Reflections on The Horsemastership Training with George Morris

Hi, everyone!

It has been some time since my last entry but it does feel good to be writing again! Sorry for the delay! Since my last entry, I completed the George Morris Horsemastership Clinic, fulfilled the requirements of several important school assignments and concluded the first week of competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

The clinic was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget. I felt privileged and honored to be one of the eight selected to attend the sessions and to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best professionals in show jumping.

It is hard to reiterate everything that George Morris shared during the week spent with him. The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which an individual rider may stand, without an emphasis on hard work and determination and, that notion resonates in my thoughts since the experience ended.

Next time, I will share some of my experiences while showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Talk to you soon!
Maria Schaub

Editor's Note: Read coverage of the clinic on EquiSearch.com.

1/19/2007 Horsemastership Training

Maria Schaub photo at right by Nancy Jaffer (click to enlarge). Read Nancy's coverage of the clinic on EquiSearch.com.

Hi, everyone!

On Friday, the lesson with George Morris was without stirrups. Since the horses had done gymnastics and jumping the two days previous, a "breather " without jumping was a good idea.

Upward and downward transitions, lengthening and shortening of stride and getting your horse supple and responsive to your aids were the exercises reviewed.
Although, Marga, was somewhat resistant and stiff at first, she responded beautifully after approximately ten minutes.

Tomorrow, I will write a blog which will reflect upon my personal experiences from this special week, as well as, a short synopsis of the events of the last day.

Check back with me tomorrow for some final comments.
Talk to you later!
Maria Schaub

1/17/2007 Horsemastership Training Session

Hi, everyone.

If you are in Wellington, Florida, this week, please come audit the Horsemastership Training Sessions which will continue through Saturday, January 20, 2007 (view schedule of events).

This morning, the lesson with George Morris combined flat work with gymnastics. So, you can imagine, the level of difficulty increased somewhat over the previous day.

In the afternoon, Steve Stephens discussed the elements of course design with the group. Beezie Madden and Sara Seigal demonstrated riding tests of the lines, back and forth, over a course set in the grand hunter ring.

All in all, the day went quickly and it was a super learning experience.

Check back with me for my next update.
Talk to you then.
Maria Schaub

1/16/2007 Horsemastership Training session

Photo at right by Sandy Oliynyk (click to enlarge): Dr. Danny Marks points out to Maria Schaub how different types of conformation can improve a horse's jumping potential.

Hi, Everyone!

Today was the first full day of the clinic designed to help the riders improve their overall horsemanship. Although the day was filled with different activities, this blog will focus on the flat lesson with George Morris.

As Mr. Morris spoke during the flat lesson, it became obvious to me that he was helping us learn to prepare our horses effectively. The lesson reviewed several important elements of proper flat work including, using consistent contact with the horse's mouth, utilizing bending work, and helping the horse accept the rider's use of the reins, seat and leg.

I had not experienced a lesson with George Morris prior to today and the experience was awesome! You were expected to respond to his questions and to question your ability while performing the different flat work skills.

Afterwards, I spoke with the other riders and we agreed that we were thankful for the time, patience and knowledge extended to us by the sponsors, mentors and supporters of the program.

Check back with me tomorrow for another update!
Talk to you later.
Maria Schaub

1/15/2007 Horsemastership Training

Hi, Everyone!
Today was a day of preparation for the program scheduled to begin at 7:00am on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. Each rider was assigned a mentor groom. I was paired with Olympian, Lauren Hough.
The riders are responsible for all aspects of horse care throughout the duration of the program.
On Tuesday, the program begins at 7:00am and at 9:00am a lunging session is open to the public.
If you are in Wellington, please come and watch George Morris give a lunging demonstration.
Check back with me for an account of the first day of the program.
Talk to you later!
Maria Schaub

Note from EquiSearch.com: Read more about the clinic, including who the mentors and riders are and which events are open to the public, in the article George Morris Training Session January 15-20.

Leaving 1/12 for Horsemastership Training

Hi, everyone!

On January 15-20, 2006, the Horsemastership Training session will be held at Stadium Jumping, Wellington, Florida.

For those who will either attend or audit, the sessions will provide a great foundation and learning experience which will hopefully become part of a more comprehensive training program in the United States.

This will be my first experience training with George Morris who is reportedly a tough yet an enlightening teacher. Of course, when looking forward to participating in the class, I have a sense of excitement, some pre-show nervousness, and some sense of how a special comaraderie will develop among the riders who participate.

My next blog will be on Monday, January 15, 2006, and I will give you an update about the first day of the sessions.

Talk to you soon!

Maria Schaub

Happy New Year 2007

Hello everyone!
I wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful 2007.
Thank you for your support in 2006. I will continue to give you an insider's perspective to the junior horse show world in 2007 with my blog on EquiSearch.com.

The equine herpes outbreak has profoundly effected the horse show industry and its related businesses. If proper protocol is followed according to the standards set by the vetenarians, the situation will hopefully resolve itself very soon.

The HORSEMASTERSHIP training session is still on for January 15-20, 2007 as of today. Please note that auditors will be accepted. So, if you are interested, please check the USEF website for details.

Talk to you soon!
Maria Schaub