Horse
Pronunciation:
More'-gann
Breed Description:
The Morgan breed of horse was the first offcially recognized American horse breed. All Morgans trace their ancestry to a single stallion, born in vermont in 1789 and called 'Morgan's horse', after his owner, Justin Morgan. This stallion beacme famous for his exceptional trotting speed, and todays Morgans are bred to resemble the original Morgan horse. Morgan horses come in solid colors only, with very few grays, and are small and strong instuature witha very regal and upright appearance, with a high set neck. Early Morgans were primarily used as carriage driving horses, carrying their ancenstor's trotting speed, but also his intelligence and good temperament. Today Morgans are used for driving, saddle seat riding, but are increasingly appearing in other disciplines and being crossed with other breeds, particualrly the Arab.
Temperament:
The Morgan breed of horse normally has a very intelligent, co-operative temperament, although some individuals can be willful and independent.
Height:
The Morgan breed of horse stands 14.2 to 15.2 hands.
Weight:
The Morgan breed of horse weighs 800 to 1100 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Morgan breed of horse is associated with 'locking patella', where the horse's stifle joint becomes 'stuck'. This condition can be reduced by appropriate stable management - such as not keeping a horse stabled and allowing it plenty of movement - but it can also be corrected with surgery.
Living Conditions:
The Morgan breed of horse is fairly hardy and can be kept outdoors in most conditions.
Exercise:
The Morgan breed of horse enjoys regular exercise and training.
Life Expectancy:
The Morgan breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Morgan breed of horse is a fine skinned horse with a thick mane and tail, and needs daily grooming.
Origin:
The Morgan breed of horse descends from a single horse, owned by Justin Morgan in Vermont in the late 18th century. This horse most likely shares its ancestry with the Standardbred, although it may also have had Hackney parentage. The breed's trotting ability made it a favorite for harness racing in the 1840s. Morgans were also used in the Civil War as cavalry mounts, including Sheridan's "Rienzi" and Stonewall Jackson's "Little Sorrel". In the post-civil war era, Morgans were also used in the Pony Express and as mounts for the cavalry in the western United States. The only survivor of the Custer regiment from The Battle of Little Bighorn was the Morgan-Mustang mixed breed horse Comanche.
The first Morgan horse studbook was opened in 1894. In 1907, the US Department of Agriculture established the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm in Middlebury, Vermont on land donated for the purpose of perpetuating and improving the Morgan breed. The breeding program aimed to produce horses that were sound, sturdy, well-mannered, and capable of performing well either under saddle or in harness. The Morgan Horse Farm was transferred from the USDA to the Vermont Agricultural College (now the University of Vermont) in 1951. More than 132,000 Morgan Horses have been registered. The studbook was closed in 1948 in an effort to preserve the breed. 