Morris Receives Saumur’s Coveted “Horseman Of Honor” Title

George H. Morris, the U.S. show jumping team’s chef d’equipe, has now joined an elite group of world-renowned horsemen after he was awarded the gilt spurs and golden whip from the Cadre Noir of Saumur in France.

“This is truly the biggest honor of my life, along with the lifetime achievement award I received from the U.S. Equestrian Federation,” said Morris.

On May 19, Morris was celebrated in a special presentation at the French National Equitation School, Le Cadre Noir of Saumur, to share his experiences as a trainer with the students and instructors of the school. At the conclusion of the clinic, Morris received the coveted title of “Horseman of Honor of the Cadre Noir of Saumur.”

This marks only the fourth time the award has ever been presented. The first Horseman of Honor was named as the result of an initiative by Col. Margot, chief horseman of the Cadre Noir from 1945-1958. Col. Margot had received this title himself in 1950, honoring his commitment to France as well as the Cadre Noir of Saumur.

This merit of exceptional character was awarded to Henri Saint-Cyr, Swedish double gold medalist in dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, then in Stockholm in 1956. In 2001, Colonel Loic de la Porte du Theil awarded this honorable distinction to French show jumping rider Michel Robert, and again in 2002 to Dutch Olympic show jumping rider Albert Voorn.

Morris, one of the most influential riders and trainers in the history of equestrian sport, was a member of the 1959 U.S. Pan American team that captured the gold medal, as well as the 1960 U.S. Olympic silver-medal team in Rome. He has continued his career as a renowned trainer and coach for a host of Olympians and was chef d’equipe for the 2004 and 2008 gold-medal U.S. show jumping teams.

Chief Horseman Col. Jean-Michel Faure and the director of the School, Robert d'Artois, presented Morris with the famous symbols of the Cadre Noir of Saumur: the gilt spurs and gold-banded riding whip.

Morris said this award is not only an incredible honor for him but also for the American style of riding. “This award means a lot to me because Gordon Wright and Bill Steinkraus, my mentors, were from Ft. Riley [Kan.], and officers were often sent to Saumur to study,” he said. “Therefore, the basis of our system of equitation is French, so I’m very appreciative that this is recognized.”