Origin: Vermont, United States
Height: 14.1-15.2 hh
Colors: Dark with as little white as possible, bay is traditional
Build: Compact body, arched neck, prominent withers and a deep chest
Attributes: Willing, intelligent and versatile

History of the Morgan Horse

The Morgan began with a little stallion named Figure. Figure is commonly believed to have been born in 1789, to a man named Justin Morgan, who might have been a music master, a school teacher or an innkeeper. Justin Morgan moved to Randolph, Vermont, in 1788 where Figure was given to him as a two year old as partial payment for a debt. Figure was considered to be an insignificant horse at first because his small size (14 hh). Justin Morgan leased Figure out to a local farmer named Robert Evans. It was not until after his owner's death that Figure was renamed Justin Morgan.

Robert Evan discovered Figure was incredibly fast, tough and strong. Figure was used for almost everything on Evan's farm. He was most often used in farm work, where he plowed, hauled a manure spreader, logged and did just about anything asked of him. Figure was also raced under harness and saddle.

Eventually Figure became legendary in the New England area and he was bred to numerous mares. Everyone knew him as an amazing horse and it was said that he could out-pull, out-race and out-trot every other horse. He also had the ability to pass his legendary traits on to his offspring for many generations. Sadly Justin Morgan, the owner, died and Figure was sold to several different people, many of whom worked him very hard and did not care for him well. Even though his care was abysmal he lived to be 32 and died only because a kick from another horse went untreated.

It is not known who Figure's parents were. Some believe that his sire was the famous thoroughbred stallion and racehorse. His dame is sometimes thought to be out of the Wildair line, a very prestigious line of thoroughbreds which had some great racehorses in it.

Other people believe that Figure was sired by a Frisian stallion in the area at that time. This however is the most unlikely origin story. Another, far more plausible story is that a Welsh Cob was Figure's sire and he had thoroughbred blood and perhaps even a little Frisian blood in him.

Wherever the Morgan lines come from, they have become extraordinary. Figure's three most famous sons are Sherman, Bulrush, and Woodbury. All of whom went on to sire many more foals, all of whom bore the beautiful Morgan confirmation.

During the Civil War Morgan horses were dependable cavalry mounts and artillery horses. Again, their easy-keeping qualities and ability to endure grueling condition allowed them to outlast other types of horses. Several units of cavalry in the Union army and at least one in the Confederate army were mounted on Morgan horses.

Many breeding programs were established. Edwin Hoffman of Lyndon, Vermont, became a Morgan horse dealer and assisted many nationwide with locating and purchasing Morgans for their farms. His work laid the foundation for the highly influential Brunk bloodlines. The National Morgan Horse Breeders Association was formed during the 1893 Colombian Exposition (although it was not destined to last). Joseph Battell published his 1,000 page Morgan Horse Register in 1894.

As with other draft horses, the industrial revolution had a large impact on the expansion of the Morgan horse. The primary focus of the horse market would become recreational. With exceptions, most Morgan horses were used for ranch work until the tractor became economically viable. In many rural areas the Morgan horse continued to be a major source of transportation to market, church, and school.

Characteristics of the Morgan Horse

Appearance and Conformation of the Morgan Horse

There are two basic types of Morgan, the older bloodline, which is a bit more muscular and tough, and the newer bloodline, which is more flashy and refined. All Morgans, however, have a similar confirmation.

The feet of the Morgan horse are small and hard, although long to improve the action. The hocks of the Morgan horse should be well angled, as any sign of cow-hocks or sickle-hocks is highly undesirable. A Morgan horse's legs, although relatively short and slender should be very straight and sound. They should have short cannons and very flat bones. The croup of the Morgan horse should be well-rounded and well-muscled. This is the same for the thighs and gaskins, the hindquarters of a Morgan horse should be tight and compact, with a great deal of muscle and must be perfectly symmetrical. Any evidence of slab-sidedness in a Morgan horse is particularly faulted.

The body and back of the Morgan horse is very important, the entire body should be very compact. The back should be short and strait. A weak, low or long back is unacceptable. The ribs of the Morgan horse should be rounded, allowing plenty of room for the heart and lungs. The tail, which is generally left very long and flowing and often touches the ground, must be attached high and flag nicely.

The shoulder of the Morgan horse should be very angled, which causes the arm to be slightly more vertical than is often found in other breeds. This results in the front legs being attached to body further forward, all of which increases the beauty of the Morgan horse action. The withers of the Morgan horse should be well-defined. The neck of the Morgan horse is one of its many exceptional characteristics. The neck is set high on the body, with a prominent arch, also the top line of the neck should be significantly longer than the bottom line. The head is the most beautiful aspect of the Morganhorse; it is very delicate, with a broad forehead, large eyes and large nostrils. Morgan horses also commonly have a dished face, adding to their elegant appearance.

Temperament of the Morgan Horse

The Morgan horse is a very reliable horse; however they still retain some of their thoroughbred ancestry. Morgan horses often have a slightly fiery personality and attitude. Morgan horses are very willing, hard working horses, who will try their hearts out for their owner. The Morgan horse is often chosen as a child's first horse, because of its gentle and loyal nature.

Uses for the Morgan Horse

The Morgan Horse is probably one of the most versatile horses ever bred. Morgan horses are perfectly happy doing light draft work; are great at pulling and are often used in logging. Morgan horses are immensely popular for driving, and they are often used in harness racing. Morgan horses are also wonderful when under saddle; they do dressage, jumping, cross country, endurance and many western styles of riding as well. It is rare to find Morgan horses used as draft horses anymore. The early bloodlines that brought us such a fine draft animal are all but extinct.

Morgan Horse Links

American Morgan Horse Association [1]
Morgan Horse Association (UK) [2]
Canadian Morgan Horse Association [3]
Morgan Horse Association of New Zealand [4]
Morgan Horse Association of Australia [5]