The Morgan Horse

All Morgan's trace back to a single foundation sire, a stallion named Figure, who was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. He was at one time owned by a man named Justin Morgan and Figure was later named Justin Morgan over this particular owner. Figure is thought to have stood about 14hh and to have weighed about 950 lbs. He was known for his prepotency, passing on his distinctive looks, conformation, temperament, and athleticism. He died in 1821 at the age of 32 from an untreated injury received from a kick from another horse. Figure's breeding remains open to debate—Dutch-Friesian, Thoroughbred and Welsh Cob are all breeds that have been suggested as a possible ancestor.

The breed's trotting ability made it a favorite for harness racing in the 1840s. Morgans were also used in the Civil War as Cavalry mounts, including Sheridan's "Rienzi" and Stonewall Jackson's "Little Sorrel." In the post-Civil War era, Morgans were used in the Pony Express, a government program to assist in upgrading Native American herds and as mounts for the cavalry in the Western United States. The only survivor of the Custer regiment from the battle of Little Big Horn was the Morgan-Mustang mix breed horse "Comanche."