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Congratulations for "BEST ESSAY"! Ashley Davison Although the question asked "what rider I would want to be", I chose to answer the question, “Who I would want to be around?” The rider I chose is George Williams, the famous Grand Prix dressage rider. I have 6 years background of dressage, and completely respect the sport. Watching George and his horse Rocher perform at Dressage at Devon is always a highlight for me. The two as a pair are impeccable. Their scores can hardly be touched. To see his interactions with Rocher and see how much he respects the animal beyond just a four legged creature is amazing. Now, you may wonder why I don't want to be him. One year, I bought a large painting of George and his horse for my friend's birthday. She idolizes him. She had been riding her horse in the dressage ring for awhile and George became her idol. She was inspired by his riding. One day, I had the chance to meet him and he was beyond my expectations. I passed him in the warm-up ring and asked if he would sign the painting for my friend. Instead he said, "Why don't you bring her to me?" I proceeded to tell him the story of my friend and her horse and how much they had overcome. I brought her over. She was awestruck. He was so nice and remembered every detail of my story. He congratulated her on all her accomplishments. And, as if this wasn't enough, he told his groom, who was trying to pull him away, to wait while he finished talking with us. I have been around many riders and trainers with over-inflated egos. It makes me dislike the few people in this sport who think they are better then the other riders and who show it through their negative personalities. To know that George was this kind of person gave me hope that there were others out there like him. His efforts showed what a true horseman he was - one who respects younger riders aspiring to succeed in his sport. The fact that he took the time to personalize the painting, after signing prints all day, made me respect him beyond words. Because of this, I would much rather be someone in his life and watch him teach and inspire riders in this discipline than to ever be him. He is, in my opinion, one of the best riders in this sport because of his attitude towards the discipline, his horse, and all the younger riders who he has inspired throughout the country.
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