Justin Morgan – The horse
Morgan Horses originated in
As Justin Morgan, (also known as Figure) grew, his compact muscular body and stylish way of moving impressed many of the pioneer farmers and settlers.
Soon tales of his beauty, strength, speed, hardiness, endurance, and gentle disposition spread amidst the small
His stud services were offered throughout the
Figure moved on to other owners and spent a life working on farms, hauling freight, and as a parade mount at militia training. In the practice of the day, he became known by his former owner's name, the Justin Morgan horse. He spent his life working and died in 1821.
His three most famous sons - Sherman, Bulrush, and Woodbury - would carry on his legacy to future generations of Morgan horses.
Morgan’s In History
From their beginnings the Morgan has proved to be a very versatile breed.
Morgan's were a favoured mount by cavalry soldiers in the American Civil War. They were sensible under fire, could march tirelessly all day, maintained their condition on unpredictable rations and they were loyal to their riders in all circumstances.
The US Government created its own stud farm using Morgan stallions to replace any horses that were killed in action, (known as remounts). These stallions were used in the Remount program of the army to produce quality cavalry horses.
The Morgan has also contributed to many of today’s other breeds such as the Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Standardbred.
And also a large majority of Saddlebreds carry Morgan bloodlines.
Famous Morgans
Rienzi - was ridden by General Philip Sheridan to rally his Union troops and was commemorated in the poem and painting, "
Little Sorrel – He was the Morgan ridden by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson in his Civil War campaigns.
Comanche - the lone survivor of the battle of the little big horn is widely considered to have been of Morgan lineage.
Charlemagne - was the Morgan mount of General Joshua Chamberlain when he won the fight of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
Black Hawk - A son of Sherman Morgan, he was famed for his speed and elegant style. He in turn sired the world champion trotter Ethan Allen.
Ethan Allen - The fastest trotting stallion of his day, he was sired by Black Hawk. The popular trotting horse weather vane was based upon his silhouette.
The Morgan Today
Today the Morgan versatility is widely recognized. The breed's soundness, power, agility and stamina make it suitable for a range of disciplines.
In particular driving; Morgan's comprise a large number of entries at Combined Driving and Carriage events. In 1985 they were the first American breed to represent the
Morgan's also excel in many other disciplines:
Eventing & Dressage - Morgan Dressage Association
Endurance and Trekking
Western Events - Morgan Reining Horse Association
Pony Club
Therapeutic Riding
Farm Work, both in draft and under saddle
Morgan's are equally well known for their loving, kind dispositions and quiet temperaments.
Those who buy a Morgan often say they have not only purchased a horse, but have welcomed a new family member.
