The Morgan horse is a classically American breed. As one of the first American-bred horses, first appearing in 1789 in Massachusetts, the breed is known for its strength and versatility. The originator of the blood line is well-known as “Figure,” whose poise, talent and intelligence made him famous throughout New England of the day. One of the most appreciated feats that Figure displayed was the strength of his genetic code, from which his looks and stunning qualities were consistently passed down to other generations of horses.

    Because of Figure’s outstanding performances and feats of strength, endurance and agility, he was used frequently in breeding and likewise, his offspring, who often carried his many spectacular traits, were also used to breed and pass on the strong genetic bloodlines. Figure was owned for the longest period of time by a man named Justin Morgan, which is where the breed gets it name – the Morgan horse. Characteristically shorter and stockier than most breeds of horses, the Morgan horse is still able to out-compete many taller and seemingly lither breeds in competition. Even today, the Morgan breed of horse is known for its endurance in covering long distances at great speeds and has historically been used as stage coach horses, on the Pony Express, to complete difficult farm work and other transportation-related needs.

    It was during the Civil War that the Morgan horse grew to become a favorite of most riders. At this time, the strength and stamina of the breed was its greatest asset as it was used to pull heavy artillery and other machinery as well as to carry a mount for long periods of time without needing to stop and rest. One of the most famous Morgan horses appeared on the scene at this time named, “Winchester”, as popular for his own talents as his rider, General Philip Sheridan, was known for his.

    Despite the popularity of the Morgan horse at one time, the breed seemed to depreciate for a time while breeds with taller and slimmer bodies became popular. It was during this span of years that the breed was threatened to near-extinction because of the lack of purposeful breeding. However, many years later, in 1894, the Morgan Horse Register was published for the purpose of tracking the breed and eventually, in the middle of the 20th century, competitions, such as the Morgan Horse competition in Oklahoma, were held to display the breed, which continue on today. Just as with many other America-bred counterparts, the Morgan horse is especially good at jumping and other disciplined events.

    Over the many years that the Morgan horse has been around, very little has changed in the overall appearance, many often resembling the first ancestor, Figure. Some of the many types of characteristics specific to the breed include a compact, muscled body and a distinctive head. The Morgan horse is also often recognized by its gait. In 1961, the State of Vermont, where Figure spent a portion of his life, named the Morgan horse as the official state animal.

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