Breed Profile

The Morgan Horse

by Chrisanne Finnerty

In 1789, a small bay colt named Figure was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. As payment of a debt, Figure was given to school-master: Justin Morgan. The schoolmaster really didn't have a use for Figure, so he leased him to local farmers as a plow horse, and on the weekends he raced against New England's most eminent racehorses, many of thoroughbred blood.

Figure never lost a race and because of this, people from all over New England brought their mares to be bred to the little wonder horse, who would be dubbed “Justin Morgan", after his owner.

Figure had an amazing ability to sire foals in his own likeness. This ability was the beginning of a breed that helped shape the young America. Morgan horses were used in the cultivation of the American west, as cavalry mounts, pony express and stylish carriage horses.

Beautiful and versatile are just two words that describe the Morgan horse. They are easily recognized by their chiseled faces broad foreheads, large expressive eyes, long full manes and tails and gentle, willing disposition. They range in height 14 to 15.2hh. The Morgan Horse was forever immortalized in the Disney film Justin Morgan had a Horse". An ideal saddle horse, the Morgan is used for pleasure and show and when crossed with other breeds, make excellent harness horses.

Morgans are now found all over the world and in all possible disciplines. The stamp of Justin Morgan can also be found in many other breeds, such as the standardbred, American Saddlebred, Tennessee walking horse and the quarter horse, all of which enjoy immense popularity.

For more information on the Morgan Horse, please contact:

In Canada Canadian Morgan Horse Association Inc.

Box 286, Port Perry, Ont. L9L 1E4 (905) 985-1691

In The United States American Morgan Horse Assoc. Box 960, Shelburne, VT

05482-0960

Horsepower June/July 1999