The Morgan Horse: A Little Horse That Can
posted by citizen.K on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 / 
Print & Hang in the Barn
When you think of a sport horse, the Morgan isn’t the breed that first pops into your head. Morgan horses don’t receive any ridicule like the Arabian, and the Morgan is often dismissed as an unworthy mount for any sport horse discipline. Morgan haters are few, Morgan lovers are fewer, and most equestrians scratch their head in even reference to the Morgan.
Here’s the best Morgan horse description I can give:
- short
- stout
- uphill
- powerhouse build
- mostly unflappable
- great character
I am not an expert in this breed, but after meeting only a few Morgans, I can pick a Morgan out of a herd of horses, so long as I’m told there’s a Morgan to be found. Morgan horses are similar to Arabians in that they really have a type. Just how Arabians look like Arabians, Morgans look like Morgans.
Since so much American sport horse breeding has become haphazard, I appreciate the Morgan horse’s definition. It’s just, well…they’re aren’t many around (only about 130,000 in the world).
When considering a large pony or small horse for a child who is moving out of ponies or starting at a point when a pony would be too small, the Morgan would be a very good choice. Though many Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing trainers may not agree, simply because just because they aren’t Warmbloods doesn’t mean they don’t have the abilities and guess what, they don’t have Warmblood price tags either!
The Morgan’s smaller stature can be great for an adult rider as well. Morgan’s are built strong, with well sprung ribs, a short back, a nice sloping shoulder, and a nice head and neck - often looking and feeling bigger than they are. Standing 14.1-15.2 hands, the Morgan seems too small to be in competion with big 17+ hand Warmbloods, but really, well bred Morgans look like small versions of nice Warmbloods (and luckily without the health problems associated with a large horse).
In Combined Driving, the Morgan horse breed dominates and has aptly proven itself through National and International competitions. Because of their power, speed, intelligence, and demeanor, it’s no wonder Morgans are a great fit for Combined Driving.
Eventing is another discipline in which the Morgan is just starting to show its worth. Competition Morgans can make great mounts for junior riders, and a few Morgans into their early twenties have qualified for the American Eventing Championships.
If looking for a new Dressage horse, the Morgan should not be discounted. Even in a snobby Dressage barn, the Morgan could sidestep sneer simply based on it’s mystery. Given a chance, Morgans can excel in this discipline as well. The Morgan’s hit-to-miss competitive Dressage ratio is high, with over 60 Morgans competing at Level 3 or higher, based on what is undoubtedly a miniscule slice of the Dressage mount market.
The Morgan may not be the best choice for the Hunter ring; but we already know this to be true based on the biased Hunter judging system. However, with Hunters, the Morgan may not stand out as much as an Arabian, so breed discrimination in Hunter competition my not be AS big of a problem.
Jumping equestrians could utilize the Morgan horse, especially the pony size Morgans who would do great in the Pony Jumpers! Upper level Jumpers might be a little too much for the Morgan horse, though they have power and speed, their scope generally isn’t going to be enough to jump around a large Jumper course.
Morgan Horse, Sport Horse Use Weaknesses:
- size, potentially too small for a long legged rider
- not stylish or fashionable in the hunter ring
- not enough scope for bigger jumper courses
Morgan Horse, Sport Horse Use Strengths:
- affordable option for Dressage, Eventing, or lower level/pony Jumpers
- longevity
- easy keepers
- size, potentially better fitting for smaller riders
- great temperament
- good feet
- sound
Surely, the Morgan may not appeal to you, and one’s attraction to the breed is important in choosing a horse. But, don’t discount the Morgan breed if given the option. Go see a Morgan, try one out. I can’t stress this enough, but Morgans often surprise equestrians with their athleticism and ability.
One thing is for sure, you will get more for your money in a Morgan. Of course, if you are looking for a Grand Prix Dressage horse, most likely you have $100k+ to spend, and the Morgan isn’t even going to be a thought (and you’re not reading an alt-horse rag like Citizen Horse).
But given more like $2k+ to spend on a new sport horse mount, take a close look at the Morgan!
Fashionable horses come and go, and it’s certainly possible the Morgan horse breed is thinning out due to it’s obscurity. But all I’m saying is if you’re looking to go against a trend, start your own trend, or need more bang for your buck, look no further than a Morgan.
9 Responses to “The Morgan Horse: A Little Horse That Can”
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June 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I have known 2 Morgans that were super, little horses. One was a pony, a little girl rode him in the large ponies. I didn’t know he was a Morgan until they sold him. He was a super cute jumper, moved great, and took care of that little girl.
The other Morgan I knew did the jumpers, Adult Amateur jumpers if my memory serves me right. I didn’t know he was a Morgan either, until they left the barn. I guess I couldn’t pick a Morgan out of a field of horses whether I knew one was there or not. But this horse looked more like a small warmblood. I thought he was a warmblood. He wasn’t tiny, about 15.2, very strong, good bone, great feet, pretty, and he could jump! He was an ugly mover, that’s why he didn’t end up in the hunters. He could have done it though, he was a little packer too. But, just didn’t move very nice, lots of knee, especially in the canter. I think that’s why he jumped so good though.
I would own one with the two examples I’ve seen. I have heard they can do really well at eventing. Maybe that’s my next horse lol!
June 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I had a dressage trainer of small stature that cleaned up with her morgan, but he had a very over the top personality that would deter most people. Still he was amazing!
June 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I almost owned a Morgan once–my dad found one on a ranch in Hepner, OR that he was going to buy me but changed his mind at the last minute. I went to try her out and rode her bareback because they didn’t have a saddle. She was a sweet mare. I would definitely reccommend one for a child moving from small ponies to horses. They also excel in Saddleseat disciplines–I saw a lot of them when I lived in Missouri where there are a lot of saddleseat folks. Great breed.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Well, you’re going to get nothing but cheers from me on this one! I am currently on my second Morgan, having lost my first one in 2002 after 20 years of nothing but great times. There was NOTHING that horse wouldn’t do, and I’m finding the same is true with my current one.
What more can I say? :o)
June 28th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I am a morgan horse owner and I just love them! My mare is old (25) and foundered but still sound enough for beginner lessons. We also have a morgan pony mare and at the age of 26 she is still going strong! Lessons and shows. She can still jump a 2′3″ course! I have known this pony for some 12 years now and when she was younger she was rock solid at the novice level eventing. Her moto was “run fast and jump high!” They are great little horses that can carry more weight then other smaller breeds. They can do it all!!
June 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I think Morgans are great too! They’re little workers! And really calm. I’ve been riding for almost 20 years and hadn’t met my first Morgan until recently. A gal a my barn has 2. They’re so cool.
If I was a bit shorter, I’d consider one after my TB is retired. I’m 5′11″.
June 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Peggy, some of the sport morgan lines are taller. 16 hands or so. I have seen a few that large that might suit your height. Do a search online.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:22 am
We decided to raise Morgan horses in 1960 and have done so ever since. Definitely “The Little Horse That Could”! Can do it all and always looking for more. As regards size, some get to be over 16 hands, although that is not usual. We have done everything that can be done with horses with our Morgan horses. The kids grew up with them as have their kids. Check out http://www.richwoodmorgans.com. and http://www.hazelwoodts.com for some family history with Morgans. Winning Morgans.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
i have a morgan she is the best she is only 13.2h but she works hard she pull and i even plow with her she can out work my son Q/horse i can ride her next to a train she dont care. i use her to teach the kids next door to ride.im looking in to buying 1 morgan thay are the only horses i will own.