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The Morgan Horse
The beauty of the Morgan horse lifts the heart. The breed exists solely because it pleases people. It is their heritage...
Justin Morgan was a teacher, composer and horseman who lived in Vermont . He acquired a bay colt, born in 1789, naming him Figure. This colt was the founding sire of the Morgan Breed. As Figure grew, his compact body and stylish way of moving impressed many people. Tales of his beauty, strength, speed, endurance and gentle disposition spread among the New England towns. His ability to outwalk, outtrot, and outpull other horses was legendary. His most valuable asset, however, was to pass along his traits not only to his offspring but also through several generations. After Justin Morgan’s death, Figure was given his owners name. He spent his life working and died in 1821, at 30 years old from an infected wound.
The Morgan horse is easily recognized by proud carriage, upright graceful neck, deep compact body and distinctive head with expressive eyes. They stand 14.1 to 15.2 hands and come in almost any color. The intelligence, willingness, zest for life and good sense of the Morgan is blended with soundness, and stamina. The Morgans easy keeping and longevity have made them a good bargain for more then 200 years. They are easy to love and affordable to own.
The Morgans versatility is widely recognized. They are seen in combined driving and pleasure driving. From the show ring to working cattle, Morgans have made their mark in Dressage, English pleasure, Hunter pleasure, Western Pleasure, and reining. Reliable, loyal, tireless, and versatile a Morgan becomes one with people of all ages and walks of life, sharing the mutual enjoyment in every equine pastime. -M.C.
Rocky Mountain Morgan Horse Club
Our objective is the promotion and enjoyment of the Morgan Horse. We hope to build good will with members and to build a stronger better club...
Utah was already was accredited for having some outstanding Morgan’s in the area. Flying Jubilee, Townshend Gaymeade, Stellar were some of the few Morgan’s in Utah in the fifties producing outstanding foals for which Utah was being recognized. These horses are now listed as foundation stock for the Western Working Morgan’s.
The Rocky Mountain Morgan Horse Club began in 1961 by a few prominent Breeders and Show people. To name a few, Mel Fransen, Ern Peddler, E.W. Higgins, Wilfred Burrell, Joe Hovey, George Feulner, Walt Christensen, were some of the early members of the Rocky Mountain Morgan Horse club. Which was incorporated to bring more shows and Morgan’s horses to Utah. In the early years the club was very successful in showing Morgan’s locally, regionally and nationally.
For over 40 years the club has sponsored shows, clinics, trail rides and any other activities that members have been interested in. The club has also been a great tool for meeting new people and promoting the Morgan horse for the region over the years.
The club started the Futurity program in 1977 and has continued on since. Also the club has a High Point program for the members who show their horses for extra recognition of their achievements. Even today we have members who are competing on National levels in shows and in dressage.
The Rocky Mountain Morgan Horse Club is not a large club, with memberships varying around 60 memberships a year over the last 40 years it has been in existence. In 1962 there were 64 memberships and in 2004 there were 56 memberships. This has allowed the club to be as personal as any member would like it to be. Even though some of the top breeders and trainers have left Utah, the club is finding a renewed interest among the trail riders and people who just love the Morgan’s, for the type of horse they are.
The club has always produced a newsletter and a directory, which help members keep informed of what's happening in the Morgan horse community of Utah and the intermountain area including Idaho and Wyoming. -S.D.
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