Born in 1784 in Vermont USA, one astoundingly pre-potent horse of uncertain parentage founded a breed.
Originally named Figure, he was owned by a poor singing teacher , Justin Morgan. It is now mostly accepted that Figure's sire was a Friesan Stallion, known to be in the area at the time, and his dam, a fine Barb mare.
This little bay stallion became part of Colonial America folklore with his feats of speed ,strength and endurance, either hitched to a buggy, under saddle, or in the collar of the heavy chains, clearing rugged land for farming. Add to this his stylish statuesque looks, honest gentle nature, and pre-potency as a sire, Figure became the living legend known as "The Morgan Horse".
Some selection over the centuries has been made toward their status as more of a saddle horse rather than a harness horse. But temperament, intelligence, and soundnes have not been sacrificed. The Morgan Horse is considered a truly versatile light Sport Horse.
The first Morgan Horses arrived in Australia and New Zealand in around 1890. In total twelve Stallions over the ensuing decades were imported to expand the gene pool for the fledgling Trotting Industry, in both countries. The official get of these sires has been absorbed into the Standardbred Stud Book. Any other progeny sired outside the trotting industry was never recorded, so therefore lost.
George Reed, an American living in NSW, imported the stallion Saddleback Sultan, and two mares, Saddleback Sundance and Green Meads Fashion in 1974.
In 1981 Mr Reed again imported Morgan Horses. Stallion Wawayanda Watch Out and his yearling daughter Lizotte Lil' Bridget.
These five horses have supplied the frame for the Morgan breed in Australia.
