Kemp and Judi Morris of the Gilbert 12th Ward, Gilbert Arizona Val Vista Stake, have a deep love of horses. As with many family traditions, they hoped that love would be passed down to their children.
In the case of their son Garrett, the love of riding horses has paid big dividends.
Garrett, 22, took home two world titles at the 2010 ABRA World Championship Show, held from July 28 to Aug. 1 in Tulsa, Okla. Riding on his horse, Bucky, Garrett's first win came in amateur reining and the other in amateur working cow horse.
A reining routine requires riders to guide their horses through a pattern of circles, spins and stops at differing speeds. The working cow horse competition involves a reining pattern in addition to executing specific maneuvers to control a live cow.
Not many of Garrett's friends growing up were as into horses as he was, but that suited him just fine.
"My practicing was a good thing to avoid getting into trouble," he said. "It took a lot of disciplining myself to keep working at it."
That same discipline has stayed with Garrett through the years, especially as he rides with his "second family," many of whom are not members of the Church.
"They notice something about me and how I'm different," he said. "They drink, and I'm the one with a glass of soda or water. I set myself apart, and they're learning from me."
Brother and Sister Morris both said Garrett first showed impressive skill for riding in his early teens, and they have worked to develop his talents ever since.
"For many years, it has been a family matter," Sister Morris said. "We've all worked together."
One experience stands out in Brother Morris' mind with regards to his son's toughness and discipline. The horse Garrett was riding got spooked and pitched him into a rock pile. They returned home for Sister Morris to help dress the injuries. Brother Morris told Garrett he didn't need to come back out to ride, but Garrett insisted.
"Unless you love something that much, you're not getting up every day to work on it," Brother Morris said. "The reason we haven't had a lick of trouble with him is that he learned from a young age what he wanted to do."
Garrett's titles in Oklahoma are not his first world championships. In a competition in San Angelo, Texas, the National Reined Cow Horse Association named Garrett the Non Pro Limited World Champion for 2008.
To Sister Morris, the way her son presents himself at these competitions is more important than any ribbon or trophy.
"When he is at a show, big or small, he is noticed for his actions," she said. "We have had many adults come up to us and tell us what an exceptional young man he is. He, in his quiet way, is trying to show those around him what the gospel is all about."
