A True American Breed: The Morgan Horse

The Morgan horse is a popular choice among equestrians today.

They are an extremely versatile breed that can be found in all 50 states as well as more than 20 other countries around the world.

Morgans are a true American breed with a history many have heard. “Justin Morgan had a horse.”

History of the Morgan Horse

The founding stallion of the Morgan breed was a bay horse named Figure.

Born in 1789, Figure was owned by a schoolmaster named Justin Morgan.

Figure quickly became well known for his athleticism and disposition.

Figure was a compact horse, standing at approximately 14 hands tall.

But, as people of New England heard of his ability to outwalk, outtrot, outrun, and outpull many other horses, he became a desirable stallion for breeding.

Figure’s distinguishing characteristics were not only seen in his offspring, but throughout several generations.

As was common during the time, Figure became known as the Justin Morgan horse, eventually being shortened to the Morgan breed we know today. 

Figure died in 1821 at age 32 after sustaining a kick from another horse.

Sherman Morgan, Bulrush Morgan, and Woodbury Morgan were his most famous sons and continued to be influential to the Morgan breed. 

Morgan Horse Characteristics

Smaller than your typical full-size horse breed, the Morgan horse averages between 14 to 15 hands tall and weighs between 900 and 1,100 lbs.

Morgans can be larger or smaller in size then these standards.

According to the American Morgan Horse Association, the ideal Morgan horse 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.

Regal and proud, Morgans tend to carry their heads and tails higher than many other breeds.

Aside from their distinctive physical traits, the quality that truly defines the Morgan horse is their temperament.

The breed is known for being friendly and eager to please their handler.

Morgans have a temperament that allows them to work well with all levels of equestrians, including children.

You can find a Morgan in just about any coat color you can imagine!

While they are typically dark, solid colors such as bay, chestnut, or black, some breeders specialize in producing less common coloring such as palomino, dun, or pinto.  

Versatility of the Morgan

Morgans have always been an all purpose horse with a long resume of talents and abilities.

From plowing fields to calvary mounts, you were bound to find a Morgan just about anywhere you looked back in the day. 

Today, not much has changed.

In almost every equestrian sport, you can find a Morgan competing.

Driving, dressage, reining, jumping; there is very little that a Morgan horse is not capable of.

They are a perfect example of outstanding versatility. 

The backstory of the Morgan horse is so interesting and diverse I could go on about it forever.

Their ability to excel in a variety of disciplines attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life.

If you are ever given the opportunity to ride a Morgan, do it, although you are sure to own one, or two, or ten once you have.

If Morgan’s interest you as much as they do me, be sure to check out the Disney film Justin Morgan Has a Horse!

Resources:

American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA)