- Morgan -

The Morgan horse is possibly one of the most important American breeds of horse, having influenced many other breeds. The most notable of these are the Tennessee Walker, Standardbred, and Saddlebred. The Morgan horse had quite a remarkable beginning, and can be traced to just one incredible stallion. That stallion was Figure; later renamed Justin Morgan after one of his owners. There are very few facts surviving about the origins of this amazing horse, but there are various theories. He is believed to have been sired by the early Thoroughbred type, True Briton, while also of Arabian blood, others suggest he may have been sired by a Friesian stallion, or, as the leading authority Anthony Dent proposes, by a Welsh Cob stallion. Justin Morgan had physical similarities to the Welsh Cob, while probably also containing some degree of both Arabian and Thoroughbred blood.

Whatever his origins, Justin Morgan stamped all his progeny with his own characteristics, and virtually single-handedly gave birth to a new breed of horse. He was born in 1793 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was given, as a two year old, to a man called Justin Morgan. Figure, as the horse was first known, was a small bay colt, standing at only 14 hands high. Justin Morgan was skeptical about the small horse, but he quickly proved his remarkable talents at everything he was asked to do. In fact, throughout his career, he was unbeaten in saddle and harness races, and in weight pulling contests. He became extremely popular as a sire and was also worked extremely hard throughout his life. After his owner died, he was renamed Justin Morgan, and went on to leave his own distinctive mark on all his offspring, which then became the Morgan horse breed.

Incredibly strong with great stamina, bravery, and intelligence, the Morgan horse is widely used for leisure riding all over America. They have an attractive head set onto an arched and muscular neck, the shoulders are very powerful, the chest broad, and the back wide and short. The croup is often long and rounded, with a well-set tail. They have solid, strong legs that are short in the cannon, with well-made joints. The Morgan has a characteristic stance, with the front end thrust forward and the hind legs straight out behind. Any solid color is permissible, and they stand between 14.2 and 15.2 hh.

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