JULY 1995 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 7/1/95; 10:00:00 AM.
The Morgan Horse: An American Original
Origins of the Morgan Horse
The Morgan breed originated in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789, with the birth of its foundation sire, Figure (more commonly known by his master's name, Justin Morgan). The stallion's parentage is somewhat of a mystery. It is most likely that he was the offspring of True Briton, a horse predominantly of Arabian or Thoroughbred blood. However, there are claims that he was the offspring of Young Bullrock, a Dutch-bred stallion. His dam is agreed to be a mare of "Wildair breeding", also Arabian or Thoroughbred.
Whatever the ancestry of this horse, his progeny were unmistakable: endowed with large, soft eyes, small, tipped-in ears, broad forehead, tapered muzzle, expressive nostrils, refined and arched neck, broad chest, short back, compact body, well angled shoulder, round croup, fine legs with dense bone, round, hard hooves and proud carriage.
Justin Morgan worked hard during his 31 years, earning the impressive reputation for outworking and outracing any horse of the day. Because thrifty New Englanders recognized the quality of Justin Morgan's offspring, colts and fillies of the great horse were prized possessions. The majority of registered Morgan horses can trace their lineage back to this single, prepotent horse through his three most famous sons - Bulrush, Woodbury, and Sherman.
Growth of the Breed
The offspring of these strong, willing, able light horses grew along with the young nation that was building itself upon hard work and determination. In the hands of American colonials, Morgans cleared rugged brush and plowed fields. They also served as world record-setting trotters, elegant carriage horses, pony express mounts and much more. A favored cavalry mount, Morgans were ridden by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and Union General Phillip Sheridan (whose mount, Rienzi, is today displayed in the Smithsonian).
The Morgan's stamina and vigor, together with excellent conformation and way of going, contributed greatly to the formation of other American breeds. The American Saddlebred, Standardbred, Tennessee Walking Horse and Quarter Horse all carry Morgan blood in their veins.
In 1894, Volume 1 of the American Morgan Horse Register was published by Colonel Joseph Battell, a Middlebury, Vermont native greatly dedicated to the breed. Over 133,000 horses have since been registered. In 1948, the American Morgan Horse Register closed its books in order to preserve Morgan type. It has established a reciprocal agreement with the Canadian Morgan Horse Association and the British Morgan Horse Society. Today, the Morgan is officially recognized as the state animal in both Vermont and Massachusetts.
The Modern Morgan
Remarkably, today's Morgan has changed very little, except for a greater size. (Individuals generally range from 14.1 to 15.2 hands, with exception under and over that). Colors allowed within the breed include bay, black, brown, chestnut, gray, palomino and buckskin. The Morgan has remained a stylish, spirited mount with moderate conformation that lends itself well to a vast range of disciplines.
Morgan versatility is widely recognized. The breed's soundness, power and stamina make it the choice of many driving enthusiasts. Morgans comprise a large number of entries at Combined Driving and Carriage events, and were the first American breed to represent the United States in World Pairs Driving competition. Morgans also excel in many other disciplines, including Park Saddle and Harness, English and Classic Pleasure Saddle and Driving, Western, Hunter, Jumper, Eventing, Dressage, Reining, Cutting, Endurance and Competitive Trail.
The Morgan's kind disposition makes it an ideal family member. It is gentle enough for lessons and Pony Club involvement, and due to steady, comfortable gaits, in great demand as a therapeutic riding horse.
The American Morgan Horse Association
Founded in 1909 as the Morgan Horse Club, the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) has grown into a national organization with members throughout the United States and many foreign countries. The AMHA permanent headquarters are located adjacent to the world-renowned Shelburne Museum in scenic Shelburne, Vermont.
Member services are an important part of the AMHA. They include discounts on horse products, registration and showing fees; an annual Membership Directory; free educational and promotional literature; a National Sales Information Program; Morgan gift and video sales and more. The AMHA News & Morgan Sales Network is another valuable membership benefit and promotional tool. A monthly newspaper, it contains fast-breaking AMHA and Morgan news, a calendar of events and classified advertising.
The AMHA also recognizes the accomplishments of Morgan enthusiasts and their horses. Open Competition, Competitive Trail and Pathways are several of the popular achievement programs. Other association honors include the Man and Woman of the Year Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Cecil J. Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award, Master's Certificates, Youth of the Year Award, Club of the Year Award, Therapy Horse of the Year Award, Historical Notebook Award and Club Newsletter Award.
The AMHA establishes guidelines and judging standards for the many recognized Morgan breed competitions held at state level, as well as for nine regional championships. It also provides news, information and marketing assistance to over 47,000 Morgan owners and enthusiasts. The AMHA recognizes 81 Morgan Horse Clubs and 70 Morgan Youth Clubs, which organize Morgan activities and promotion on local, state and regional levels. Also affiliated with the AMHA are nine National Service Organizations, which focus on specific interests within the Morgan industry.
The Morgan Horse magazine is the AMHA's award-winning monthly and only official breed journal. It has long been recognized for style, tradition and leadership in the Morgan industry. Features include competition coverage, industry profiles, historical pieces and instructional articles.
The American Morgan Horse Institute
AMHA visitors can enjoy an interesting walk through the Justin Morgan Memorial Museum, which is headquartered in the American Morgan Horse complex. The museum is an independent, charitable educational institution chartered under the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI).
Founded in 1988, this professionally-operated museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of the Morgan. The museum's extensive collections and exhibits provide the public with a fascinating historical overview of "America's Horse."
Equally concerned with other educational opportunities, the American Morgan Horse Institute annually awards more than $12,000 in youth scholarships and funds many vital educational activities, including several AMHA programs. The AMHI is a non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. For further information, contact: AMHI, PO Box 519, Shelburne, VT 05482
Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show
Over 70 Morgan horse shows are held in the U.S. each year. For many competitors, the highlight of each season is the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. Licensed by the AMHI and held each October in Oklahoma City, this week-long event spotlights over 1000 of the nation's best Morgans.
