Horse Breeds: The Morgan Horse

The Morgan is a charming and versatile breed of horse established from a single original stallion, Figure, who was born in the late 1700's and came to be known after one of his owners: Justin Morgan. Figure is believed to have been a mix of thoroughbred, welsh cob and native horses, but the true breeds in his ancestry are still debated. There are many stories about Figure's accomplishments. He has been said to have pulled a log that no draft horse could pull and to have outrun the most winning race horse of Vermont. He also carried important people in military parades, notably James Monroe in a muster-day parade.

Morgans range in height from 14.1 to 15.2 hands high, and are muscular horses with expressive faces, sloping shoulders, thick necks and a full mane and tail. They are commonly brown, bay, chestnut or black, but they may also be grey, palomino, buckskin, dun, roan, cremello, perlino, and some pinto patterns (white splotches). Morgans below 14.2 hands can be considered ponies and shows as such, but are still technically horses. Morgans suffer from few illnesses, and are easy keepers with very few problems ever arising with their legs and feet.

Like Figure, Morgans are long lived horses (Figure was 32 when he died) and are capable of performing diverse disciplines. They have been used as cavalry mounts, police horses and in the pony express. They are known to be intelligent and spirited but also very gentle. Care with breeding has ensured that the Morgan has sound legs and at the same time it is both athletic and possessing great stamina. The Morgan horse has strongly influenced other American breeds. Many Morgan mares were used in the development of the American Quarter horse and 90% of today's Saddlebreds can trace their pedigree back to a Morgan horse. The Tennessee Walking Horse and American Standard bred have also been influenced by the Morgan.

Morgans have competed successfully in driving events, trail rides, endurance rides, western disciplines and 3 day events (encompassing dressage, cross-country and show jumping). They are also known for their showy gaits and elegant movement. Truly, they are a horse that is capable of anything. Their versatility, long lives and personality has made them a favourite with many horse owners worldwide.

Famous Morgans in history include 'Little Sorrel', who was Stonewall Jackson's mount in the US Civil war and 'Rienz' ridden by General Philip Sheridan.