Morgan

A Morgan Stallion competing in Obstacle Driving of weaving through cones in a marked lane.

Morgans are bred for a wide variety of disciplines and as a result their conformation will vary depending upon the Morgan's breeding. Sport Morgans refer to those used in classic Olympic events as well as carriage and combined driging, endurance and competitive trail.

Morgans bred for western performance tends to be stockier overall with lower motion although the headset will still be higher than that of a stock breed.

There are three types of saddleseat Morgan, each with its own equivalent in harness class.

Each type wears the same style tack and rider the same attire. The difference is the action of the gaits.

In each type of class the horses are shown with a long mane and unset tail. Horses are shown at the walk, pleasure trot, road trot (stronger, extended trot) and a smooth collected canter. A flat type English saddle, and a full Weymouth bridle with a curb chain or lip strao is used. Martingales, boots, bandages and braiding of the mnane are forbidden.

Riders in all three saddleseat classes wear saddleseat attire with jacket and matching joghpurs or a colored daycoat with jodhpurs during the daytime. Derbys or soft hats required. Formal attire such as tuxedos and top hat are worn in the evening and for championships. Spurs, whip or crop are optional.

Classic Pleasure

Resembles the Saddleseat Country Pleaure horse, flat-shod, and with low action. In Morgan shows only amateurs are allowed in show classic pleasure Morgans.

English Pleasure

Morgans that are high action fit in this class and are usually shown in pads. They are flashier than their classic counterparts. They are shown in a walk, pleasure trot, road trot, and smooth collected canter. Standing horses should be "parked -out".

Park Morgan

The elite of the saddle seat Morgan. Extremely high action and flair are their trademarks. These classes tend to be very small as true park Morgans are very rare! The classes consists of park walk, park trot (true animated, square and balanced) and a smooth, collected canter. Standing horses should be "parked-out".

Photo Credit:
Captain Courageous, a Magnifience resin, owned by Traci Durrell Khalife with carriage, tack and driver by Traci.