The History of the Morgan Horse

 "Figure"

   The horse Justin Morgan was a living legend. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. No one really knows for sure, but many think his mother was an Arabian mare and his father was a Thoroughbred stallion. Justin Morgan was a small, bay colt who did not look like either of his parents. The name that he was given by his owner was Figure, but as was the custom of the day, he soon became known by his owner's name, Justin Morgan.

   The man Justin Morgan was a quiet spoken schoolteacher and singing master. He and Figure left Massachusetts in late 1789 to try for better fortune in Vermont. When Figure was old enough, he was put to work with the other horses in the fields. Most of the horses he worked with were much larger than he was but Figure always pulled with all his strength and soon earned the nickname, "Little Giant." One day, Figure was hitched to a giant log that a draft horse could not budge. It took all his might, but Figure was able to pull the log out of the woods. New of this feat spread far and wide. 

   After pulling logs and plowing the fields all day, Figure and the other horses were matched in trotting and running races. Again, Figure would not play second fiddle to the others. Though many were taller, Figure raced with all his heart and almost always finished first. 

   As more people heard about Figure's strength and speed, they began to breed their mares to this outstanding stallion. Figure's sons and daughters all looked like their father and all had his same great disposition. They loved people and tried their best to please. Three of his most famous sons were Bulrush, Woodbury, and Sherman. These sons soon established their own long lists of accomplishments and started siring foals of their own. 

   Justin Morgan's sons, daughters, grand children and great grandchildren soon were found in every state in New England. Whether they were working on the farm or proudly pulling carriages in the city parks, they became the most talked about horses of the day. When trotting races became popular in the 1800s, the Morgan was there to claim his fame. One of the most famous Morgan trotters was Black Hawk. Black Hawk was born in 1833 and was a son of Sherman Morgan (a son of Justin Morgan). Black Hawk was jet black and noted for his sure beauty and speed at the trot. He was one of the most popular horses of his time and sired over 1,200 foals. 

   One of Black Hawk's sons, Ethan Allen-50, became a national hero and the idol of millions. He was a beautiful bay with perfect action. He became the world's fastest trotting stallion in 1867 when he won a match race with the famous trotter, Dexter. 

   In the mid 1800's gold was discovered in California. Many New England families packed their belongings and headed for California with their Morgans. The trip was long and exhausting but as was his nature, the Morgan pushed on. 

   Then came the Civil Was and Morgans were found bravely carrying their owners into battle. In fact, the famed Vermont Cavalry was mounted on Morgans. General Philip Sheridan, the most outstanding Cavalry officer from the North, rode Rienzi, his famous Morgan charger, to many courageous victories. 

   In the Indian Wars Morgans again proved their strength and intelligence. Comanche, a horse of Morgan breeding, was the only survivor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. 

   In 1907, the United States Government established a Morgan breeding farm in Middlebury, Vermont, to breed Morgan stallions. These stallions were used by the United States Cavalry. The foundation sire of the farm was General Gates. Morgans did so well in endurance tests that the war department publicly commended General Gates. This is an honor that has never before or since been given to any other stallion. 

   Present day Morgans have few wildernesses to conquer and few wars to win, but they are still accomplishing great deeds. Many are top show, trail, or cutting horses. But even more are quiet, and without fanfare teaching countless people to know and love a good horse. For there is no better teacher of gentleness, responsibility and sound judgment than a good Morgan horse.