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| Morgan horse; photo by Molly Goossens on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / share alike). |
In 1970, the Morgan Horse was named the official state horse of Massachusetts.
School teacher and singing master, Justin Morgan of West Springfield, Massachusetts owned a bay stallion named Figure (1789 - 1821) , but as was custom at the time became known by his owner's name.
"Justin Morgan worked as a farm horse, hauled freight, won pulling bees against bigger, heavier horses, won races over racehorses, and was still considered stylish enough at age twenty-eight to be used as the mount for President James Monroe in a Vermont parade in 1817"
The Morgan horse became the first American breed and all Morgan horses today can trace their genealogy back to Justin Morgan. The breed is prized for its gentleness, beauty, smooth gait, and versatility.
I have heard of this breed before.. perhaps because i grew up on the East Coast.. but i did not know the history.. Beautiful! Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteThat's the only reason I knew about this breed of horse.
DeleteThey are a beautiful breed. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteHow beautiful! I'm familiar with the breed through this children's book:
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Morgan_Had_a_Horse
I know of the book, but never read it as a child or to my children
DeleteThat's really interesting. I would never have thought of Morgan horses coming out of Mass.
ReplyDeleteMorgan moved to Vermont so that's where the horse comes from.
DeleteI certainly learned something new today, since I had never heard of a Morgan. Very pretty, though.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they are more well known here in New England.
DeleteWow, interesting story and such a beautiful horse, too! Oh, makes me want to hop on once again (but I´m too afraid to fall these days).
ReplyDeleteI hear you!
DeleteWhat a beauty
ReplyDelete