Carson City, Nevada- March 25, 2010 -The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby is pleased to announce George H. Morris as one of the four judges comprising the panel for the Derby. An equestrian legend, Morris’ influence has been monumental in the evolution of this sport both as an international competitor and as the Chef d’Equipe for the United States Show Jumping Team. As a knowledgeable and experienced hunter derby judge, Morris will contribute his expertise to the team of four judges at this standalone equestrian event. The derby is set to take place at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, NV on September 19, 2010, and will be a member event of the Chronicle of the Horse/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby Series presented by Dietrich Insurance.
Throughout his equestrian career as an accomplished rider and teacher, Morris has experienced the thrill and challenge of being a rider in the show ring along with coaching the top riders in the world. At the age of 14, Morris not only won the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Finals, but also the American Horse Show Association (now the United States Equestrian Federation) Hunt Seat Medal Finals. Morris was the youngest rider in history to win both events, and from that point on he proceeded to excel as an international rider, a coach, and also as a judge.
One of the original supporters of high performance hunter classes, Morris is passionate about the evolving hunter derby program. Having hunter derbies allows the discipline to be in touch with its roots as it encourages riders to pick up a gallop, and navigate an open field of natural, solid obstacles resembling those once found in fox hunting fields. As one of the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby judges, Morris will be looking for the horse that best portrays the ideal hunter; a forward moving horse that moves well, jumps well, and wears a good expression around the course.
Aimee Lafayette, representative for The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby, commented, “We are so honored to have Mr. Morris as one of our judges for the derby. His expertise as a hunter rider, teacher, and judge sets precedence for all derby member events. We are proud to have Mr. Morris at our facility and hope that he enjoys his time in Nevada.”
On September 19, 2010 Morris will join three other judges to assess the performance of the country’s top horses and riders as they take the stage at the premiere west coast standalone derby event.
