Sexual abuse of minors by an adult has no place in our sport. Failing to acknowledge the problems in our past guarantees that problems will continue. Regardless of how extraordinary George Morris was as a horse trainer, his abuse of young boys was unconscionable and deserves condemnation without reservation. The recommendation of SafeSport to suspend Mr. Morris was followed by an independent arbitrator’s upholding the suspension after a full evidentiary hearing – that should be the end of the discussion. Unfortunately, it is not. Some in our equestrian community still “stand with George” and blame his victims. It is now time for these deniers to sit down and shut up.
Excuses such as “things were different then” or “why bring this up now” not only condone the conduct, but belittle those who finally were able to come out and call a molester a molester. The only difference between whether the abuse occurred four decades ago or four days ago is how long the victim has suffered. Our equestrian community should be unequivocal in its condemnation of child abuse, support those who have been victimized, and create a safe sporting environment for our children.
The USHJA President, Mary Babick, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to protecting its members from all forms of abuse and strongly condemned the sexual abuse of underage boys by George Morris. The USHJA asserted that it has zero tolerance for cruelty and abuse whether of horses or humans. “It is time to step up and no longer tolerate inappropriate behavior and to emerge as a safer and altogether more positive environment for our people and our horses,” she said. “We should have zero tolerance for cruelty and abuse whether of horses or humans. Victim shaming and blaming is never acceptable.” Mary Babick and the USHJA are to be complimented on taking the lead and an unequivocal stand against sexual abuse in our sport.
The USEF also had an opportunity to stand up and speak out against the horrific sexual abuse of underage boys by George Morris, to condemn the same, and to support those victims who came forward – but did not. Unfortunately, the only statement from USEF was that the “USEF respected the decision” of the arbitrator upholding the suspension of George Morris. There was no condemnation of the heinous conduct of Morris, no expression of compassion or support for his victims or for other victims who were abused by other trainers in our sport, and no expression of its commitment to creating a safe sporting environment in which inappropriate behavior is no longer tolerated. The USEF statement was tone deaf and has left many people wondering about its commitment to stamping out abuse in our sport. Its silence is deafening.
By acknowledging the problems of past abuse, we can start the healing process for those in our sport who were taken advantage of by those in positions of power and prevent harm to future generations of young riders. But the message has to come from the top – and to date, the USEF President, CEO, and Board have failed its members.