Insights From George Morris

An exclusive interview with equestrian legend and icon.

- Charlotte Bastiaanse, Ryan Sander

George H Morris is a household name among equestrians all over the world. George is known for his influential contribution to the hunter, equitation and show jumping disciplines, and alongside having a massively successful career himself, he has also been Chef d’Equipe for the United States Equestrian Federation show jumping team, as well as the Brazilian show jumping team at the Rio Olympic Games. Now 78 years old, George is still riding and very involved in the equestrian sport. He teaches clinics all over the world to help develop young and upcoming riders. George’s biography, Unrelenting, was released earlier this year and offers great insight into his life and career.

At what age did you start competing at Grand Prix level?

We never heard of ‘Grand Prix’ when I first started competing in America. We had an Open jumper division, and the Grand Prix that happened on Sunday was called a stake – a thousand-dollar stake. I started in the Open jumper division in 1955, which then morphed into a Grand Prix in the ‘60s. When I went to Europe in the later ‘50s, then of course I rode the Grands Prix in Dublin, Aachen and all those shows.

Did you ever get nervous for big events, and if so how did you overcome those nerves?