| The Morgan show horses
from Merriewold's breeding program are perfectly suited for owner/riders involved in the
equestrian sports of Dressage, jumping, eventing, competitive trail and reining.
Breeders looking to improve their stock will also benefit from the proven potential of MWM's foals. And families who
want an all around usable horse for fun and recreation will find that perfect horse here -
at Merriewold Morgans. About eight years ago I started my breeding program with the
desire to produce a Morgan that could successfully compete in the sport of Dressage with
an adult amateur or junior rider. The Warm Blood breeds dominate this sport but
their large size, and strong build is not appropriate for all riders. There is a
need for a medium sized, athletic, easily trainable (tractable) horse for the sport horse
market. The Morgan is ideal for this niche. (Read all about Diana, Merriewold
Morgans Owner, here)
Some Morgan breeders base their program on specific lines of Morgan
breeding: Brunk breeding, Working Western and Government. With the help
of Jackie Brittain, I have instead looked for individual mares that exemplify the
qualities that we want in our program. We then find the best stallion to compliment
and improve the mare’s traits. To produce a superior sport Morgan.
(Read all about Jackie,
Merriewold's Trainer, here)
In the Merriewold breeding program there are three qualities we consider to be the
foundation traits that we desire in our Morgans...
The distinct Morgan personality
The unmistakable Morgan beauty
The renowned Morgan versatility
The most important of all Morgan traits is the Morgan personality or disposition.
Highly trainable (tractable), intelligent, and willing. They are known for having a
great work ethic. Brave, safe, unflappable, are also terms often used when referring
to Morgans. They are also renowned for their energy and endurance. But their
best trait of all is their desire to please.
There is no mistaking a Morgan! The chiseled head with large wide set eyes
and small tipped ears. The elegant arched neck set high on a laid-back
shoulder. The athletic yet refined build with a short back, generous girth and high
flagging tail. These traits make a Morgan stand out in a crowd.
In the early years of the breed, the Morgan was prized for having the strength to do
farm work on the weekdays and the elegance to pull the family carriage to town on the
weekend. Today you can find Morgans excelling in many divisions of the horse
world. From eventing to endurance, driving and dressage, reining, ranch work, and
the family mount. Morgans do it all.
Two additional traits that are important for a “sport” Morgan are an
athletic build and substantial height.
An athletic build in horses denotes a free moving, laid back shoulder, a powerful hind
quarter and withers higher than the croup. This conformation helps to give the
horse three correct gaits with balance, energy and suspension. In addition good bone
and sound feet are essential.
According to the American Morgan Horse Association, the ideal Morgan ranges in
size from 14.2hh to 15.2hh. In our program we would like to produce individuals that
are at the larger end of the scale with 15h-15.3h being ideal.
Read all about
Diana, Merriewold Morgans Owner, here...
Read all about
Jackie, Merriewold's Trainer, here...
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