You don't have to look far to find a Morgan today - riders favor this popular horse breed for many reasons. Its rich heritage is rooted in New England and today's Morgan is hardy, surefooted, and versatile. The Morgan is also known for having a great temperament, meaning it's often suitable for beginner riders and children, as well as more advanced riders looking for a talented show mount.
But Morgans aren't confined to the show ring. They're also popular trail mounts and pleasure horses, and you'll also find them driven or working on ranches or farms. Strong and beautiful, the Morgan is truly a horse for every rider.
The History of the Morgan
Like the Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, Saddlebred, and Standardbred, the Morgan horse is a true American breed, originating in New England. Few horse breeds can trace back to a single foundation sire, but every Morgan today can trace its lineage back to a horse named Figure, a hardy stallion who was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. Figure was given to a schoolteacher named Justin Morgan, and this Morgan stallion passed on his looks, conformation, athleticism, and temperament to his offspring, which were often called the Justin Morgan Horse. Eventually, the name was shortened and the horses were regarded as the Morgan breed.
Today there are four main bloodlines of Morgans: the Brunk, Government, Lippitt, and Western Working "families." The Lippitt family is thought to be the purest family, but the Government family is the largest and traces back to Morgans bred by the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm between 1905 and 1951. Purchased by the University of Vermont when government involvement ended, this farm is still in operation today.
Morgan Characteristics
The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) oversees the registration of all Morgans in the United States today. According to the Association, the ideal Morgan should have expressive eyes with a slightly dished face, a slightly deeper throatlatch, compact body with a short back, well-developed chest, and straight legs with short cannon bones.
You'll find Morgans in nearly every coat color imaginable, including bay, black, palomino, buckskin, and more.
The Morgan Today
In the early days, Morgans were used as harness racers, carriage horses, stock horses, and general saddle horses. They were used by miners in the California Gold Rush, and as cavalry mounts by the army during and after the Civil War.
Today the Morgan is prized for its versatility. These horses are used for everything from pleasure riding to showing as saddle seat, dressage, driving, western, and hunt seat mounts. They're also competitive in harness racing. They are still prized for their looks, strength, and tractable personalities. If you have the chance to ride a Morgan, you're lucky, indeed.
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Body image: Merriewold Morgans
Do you have a Morgan horse? Show us in the comments below.
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