Respected equestrian official lauded

New Years Honours Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit Peter Morris. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Peter Morris of Masterton says it was a big shock when he discovered he was to become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to equestrian sport.

Mr Morris is one of the most respected technical officials and judges of equestrian disciplines in New Zealand.

He rode competitively from an early age until 21 before transitioning to judging dressage, show-jumping and cross country in his mid-20s.

In his 40s he became an international show-jumping judge and was the youngest to gain full international status, officiating at the highest levels for more than 40 years in a mostly voluntary capacity.

As well as contributing to international judging in Australia, England, South Africa, and Canada, Mr Morris has contributed his time and knowledge at a local community level, in his hometown of Masterton.

"It's a bit of a shock but it is a tremendous honour, I suppose," he said.

"And a lot of people have helped me right through. In 50 years of judging I've had a hell of a lot of people help me. It was a big shock when the letter came."

Equestrian Sports New Zealand chief executive Jim Ellis has described Morris as one of the most respected officials.

"Peter has officiated in the sport at the highest level for more than 40 years, is admired by riders, officials and other volunteers alike for his calm approach and perhaps the best understanding of the rules of our sort of anybody," he said.

"Peter is renowned for his quietly spoken and considered approach, his calmness under pressure, his willingness to share his knowledge, his unfailingly high standards and infectious humour.

"Above all, he has throughout his judging career been a friend to generations of riders, helping them to understand, and occasionally to comply, with the rules."