The Morgan breed
originated in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1789, with the
birth of a bay colt named Figure. At one year of age, Figure was
given to a Randolph, Vermont, schoolmaster named Justin Morgan in
partial payment of a debt. Figure was a stylish bay horse of many
talents. He became widely known for his ability to pull stumps and
logs while clearing the land of new settlers. In addition, he won
races and pulling contests, was a favored parade mount at militia
training, and was used as a saddle and driving horse. His strength,
endurance, and easy-keeping qualities served him well on the Vermont
frontier. Among horsemen he became widely respected for his
prepotency (the ability to pass his own looks and qualities on to
succeeding generations).
Figure was said
to be sired by True Briton, a horse widely respected for his
excellence and known for siring quality horses. He was said to have
been "of the best English blood." Whether it was Thoroughbred blood,
blood of another breed (such as the Welsh Cob), or a combination of
types remains open to debate. Figure's dam was a mare bred and owned
by Justin Morgan (having been sired by a stallion he stood at stud
in 1793) and is described as being of the "Wildair breed."
As was the custom of the day, Figure became
known as the Justin Morgan horse. After the death of Justin Morgan,
Figure passed into other hands and spent the balance of his life in
Vermont and the Connecticut River Valley of western New Hampshire.
He died in 1821 at 32 years of age after sustaining a kick injury
from another horse. He left a legacy of sons and daughters who were
used by farmers to develop a type of horse well suited to the hilly
topography of northern New England. |
