The MORGAN
Young Rider|January - February 2025
The Morgan can do any equestrian sport while also having the personality of a family pet.
STEPHEN KINNEY
The MORGAN

The Morgan horse, America's oldest indigenous breed, is easily identified by its curvy conformation, buoyant gaits, and diverse athletic talents.

The Morgan was founded by a single sire born in 1789, known as Figure or "the Justin Morgan horse." He was named after his owner, a Vermont music teacher and writer of hymns.

Initially, the breed became renowned for helping 19th century New Englanders tame rugged farmland, settling the West, and its loyalty as a cavalry mount. Today, whether you want a show horse, sport horse, trail horse, or family horse, it remains the Morgan's friendly personality and trainability that wins hearts.

Horse lovers are just as quick to praise the breed's unique intelligence and desire to please. Meet a Morgan and you just might get your pockets frisked!

ANOTHER JUSTIN'S MORGAN

These characteristics are central to the relationship between 13-year-old rider Justin Mahoney and the gifted Morgan gelding Dragonsmeade Onegin GCH. In 2024, Justin won world and regional titles in the challenging sport of saddle seat equitation after only 18 months of riding. Making their story unique, however, is the fact Justin was born Deaf. His personal connection with Onegin is central to his achievements.

This story is from the January - February 2025 edition of Young Rider.

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This story is from the January - February 2025 edition of Young Rider.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.