Breeds of the world: The Morgan

The Morgan, arguably one of America's first breeds, was founded on a sire named Figure – who was later known as ‘Justin Morgan’ after his well-known owner...

Adele Severs

Published 30 Sep 2023

Share this article

This article has appeared previously with Equestrian Life. To see what is in our latest digital issue, please click here.

The Morgan.

Breeds of the world: The Morgan

By Equestrian Life

The Morgan, arguably one of America’s first breeds, was founded on a sire named Figure – who was later known as ‘Justin Morgan’ after his well-known owner. His offspring have contributed to many other American breeds, such as the Quarter Horse, Standardbred and American Saddlebred.

Morgan horse. © "Breeding Morgan horses at the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm" (1923)

A Morgan stallion, circa 1920. Image: “Breeding Morgan horses at the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm” (1923).

Today, Morgans win in nearly every type of competition, from trail and jumping to reining and dressage. Over the years, the Morgan horse has been many things to many people, from a working range horse and scholar of obedience to an animated creature of precision and unparalleled equine beauty. Morgans were even used as cavalry horses on both sides during the American Civil War. The breed excels in and out of the show ring; under saddle or in harness; or as a trail horse, roadster, or jumper.

The Morgan is a compact, refined breed, generally bay, black or chestnut in colour, although they come in many colours. Featuring an expressive head, they are an intelligent breed.