On the Line

George Morris doesn’t mince words, and we all respect the man because of it. Among his many talents, the GM (yes that means Grand Master) of U.S. hunter/jumpers is one of the most quotable guys, um, ever. He levels his clinic participants on a regular basis with his remarks. My personal favorite: “Are you yawning? You don’t ride well enough to yawn. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, she can yawn. You, not so much.”

Ha. Good one George. I will not be yawning in your presence.

Why am I bringing up the GM? Because he also said something great on the subject of the USHJA’s new Trainer Certification Program. “If I take the test, everyone can take the test” Who can argue with that? The USHJA is trying to create a system that will eventually require all us trainers to be certified. Yes, it’s voluntary right now, but I see where they’re heading down the road, and I like it. As a person who was influenced by a childhood trainer totally inept in the ways of instruction and horsemanship (sadly I wasn’t aware of this at age 11), I’m a big fan of this program.

Such a big fan that I WILL be getting myself certified in 2010. I will also be chronicling said certification process right here, for all to see, read and (hopefully) become inspired enough to get certified themselves. To kick off this process let me plug my “Nuts & Bolts” article about the TCP process, coming soon to the November issue of Sidelines. Look out for it, and if you’re a trainer, join me in making George proud!