Morgan Horses
14.1hh - 15.2hh
Colors: Bay, chestnut, brown or black with no white markings above the knee or hock.
The first American breed, the Morgan horse is highly unusual in that it can trace its roots back to just one horse - the incredible Justin Morgan. Born in 1789 as Figure, the dark bay stood only 14hh but was unbeatable at any race and hauling competition. Renamed after his first recorded owner, the horse's breeding remains a mystery but probably is a mix of Thoroughbred, Arab and Welsh Cob.
Because of he remained unbeaten racing both under saddle and in harness, the little horse was in great demand as a sire. He consistently passed along his remarkable attributes of strength, endurance speed and an extremely gentle temperament to his progeny. His son, Sherman Morgan, had an important influence on the foundation of other American breeds such as the Quarter Horse, the Saddlebred, the Standardbred and the Tennessee Walker.
Once the chosen mount of the U. S. Army, the Morgan enjoys international popularity both under saddle and in harness. They compete in a variety of disciplines such as hunters, dressage, cutting horse, reining and carriage driving competitions.
Interesting Fact: A Morgan horse named Comanche was the only non-Indian survivor of the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. He recovered from his many wounds and lived to the ripe old age of 29.
