A small stallion named Figure was a celebrated trotter and heavy hauler in Vermont in the late 18th century. His descendants became one of the oldest horse breeds in North America. Anyone who sees a Morgan today can often recognize the proud neck and the high knee action from afar.
| Type | versatile riding and driving horse |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA (Vermont) |
| Breeding association in Germany | Branch studbook at the Rhenish Horse Stud Book; Original studbook at the American Morgan Horse Association |
| Stock size | according to the breeding program approx. 140 to 155 cm |
| Colors | all colors |
| Usage | Riding and driving sports of all kinds, recreational and off-road riding, work on cattle farms |
Origin and history
The Morgan Horse can be traced back to a single founding stallion: Figure, owned by Justin Morgan, teacher, composer and horse breeder from Randolph, Vermont, who died in 1798. Figure was a persistent trotter with a lot of power in front of the wagon and the plow. Because of their toughness and versatility, Morgans later became popular cavalry horses (The Livestock Conservancy).
Today the breed is well distributed in the USA. The Livestock Conservancy temporarily listed a subpopulation without foreign blood on its list of endangered breeds after 1939, but removed it again in 2023 after discussions with the American breed association.
Exterior
The breeding program specifies a height of around 140 to 155 cm and all colors. We are looking for an elegant, expressive riding horse with a broad forehead, large eyes, short ears and a straight or slightly concave profile. The neck is well curved and set on a long, sloping shoulder, the withers are prominent, the croup is well muscled with a rather high-set tail. The movements are rhythmic, expansive and elastic, with clear knee action.
Character (interior)
The breeding goal describes a robust, enduring, lively, adaptable and sociable horse. Many Morgans are very people-oriented, they want to please and like to work together. But lively also means: A Morgan brings energy and wants to be busy.
Keeping and feeding
This is the most important point for owners. Research has shown that Morgan Horses are a high-risk breed for Equine Metabolic Syndrome. In a study of 286 Morgans, several metabolic parameters, including insulin, were moderately to strongly heritable (Norton et al. 2019). For you this means: feed according to weight and needs, little sugar and starch, limit pasture in spring and, above all, daily exercise. An open stable with a group and work under the saddle or in front of the carriage keeps a Morgan slim and happy.
Health
Equine Metabolic Syndrome is often manifested by fat deposits on the crest of the mane, at the base of the tail and in the lumbar region, even if the horse does not otherwise appear that fat (University of Kentucky). It increases the risk of laminitis. If you suspect that you have insulin levels checked at the vet's office before laminitis occurs. We were unable to provide reliable evidence of any other hereditary diseases typical of the breed.
Who is the Morgan Horse suitable for?
For riders and drivers who are looking for a versatile, people-oriented horse and want to try out several disciplines. Even smaller adults will find him a handy, strong horse.
Who is it not for?
For everyone who wants to leave a horse in the pasture. A Morgan with no job and free access to weed is a candidate for metabolic problems. The breed is also rare in Germany: The Rhenish Horse Stud Book reported a mare and a stallion for its branch stud book as of January 1, 2024.
Furthermore: You can calculate how much a horse really costs per month with our Horse Cost Calculator, and before you buy the Horse Buying Checklist will help you. You can find ideas for the stable name in our horse names, and your own horse is available as a horse portrait from your own photo. All breeds at a glance: Horse breeds from A to Z.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does a Morgan Horse get? According to the breeding program, a Morgan Horse reaches a height of around 140 to 155 cm.
Where does the name Morgan come from? From the teacher and horse breeder Justin Morgan from Vermont, who owned the founding stallion Figure.
Are Morgan Horses prone to EMS? Yes, the breed is considered in research to be a high-risk breed for Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Several metabolic values are clearly heritable.
Is a Morgan Horse suitable for beginners? His sociable nature helps, but he is lively. With good training and support, it can be a nice partner for those with less experience.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: Rheinisches Pferdestammbuch: Zuchtprogramm Morgan Horse (Stand 02/2025); The Livestock Conservancy: Morgan Horse; Norton EM et al.: Heritability of metabolic traits associated with equine metabolic syndrome in Welsh ponies and Morgan horses, Equine Vet J 2019; University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Is My Horse Just Fat or Is He Sick? (ID-239).
