Interesting Facts About the Morgan Horse!

A Little History:
Justin Morgan was a living legend. In the manner of so many heroes, he began as an unremarkable colt and became the father of an entire breed of horse recognized for quality.

Born in 1791 of unknown breeding, Figure, as he was then known was acquired by schoolmaster Justin Morgan. Figure had straight, clean legs, deep muscling, a fine intelligent head with large expressive eyes and short ears, a thick mane and tail and clean-cut throatlatch.

Over the next 30 years, Figure became known by his owner's name and proved to be a little giant. At just over 14 hands, he could out-pull draft horses, out-run thoroughbreds and out-class almost all others. All of these feats were accomplished after the horse had done a full day's work in the field.

Doing it all and doing it well, Justin Morgan remained sound of eye, wind and limb throughout the lifetime of two horses. He added to that a gentle disposition that made him safe enough for a child, but spirited enough for any city horseman; beauty men would recall for decades after his death and a rare courage that made those who lost bets on him lift the flagons of rum and say, "To the Little Morgan!" and drink deeply.

Courageous Horses:
In the Civil War, General Sheridan rode his Morgan, Rienzi for the Union and Stonewall Jackson rode Little Sorrel for the Confederacy. In the Indian Wars, the only survivor of the Battle of Little Big Horn was Keogh's Morgan, Comanche.

What an Influence!
Morgans have influenced four other popular American breeds: Standardbred, Saddlebred, Quarter Horse, and Tennessee Walker.
Many people do not realize that 30 Morgan stallions are listed as foundation sires in the Quarter Horse Registry.