RIP Peter Morris: a worthy honour

Peter Morris was one of the longest-serving and mostly highly respected officials in New Zealand equestrian sport, and passed away on March 30. Claire Wilson interviewed him back in 2016, when he was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit in the New Year’s honours list for his services to equestrian sports.

Peter Morris won the Pilmer Plate for Volunteer of the Year at HOY in 2014 (image: Kampic)

Peter officiated in the sport at the highest level for more than 50 years and helped many riders to understand and comply with the rules. Peter was well known for his calm manner and smiling face! It was a pleasure to catch up with this amazing volunteer and hear about his special trip to Wellington.

Tell me a bit about your riding career

My mother had horses and hunted with Wairarapa Hunt but my father hated them! In 1954, I got to B Certificate at the North Wairarapa Pony Club. And in 1956, I won the first DC Cup at the Pony Club Eventing Champs at Mararkakeho. I was riding Vanity Fair, who was a thoroughbred by Fairs Fair. I also rode an A-grade jumper, Atom, for his owner Brian Tylee. I gave up riding because I couldn’t find horses big enough! Dick Pilmer was my coach back then. So, in 2014, when I won the Pilmer Plate for Volunteer of the Year at HOY, this was particularly special to me!

How did you get into judging?

Peter Williams was the chair of the rules committee, and he took me on board. He carted me all over the countryside; working as an official and both cross-country and show jumping judging. Then Hughie and Jane Thompson invited me to judge at the Hawkes Bay Shows, which was fantastic, because back then, you didn’t often travel outside of your area to judge.

How long have you been in an official role with ESNZ? 

I have been judging for 50 years, but I gained my Full FEI Rating Level 3 in 1983. I was the youngest judge ever to gain full international status. The FEI have a ruling that judges need to retire at age 70. I have been able to apply for two two-year extensions, but now that I am 74, I cannot judge at FEI-ranked classes. There is talk that this rule might be overturned at the next FEI conference. 

Peter being congratulated by the late Tiny White (Image; Kampic)

You have served on show jumping committees for many years and as Chairman of Showjumping from 1992-1996. Do you see that the system of having area groups and area delegates is working?

I think it works but we need to encourage more people to go to their area meetings, from the grassroots to the elite. That is how we will get a broad picture of what all members want. Meetings are not just a place for the serious riders, but for all levels of riders and volunteers. Go to a few meetings and you will get to know more people in your area. Then you will grow in confidence and speak up and put your thoughts forward. This is still the best way to get your ideas to the board.

What is your most common piece of advice to other judges?

Be tactful when you are dealing with a rider who has made a mistake. Don’t attack them, the rider is already embarrassed and upset. Be calm!

What is the most embarrassing incident you have had as a judge?

I was the senior judge at Fielding in the Pony Grand Prix. They had a new timer and I had that in one hand and the bell in the other! A pony crashed and I got in a muddle and stopped the clock and didn’t ring the bell. It was a very basic mistake for the most senior judge! The other judges jokingly gave me the ‘No Bell Peace Prize’!

Has your judging taken to you overseas to any prestigious shows?

In 1990, I went to Spruce Meadows, Calgary, and was given the job of judging the Queen Elizabeth Cup. I judged the water jump, and the Queen was there watching the class! I have also judged at the Adelaide Royal and I’ve been the manager of a NZ team to South Africa.

It is common knowledge that show jump riders have a fun social life on the show circuit. Can the same be said for show jumping officials?

Yeah, it is probably what keeps us in it the sport. My wife Shirley and I have made some great friends. For example, at the Taupo Christmas Classic, we always rent Sue Castle’s house and many of the judges and course builders stay there together. We have a bit of a leer up! And our own place is often called Motel Morris – we had nine people staying for the Series Finals. Shirley is Camp Mother and keeps the rest of us on the straight and narrow, and out the door on time! Shirley used to judge, but we thought that two judges in the family wasn’t a good idea!

Much of your active life was spent as a sheep and beef farmer in the Wairarapa. Who is easier to keep in control: a break-away sheep, a confident Young Rider or a stroppy pony Grand Prix parent?

Sheep might be the easiest! I have had my fair share of run in with stroppy parents, but I remain friends with them. But any rider that wants to get to the top has to be a bit arrogant, so I often leave it 10 minutes, and then discuss the problem when everyone has calmed down. “Crying doesn’t help”, I have said that a few times! At least with sheep I can walk away and say “stuff you”, if I have to.

So tell me about that special letter you received.

In November, an official-looking letter arrived, but I thought it was from the hospital. I opened it and was very surprised! It asked if I would accept the opportunity to be on the New Year’s Honours list. I had to keep it confidential, until it had been sanctioned by the Queen.

Do you have any idea who nominated you?

A year ago or so, my daughter, Bridget Parker, rang ESNZ to find out what the procedure was. From there, Jim Ellis and Maxine Leigh took the matter further. Apparently Jim wrote a very good letter!

What did it feel like to be asked to be a Member of New Zealand’s Order of Merit?

Unbelievable! I certainly didn’t set out to get that! I just enjoy what I do and enjoy the sport. But this award was tremendous and tremendous for show jumping in New Zealand.

Peter receives his MNZM medal from Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae

Tell me about your trip to Wellington

It was very nerve wracking! I was allowed six people with me, so I had my family! We (the recipients) were all shut in a room and we were told what was going to happen. Then we went to the main room and were formally introduced to the Governor-General. A citation was read out and the medal was pinned on. The next evening, we were invited to dine at Government House and we were put at the table with the Governor, Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife, Lady Janine. We chatted the whole night, it was amazing!

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