Hey, I sure don't travel in elite circles in the dressage world -- but eventually I hear enough second-hand information that I feel good about certain elite professionals. One of them is George Williams. I have to kinda like anyone who's operating out of Ohio, having lived there myself and enjoyed the down-to-earth kinds of people that live there. But also...
Three to four people I know have clinic'ed with him, or met him, or encountered him at shows. Every report is "what a nice guy!" Most recently, one of our GMO members went to Wellington, and she asked to take his picture. She told him the photo was for her GMO. He said, "Oh, what GMO?" "LVDA," she answered. Here is his response.
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| "Hi, LVDA!" George Williams with Cleopatra |
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Sorry, what is a GMO? I only know it as the acronym for "genetically modified organism".
ReplyDeleteAnd he's intelligent too! The safety helmet is the perfect topper--even at FEI!
ReplyDeleteOne of my regrets is not having seen George and Rocher perform. I know there's YouTube, but it isn't the same. Nice to know he's nice--Steffen Peters has the same reputation. Very personable.
ReplyDeleteHi, A GMO is a group member organization -- meaning a GMO of the USDF. Sorry about the jargon!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a regular poster, but had to comment on this!! I worked with George when he was at Gypsy Woods Farm. I started cleaning stalls and was of course COMPLETELY starstruck. I later went on to groom for the farm's owners and assist with George's horses on the Wellington circuit. Absolutely, hands down, the most modest, kind, friendly horse professional I have ever spent time around. I think most of the time he was confused about why I was so intimidated by his presence, haha. Always smiling, even in difficult situations. And he loves his horses SO MUCH. He adores them, appreciates them for who they are, has high expectations but loves to play and marvel at their talents as well. Just a wonderful wonderful guy. His wife and daughter are the same. I feel privileged to have worked around them!!
ReplyDeleteI saw George when he was riding Rocher at the Region 8 Championships in Saugerties, NY one year. Absolutely the nicest person - and his kindness was so evident in the way he rode Rocher. Definately one of my FAVORITE FEI riders!!
ReplyDeleteWOW, I am SOOOOO glad to read this! So great to hear something positive about a big-name rider once in a while! Thank you, BTB readers, for your anecdotes as well to fill in the picture. I now officially have someone smart (I dig the helmet, too) and nice who's a good horseman to root for in the world of big dressage. :-)
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