All About the Morgan Horse

The state of Vermont sits just north of western Massachusetts, and in the late 1780s, a man named Justin Morgan moved his family from Springfield, Mass., to Randolph, Vt., about 150 miles away. Happily settled in Vermont, Justin Morgan pursued many of his personal interests, including teaching, music and horses. But in 1792, he changed the course of equine history when he became the owner of a handsome young colt named Figure.

The willing Morgan disposition makes an ideal hunter pleasure mount. Photo by Kim Oplotnik/courtesy AMHA

You could say that Figure singlehandedly (single-hoofedly?) founded the Morgan breed. He was beloved and admired for his strength, beauty and athleticism. Over time, as his fame increased locally, he became known as “Justin Morgan’s horse,” which eventually became shortened to simply “the Morgan horse.” Little is known about the specific details of Figure’s ancestry, but many have speculated over the breeds possibly involved in Figure’s family tree.

What we do know is this: Figure was a remarkable stallion that produced remarkable offspring, and horse owners today are still benefiting from his influence on the Morgan breed.

Having Fun With Morgan Horses

It’s impossible to say what we love most about Morgan horses. Maybe it’s their versatility and athleticism; maybe it’s their kind and loyal dispositions. Maybe it’s their stunning beauty—a mixture of substance and grace. Or maybe it’s a little of everything!

According to the Morgan breed standard, desirable characteristics include animation, stamina, vigor, alertness, adaptability, attitude and tractability. With all those wonderful qualities, what disciplines do Morgans excel in? The short answer: All of them!

Besides being an extra-special best friend, Morgans are fantastic under saddle, popular for English and western, both inside and outside the show ring. Morgans make beautiful dressage horses and don’t mind tackling a few jumps over hunter, jumper, or eventing courses. Endurance races? Yep. Ranch work with cattle? You bet.

Naturally talented jumpers, Morgans make great hunter/jumper and equitation mounts for young riders. Photo by Howard Schatzberg

How about driving? Morgans have the elegance, sophistication, and substance that make them superior in carriage driving, and they also excel in combined driving events—basically three-day eventing on wheels!

Morgans are also popular among driving enthusiasts, and excel in harness classes at shows. Photo courtesy AMHA