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Hunter Seat Equitation: Third Edition
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.
B & W photographs throughout
B & W photographs throughout
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 23, 2011
constant and classic reference. Appalling sexism.
September 8, 2015
This is best for an intermediate rider, a junior rider new to hunt seat showing, or someone new to teaching. There isn't anything new here for a more experienced rider, and his writing is too abstract, clunky, and jargon-heavy to serve as a good introduction for a beginner.
Of particular note to me as an applied animal behavior student: The chapter on "Working Principles in General" is really terrible. "Smart Horse: Understanding the Science of Natural Horsemanship" by Jennifer MacCleay provides a much more clear and precise explanation of negative reinforcement (the pressure/release form of learning common in riding). Morris confusingly refers to negative reinforcement as punishment and reward which, while technically true, is difficult to understand if you don't already understand what he means. (In fact, I knew what he meant and had to go back a few times to make sure that I knew what I knew.) Although MacCleay's book is under the "natural horsemanship" umbrella while Morris is firmly in the traditional camp, the principles are identical and the differences between "traditional" and many varieties of "natural" horsemanship are largely window dressing. MacCleay uses the common scientific terms and explanations (as the title suggests) for learning which, IMO, are much more simply, precisely defined and concrete than the abstract and overly complicated explanations provided by Morris. However, she does also include the "dominance theory" of animal training which has been debunked since the publication of her book, which Morris does not.
Another note on that particular chapter: "Reward, in contrast, is simply the lack of punishment; doing nothing, relaxing the active aid. Correct understanding of reward is infinitely more important as a training mechanism and kinder to the horse than a pat or carrot. Without reward, the yielding that counteracts punishment, true relaxed obedience is impossible." and "reward is always the cessation of punishment" may take the cake as the most bizarre statements I've ever read in a non-fiction equestrian book. Determining what type of reinforcer (what Morris refers to as a reward) is kinder to the horse is an ethical argument, and from an ethical perspective, the cessation of a punishment that you yourself inflicted acting as a kinder reinforcer for the horse than a food reward is logically untenable. If you must inflict a physical punishment prior to offering a reward, that is necessarily less ethical/kind than offering a reward for a correct response without the use of physical punishment. "Reward" has a great range of possibilities--essentially, anything that the animal enjoys. Similarly, "punishment" is anything the animal finds irritating, frightening, or painful. Limiting "punishment" to physical force and "reward" to release of force is unnecessary and, considering Morris's influence, might encourage a rigid view of training in which no other options are possible. Such a rigid view is not necessarily in the best interests of an animal's welfare. Although Morris later extols the virtues of having an "objective" and "scientific" mind when approaching horse riding and training, his own opinions are markedly unscientific--relying entirely on experience without any verifiable data, and offering abstract explanations of concepts with poorly defined terms. To me, all of this indicates that Morris (at least at the time of the writing of the book) did not have a clear and thorough understanding of animal learning in the precisely scientific sense that he claimed, at least in any way that he could clearly verbalize.
I should also warn you that there are some sexist aspects of the book. What stands out in particular is a portion in which he states that "beginners and intermediates work better with women while the more advanced riders should be with men." Considering he had previously in the book written about how a trainer who hasn’t ridden well at the level that they teach is a poor teacher, saying that women should only teach beginner and intermediate riders could imply that women do not ride well at the advanced level since they are apparently incapable as a general rule of teaching at that level (according to Morris). Should this be a widespread or promoted attitude, it could also seriously limit women's careers as horse trainers and instructors not because they are poor instructors for advanced riders, but simply because they are women and there is an assumption that they cannot teach the advanced riders--that they are "softer" and "less demanding" and do not provide as many challenges as men, according to Morris. Considering men are well over-represented at the higher levels of jumping competition compared to the lower levels, this is a concerning and not particularly endearing opinion.
There are values to this book, as I said, for certain riders. It provides a good understanding of what is expected of riders in hunter and equitation classes. It also provides a good overview of correct position, and many of his suggestions for teaching are worth making. His "Horse and Rider at Work" chapters may be difficult to visualize for riders who don't already have some idea of what he means, as these are the most dry and jargon-heavy chapters. However, it is important to note that this is one professional's opinions based on his personal experiences. Morris is a great and celebrated horseman in hunt seat circles, but nonetheless, it is important to read critically.
Of particular note to me as an applied animal behavior student: The chapter on "Working Principles in General" is really terrible. "Smart Horse: Understanding the Science of Natural Horsemanship" by Jennifer MacCleay provides a much more clear and precise explanation of negative reinforcement (the pressure/release form of learning common in riding). Morris confusingly refers to negative reinforcement as punishment and reward which, while technically true, is difficult to understand if you don't already understand what he means. (In fact, I knew what he meant and had to go back a few times to make sure that I knew what I knew.) Although MacCleay's book is under the "natural horsemanship" umbrella while Morris is firmly in the traditional camp, the principles are identical and the differences between "traditional" and many varieties of "natural" horsemanship are largely window dressing. MacCleay uses the common scientific terms and explanations (as the title suggests) for learning which, IMO, are much more simply, precisely defined and concrete than the abstract and overly complicated explanations provided by Morris. However, she does also include the "dominance theory" of animal training which has been debunked since the publication of her book, which Morris does not.
Another note on that particular chapter: "Reward, in contrast, is simply the lack of punishment; doing nothing, relaxing the active aid. Correct understanding of reward is infinitely more important as a training mechanism and kinder to the horse than a pat or carrot. Without reward, the yielding that counteracts punishment, true relaxed obedience is impossible." and "reward is always the cessation of punishment" may take the cake as the most bizarre statements I've ever read in a non-fiction equestrian book. Determining what type of reinforcer (what Morris refers to as a reward) is kinder to the horse is an ethical argument, and from an ethical perspective, the cessation of a punishment that you yourself inflicted acting as a kinder reinforcer for the horse than a food reward is logically untenable. If you must inflict a physical punishment prior to offering a reward, that is necessarily less ethical/kind than offering a reward for a correct response without the use of physical punishment. "Reward" has a great range of possibilities--essentially, anything that the animal enjoys. Similarly, "punishment" is anything the animal finds irritating, frightening, or painful. Limiting "punishment" to physical force and "reward" to release of force is unnecessary and, considering Morris's influence, might encourage a rigid view of training in which no other options are possible. Such a rigid view is not necessarily in the best interests of an animal's welfare. Although Morris later extols the virtues of having an "objective" and "scientific" mind when approaching horse riding and training, his own opinions are markedly unscientific--relying entirely on experience without any verifiable data, and offering abstract explanations of concepts with poorly defined terms. To me, all of this indicates that Morris (at least at the time of the writing of the book) did not have a clear and thorough understanding of animal learning in the precisely scientific sense that he claimed, at least in any way that he could clearly verbalize.
I should also warn you that there are some sexist aspects of the book. What stands out in particular is a portion in which he states that "beginners and intermediates work better with women while the more advanced riders should be with men." Considering he had previously in the book written about how a trainer who hasn’t ridden well at the level that they teach is a poor teacher, saying that women should only teach beginner and intermediate riders could imply that women do not ride well at the advanced level since they are apparently incapable as a general rule of teaching at that level (according to Morris). Should this be a widespread or promoted attitude, it could also seriously limit women's careers as horse trainers and instructors not because they are poor instructors for advanced riders, but simply because they are women and there is an assumption that they cannot teach the advanced riders--that they are "softer" and "less demanding" and do not provide as many challenges as men, according to Morris. Considering men are well over-represented at the higher levels of jumping competition compared to the lower levels, this is a concerning and not particularly endearing opinion.
There are values to this book, as I said, for certain riders. It provides a good understanding of what is expected of riders in hunter and equitation classes. It also provides a good overview of correct position, and many of his suggestions for teaching are worth making. His "Horse and Rider at Work" chapters may be difficult to visualize for riders who don't already have some idea of what he means, as these are the most dry and jargon-heavy chapters. However, it is important to note that this is one professional's opinions based on his personal experiences. Morris is a great and celebrated horseman in hunt seat circles, but nonetheless, it is important to read critically.
July 17, 2012
I finished this a while ago but forgot to mark it read. I really enjoyed reading this book, although since I borrowed it from a friend, I felt compelled to read it through and it's really a book you would want on your shelf to reference periodically. The photo plates were a little dated - many of the photos were from the 70s and 80s - and sometimes it was a little wordy, but overall it's worth a read if you ride hunt seat.
June 2, 2013
Let's be honest here. This is, quite frankly, the Bible of everyone in the H/J world, and many eventers, too. When it comes to horses, there is no one more clear, witty, or well- educated as George Morris. If you haven't already; Read.
This. Book. NOW.
This. Book. NOW.
February 4, 2019
As others have noted, there are some dated aspects to the book, and readers should keep firmly in mind that that it was originally written almost fifty years ago.
This being said, the book remains as helpful today as it was when I first read it. It concerns itself strictly with hunter / jumper riding, from the proper way to mount and all the way up into advanced jumping technique. Explanations are clear, concise and logical. It provides a good framework for a beginner or intermediate rider to review what they already know, confirm what they're doing right, and maybe try a slightly different or simpler way to achieve the same results. The most valuable aspect of the book, in my opinion, is that it engages the reader to think and understand what they are doing.
In his memoirs, Mr. Morris describes himself as a "learned" rider rather than a "gifted" one. The work he's had to do as a rider in order to achieve what others did instinctively gave him an extremely clear and coherent voice as a teacher. For all its dated language, this book remains, in my opinion, simply the best reference on hunter / jumper riding.
This being said, the book remains as helpful today as it was when I first read it. It concerns itself strictly with hunter / jumper riding, from the proper way to mount and all the way up into advanced jumping technique. Explanations are clear, concise and logical. It provides a good framework for a beginner or intermediate rider to review what they already know, confirm what they're doing right, and maybe try a slightly different or simpler way to achieve the same results. The most valuable aspect of the book, in my opinion, is that it engages the reader to think and understand what they are doing.
In his memoirs, Mr. Morris describes himself as a "learned" rider rather than a "gifted" one. The work he's had to do as a rider in order to achieve what others did instinctively gave him an extremely clear and coherent voice as a teacher. For all its dated language, this book remains, in my opinion, simply the best reference on hunter / jumper riding.
Read
March 9, 2020 Until reading past page 78, the book, a nonfiction essay, by George Morris was very dull. However, the booked turned out to have very meaningful information, helpful tips, and was quite entertaing. The Rider, Work on the Flat, Work Over Fences, Going to Horse Shows, and Teaching Suggestions are the main 5 components that are mentioned in the book.
The hardest tasks, skills, and courses are put into a format that makes it extremely simple to understand. Along with that, he demands for correct, poised riding, while consitnetly making sure the horse is happy to. The book is also known for its many great quotes. One quote in particular is very well know,"Distances are like men. Never take the first one you see, there will always be another one"(164, Morris). Another great quote,"Impulsion does not mean running forward. Impulsion means thinking forward"(97, Morris). George Morris is witty and gets the information across. This book is a must read for any and all equestrians.
The hardest tasks, skills, and courses are put into a format that makes it extremely simple to understand. Along with that, he demands for correct, poised riding, while consitnetly making sure the horse is happy to. The book is also known for its many great quotes. One quote in particular is very well know,"Distances are like men. Never take the first one you see, there will always be another one"(164, Morris). Another great quote,"Impulsion does not mean running forward. Impulsion means thinking forward"(97, Morris). George Morris is witty and gets the information across. This book is a must read for any and all equestrians.
September 25, 2022
Came highly recommended. A lot of good insight for a horse women not raised in the hunter ring.
Read
March 24, 2025Stopped reading at the Teaching Section. Will save that for class
May 14, 2025
Ellie read as an elective y11 while taking horse riding lessons...krb 5/12/25
June 3, 2013
Author: George Morris
Genre: nonfiction
Pages: 198
Date: 5/29/13
This book is how to ride and show in hunt seat properly. It tells about diagonal, leads, how you should look, and different types of jumps. Also about patterns, bending lines, simple lead changes, and flying lead changes. It tells you how you should feel and look and what you should think about while riding, and how to get smooth transitions between gaits.
I find this book helpful and gave it five stars for a few reasons. My coach told me to read this, and I realized that it is pretty much the same stuff she tells me all the time. This book gives very good advice too since the author has a ton of horse experience. This is a very good book that every hunt seat rider should read.
Genre: nonfiction
Pages: 198
Date: 5/29/13
This book is how to ride and show in hunt seat properly. It tells about diagonal, leads, how you should look, and different types of jumps. Also about patterns, bending lines, simple lead changes, and flying lead changes. It tells you how you should feel and look and what you should think about while riding, and how to get smooth transitions between gaits.
I find this book helpful and gave it five stars for a few reasons. My coach told me to read this, and I realized that it is pretty much the same stuff she tells me all the time. This book gives very good advice too since the author has a ton of horse experience. This is a very good book that every hunt seat rider should read.
March 2, 2016
This is a must read for anyone involved with horses, particularly English riding. Even though it is geared towards preparing a rider for the show ring, it covers all the basics anyone who wants to ride should know. It is the ultimate textbook on form, practice habits, and horsemanship. Some of the writing is a little dated, but the emphasis on correct equitation will never go out of style. The elements of developing a proper foundation with horses that this book covers will ensure a safe, successful and enjoyable career with horses. My only regret is not having read this book earlier.
October 5, 2012
So glad I finally read this. He does a beautiful job of explaining the detail of effective action. And I definitely respect his enthusiasm/demand for horsemanship as consistent and compassionate, and his appreciation of each horse for his/her particular strengths or weaknesses. I would have given this 5 stars if it weren't for the repugnant comments on women's looks. Perhaps telling of his age and no more, but sexist nonetheless.
January 2, 2013
This book continues to give me what I need to advance in my riding. How could it not be dry though, as it is essentially a 'text' book approach to something that we who ride all know has to be 'lived' to be learned. Still, I really, really appreciate that Morris provides what most cannot here, a readable, informative, and detailed guide to the complexity of the rider/horse relationship in building performance. I think its a must to those advancing to hunter/jumper equitation.
September 3, 2011
I think the fact that George Morris wrote the book says enough! He gives such good advice in schooling not just rider and horse on the flat as well as jumps. The book tells you how to truely ride a horse efficiantly, and not just "sit and look pretty." I think it's a wonderful book to read for any seat.
October 14, 2012
Good brush-up book for the intermediate/advanced equestrian. A beginner would benefit from reading this and practicing appropriate things with an instructor. It was a dull read for me as I would much rather be riding than reading but a good read nonetheless.
November 30, 2015
This is an excellent resource for anybody who rides. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is I ended the book with some questions. He expressed a lot of the "how's", but I feel like he left out some of the "why's."
October 16, 2009
Was forced to read but you know.........
September 22, 2010
George Morris tells you how to ride.
January 29, 2012
George Morris is genius. He comes in second only to the owner of my barn in equestrians I respect.
Read
December 10, 2014I didn't read every page but I read most of it. Great descriptions and encouragement!
July 22, 2015
5 stars although very dated. Come on George, time for a new edition!! AHSA and other nostalgic reminders. Would love updated color photos too!
August 24, 2015
If there were more stars I'd give more stars, it is THE master studies class on riding taught by the master himself.
September 29, 2020
Halfway thru, I learned of the recent uncovering of the author's sexual abuse history and won't promote his writing in any way.
March 24, 2012
Re-riders should alway consult the bible :)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews