Morgan Horses @ Okereru

 Morgan horses originated in America in 1789. Justin Morgan; the breed's foundation sire was foaled in Springfield, Massachusetts.
 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 New England towns. His ability to out walk, out trot, out run, and out pull other horses was legendary.

 His stud services were offered throughout Connecticut River Valley and various Vermount locations throughout his lifetime. His most valuble asset however; was the abililty to pass on his distinguishing characteristics; not only to his offspring but also through several generations.

 Figure moved on to other owners and spent a life working in 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. At the end of a full working life he died in 1821.

 His three most famous sons - Sherman, Bulrush, and Woodbury; would carry on his legacy to future generations of Morgan horses.

 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 under all cicumstances.

 The US Goverment created its own stud farm using Morgan stallions to produce quality cavalry horses that were used to replace any horses that were killed in action; (known as remounts).

 The Morgan has also contributed to many of todays other breeds such as the Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse; and the Standard Bred. Also a large number of Saddlebreds carry Morgan Bloodlines.

• Rienzi - was riden by General Philip Sheridan to rally his Union troops and was commemorated in the poem and painting "Sheridan's Ride" written by Thomas Buchanan Read.
• 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 Bighorn 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 spped and elegant style. He in turn sired the world champion trotter Ethan Allen.
• Ethan Allen - The fastest trotting stallion of his day; the popular trotting horse weather vane was based on his silhouette.

 Today the Morgan versatility is widely recognised. 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 dressage events. In 1985 they were the first American breed to represent the United States at the World Pair Driving compitition, and have continued to do so many times since.

Morgan's also excell in many other disciplines:

• Eventing & Dressage - Morgan Dressage Association
• Endurance & Trekking
• Western Events - Morgan Reining Horse Association
• Pony Club
• Therapeutic Riding
• Farm Work; both in draft and under saddle

Morgan's are equally 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.
The Morgan... The horse that chooses you...

The American Morgan Horse Association 

Email okereru@inhb.co.nz 
672 Glengarry Road, RD2
Napier, 4182
New Zealand
Phone  +64-06-839 5936