Astute readers may have noticed that one of the Chronicle’s original Between Rounds columnists, George H. Morris, has put his writing on hold. His last column appeared in May of 2007, and not long after it was published he called to say that his training schedule and responsibilities—including his duties as the U.S. Equestrian Team’s show jumping chef d’equipe—weren’t allowing him enough time to write.
   
George was understandably disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to continue his columns, which he began contributing in 1989. Through the years he’s entertained, enlightened and, primarily, educated the magazine’s readers. But as is typical of George, he’d already figured out a new plan and begun implementation before he’d even picked up the telephone to call me. He suggested John Madden as our next show jumping Between Rounds columnist to take his place.
    
So this week you’ll read John’s first column (p. 29), where he introduces himself, his philosophies and thoughts on the current state of show jumping and provides readers with a glimpse of future topics he’ll address.
   
For those of you who primarily think of John as “Beezie’s husband,” there’s really more to him than you might realize. This experienced horseman has worked with many of the best in the business and was brought up the ranks working with George Morris at his Hunterdon and Katie Monahan Prudent at Plain Bay Farm. John may not have made his name in the saddle, but there are a great many horses who jumped into the spotlight thanks to his contributions behind the scenes, including such greats as Special Envoy, Northern Magic, French Rapture and the stars of today, including Judgement and Authentic to name just a few.
   
So I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know John as he joins established show jumping columnist Linda Allen in discussing the current issues in the sport. He has a lot to offer, and I’m sure we’ll all benefit from his experience and unique perspective in the sport.   
   
Even though we’ll certainly miss the contributions George made to the Between Rounds department, he assures me that he’ll keep in touch with John and collaborate on issues that he believes should be improved in the sport. He still strongly advocates proper education and tradition and taking the road that was paved by Bert de Nemethy, Gordon Wright and others of the golden age of show jumping in the 1950s and ’60s. So there’s no doubt that he’ll jump in on occasion when he sees that we need a reminder to follow the right path.   
   
For the past 18 years we’ve all learned a great deal from George Morris through his columns. Although I’m certain he appreciates a simple thank-you for his contributions, I believe he’d much prefer that we take to heart what he was saying all of these years and not forget the sport’s heritage as we continue on into the 21st century. 

Tricia Booker