The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation announced the inaugural George H. Morris Gladstone Program for talented show jumping riders, which will be held May 21-26, at the USET Foundation’s headquarters, Hamilton Farm, in Gladstone, N.J.
The Gladstone Program is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders in pursuit of a path that will prepare them to represent the United States at international team competitions.
The program is open to riders 18 years or older who are currently competing successfully at 1.45 meters or above. Morris will personally select a maximum of 10 riders.
The purpose of the program, which is supported by Suzanne and B.G. Porter, is to continue to educate, support and guide potential team riders on the overall knowledge and expertise required to succeed at the top level of show jumping internationally. In addition to daily training sessions with Morris, the riders will participate in hands-on sessions with a veterinarian, farrier, top team stable manager, physiotherapist and high performance business executive.
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Each rider will meet one-on-one with Morris during the week to discuss their current and future plans, and Morris will help guide them in putting together a program that will continue their preparation for international team competition. Morris will also remain available after the program to follow up and monitor each rider’s progress.
“George’s continued involvement in the high performance program is critical to providing the path and establishing a pool of riders that are prepared and ready in every respect to represent this country on nations cup teams. Gladstone is the perfect setting to host this important program as it is the place where the team lived, trained and competed under the watchful eye of legendary coach Bert DeNemethy, producing some of this country’s most successful and iconic show jumping riders, Bill Steinkraus, Frank Chapot and George to name a few. I am most grateful to George for helping me increase the depth of talent available for nations cup competitions, and instilling the Gladstone ethic in these riders, which is what this program is all about,” said Robert Ridland, U.S. show jumping chef d’equipe.
Riders interested in participating should complete an application and submit to the USET Foundation, P.O. Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07935, or fax: 908-234-0670 no later than April 19. Selected riders will be notified around April 25.
