "Between Rounds" section. He coined the term "drama riding" for the lack of classical position seen in riders in the show ring today.

Works

Hunter Seat Equitation (1st ed. 1971, Rev ed. 1979, 3rd ed. 1990) The American Jumping Style: Modern Techniques of Successful Horsemanship (1993) George H. Morris Teaches Beginners to Ride (1st ed. 1981, reprinted 2006) Because Every Round Counts (2006) Designing Courses and Obstacles (Contributor, 1978) Unrelenting: The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights, and My Pursuit of Excellence (Author with Karen Robertson Terry, 2016)