Morgans - Club Equestrian

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Breed: Morgans

Info Breed Characteristic Facts and Figures

Morgans can be found in all 50 states and in more than 20 foreign countries. Since its establishment, the American Morgan Horse Registry has listed more than 179,000 Morgans. The Morgan has remained a stylish mount with conformation that lends itself well to a vast range of disciplines. Morgan versatility is widely recognized. Morgans comprise a large number of entries at combined driving and carriage events, and excel in these and other disciplines, including park saddle and harness, western, hunter pleasure, Dressage, reining, and cutting. They are gentle enough for lessons, 4-H, and Pony Club involvement, and due to their steady, comfortable gaits, and are great demand as therapeutic riding horses. Morgans are equally known for their loving, kind dispositions.

Origin of the Morgan Horse

Justin Morgan was a teacher, composer, businessman, and horseman who had moved to Randolph, Vermont, from Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1788. He acquired a bay colt, born in 1789, giving him the name Figure. This colt was the founding sire of the Morgan breed, America’s first horse breed.

As Figure’s compact muscular body and stylish way of moving impressed many of the pioneer farmers and settlers. His ability to outwalk, outtrot, outrun, and outpull other horses were legendary.

Figure died in 1821 from an untreated kick he received from another horse. His three most famous sons—Sherman, Bulrush, and Woodbury—carried on his legacy to future generations.

The offspring of Justin Morgan’s sons and daughters grew along with the young nation that was building itself upon hard work and determination. Morgans worked alongside their owners clearing fields and forests. When the week’s work was done, they provided transportation to Saturday market and Sunday meeting. In addition, they pulled stagecoaches throughout New England. During the Civil War, Morgans served as cavalry mounts and artillery horses. The First Vermont Cavalry, mounted entirely on Morgans, gained a widespread reputation as a fighting unit. The stamina and spirit of the Morgan, combined with its build and way of traveling, contributed to the formation of other American breeds, including the Saddlebred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse.

• Morgans can be found in all 50 states and in more than 20 foreign countries.

• In 1909, the Morgan Horse Club was formed. In 1927, it was incorporated as a membership corporation and was the first time registration certificates were issued. In 1971, the Club was renamed the American Morgan Horse Association.

• Morgans comprise a large number of entries in combined driving and carriage events, and in 1985 were the first American breed to represent the United States in World Pairs Driving competition.

• The Morgan is the state animal for both Vermont and Massachusetts.

• In 1972 Walt Disney released the movie, “Justin Morgan Had a Horse.”

• The Morgan breed holds its largest horse show, The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show each October in Oklahoma City. The first show was held in Detroit in 1973 and has been going on every year since.

• The U.S. Post Office issued a commemorative stamp depicting the Morgan horse in 1985.

• Morgans were a favored mount by cavalry soldiers in the Civil War. Several regiments of the cavalry were mounted on Morgans.

• To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of America, the American Morgan Horse Association was recognized as a member of the National Bicentennial Sports Alliance, and the Morgan was recognized as the Bicentennial Horse.

• Comanche, the lone survivor of the battle at Little Big Horn, is widely considered to have been of Morgan lineage.

• Little Sorrel was a Morgan horse ridden by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson in his Civil War campaigns.

• The Quarter Horse stallion, Joe Bailey, was a son of Headlight Morgan.

Reinzi (a.k.a. Winchester) was ridden by General Phillip Sheridan to rally his Union troops and was commemorated in the poem and painting, “Sheridan’s Ride,” by Thomas Buchanan Read. Reinzi was preserved and is at the Smithsonian Museum.

The American Morgan Horse Farm was established in Weybridge, Vermont, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the breeding and preservation of the Morgan horse. It was taken over by the state of Vermont in 1951, becoming the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm. It is still in existence today. On the 100th anniversary of the death of Justin Morgan, the Morgan Horse Club presented to the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm the statue of Justin Morgan, which is still exhibited there today.

A son of Sherman Morgan, Black Hawk was famed for his speed and elegant style. He, in turn, sired the world champion trotter, Ethan Allen. Print by Marsden, circa 1850.

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What do U know about the breed of the week? (29 Replies)
What do you all know about Morgans? Does anyone here own one? What is the best thing about a Morgan?

Latest post by Norma, 17 Jan 2010 7:55 PM

What is your involvement with Morgans? (3 Replies)
Share with others about your Morgan horse experiences. What is your involvement with Morgans? I have ridden/driven a Morgan, but have never owned one. (21.7%) I have never ridden/driven a Morgan. (4.3%) I currently own at least one Morgan. (30.4%) I used to own a Morgan, but don't own one now. (4.3%...

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Blog from the Morgan Grand Nationals (4 Replies)
If you want the latest news and a firsthand account from the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, click on Blogs up at the top of the ClubEquestrian.com website to read a daily update from the show. Tami Johnson will be at the keyboard and behind the camera, sharing the latest in...

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Madison Avenue Morgan Horse Auction (1 Replies)
Hello hello thought I would throw a toss out for this auction. It is a Morgan horse auctions and the sales go to benefit the Morgan Horse Association. Looks like they have some very nice horses. The link is below. http://www.madisonavenuemorgans.com/auction.php If anybody has questions or wants to discuss...

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American Morgan Horse Association Board Approves Certificate of Service Grandfather Clause
American Morgan Horse Association Board Approves Certificate of Service Grandfather Clause
Thursday, January 21, 2010 - On January 18, 2010, upon recommendation from the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Registry Committee, the following motion was passed by the AMHA Board and goes into effect immediately. This is an addendum to the February 2009 motion removing the Certificate of Service requirement from the registration application, effective January 1, 2010.

Certificate of Service Grandfather Clause
All foals born in 2009 and prior will require the stallion owner's signature in the Certificate of Service section of the AMHA Registration Application until January 1, 2011. After January 1, 2011, no registration application will require a stallion owner's signature.

Elimination of Certificate of Service with the addition of the grandfather clause means that for those foals:

• born in 2009 and before: stallion owner signatures are required on registration applications through 2010.

• born in 2010 and thereafter: stallion owner signatures will not be required on registration applications.

• born in any year but registered after January 1, 2011: stallion owner signatures will not be required on registration applications.

The committee understood that stallion owners who had bred mares in 2008 and earlier had filed their Stallion Service Report believing that the Certificate of Service was in place to help resolve any issues that might have occurred after filing the Stallion Service Report. They felt it was important to give those stallion owners an additional year to resolve any outstanding financial issues with respect to these contracted breedings.
2009 American Morgan Horse Association Open Competition Results Announced
2009 American Morgan Horse Association Open Competition Results Announced
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - It is with great pleasure that the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) announces the results of the 2009 Open Competition Program. Each year, Morgan horses compete against the country's best competition and 2009 was no exception.

The Medallion, Champion High-Point, and Reserve Champion High-Point winners will be honored at the annual AMHA Convention Awards Luncheon in Lexington, KY, Saturday, February 20.

The AMHA thanks all who participated last year and for the continued commitment to showing and enjoying the wonderful Morgan breed.

For the complete list of participants, visit www.morganhorse.com/news_events/latest_news/09_oc.
Steve Davis Named 2009 American Morgan Horse Association Professional Horseman Award Winner
Steve Davis Named 2009 American Morgan Horse Association Professional Horseman Award Winner
Thursday, January 07, 2010 - Steve Davis of the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm recently was selected by his peers as the 2009 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Professional Horseman Award winner. This award, which began in 2008, is awarded yearly to a professional who supports and promotes the Morgan breed, and who volunteers to mentor personally through clinics, raising the standard of training and education. Most of all, through longevity and success, this person encompasses in every sense of the word, "horseman."

Davis will be honored at the 2010 AMHA Annual Convention, to take place February 17-20 in Lexington, KY. Reserve your room before January 14, to take advantage of AMHA's group discount. Single-Quad Occupancy Rooms is $110 per night plus tax/STBID. Rooms may be booked by calling (800) 233-1234 and ask for AMHA's group rate.

For more convention information or to check out updates, go to https://www.morganhorse.com/association/annual_convention.
2010 American Morgan Horse Association Convention Schedule Available
2010 American Morgan Horse Association Convention Schedule Available
Thursday, January 07, 2010 - The schedule for the 2010 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Annual Convention, to take place in Lexington, KY, from February 17-20, is now available. There is something for everyone at this year's event, from a guide to Morgan judging, a historical look at the breed, safety inside the show ring, how to write equine contracts, the Annual Meeting of Members, and of course, the always popular Train the Trainer series, with a discussion on equitation, hunter pleasure, park, and more.

To see a complete schedule, go to www.morganhorse.com/association/annual_convention. Make your reservations soon, the early bird special ends January 14.
2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Application Deadline Extended, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Participation Announced
2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Application Deadline Extended, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Participation Announced
Thursday, December 31, 2009 - The deadline for submission of applications for the 2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team Selection has been extended to January 15, 2010. Applications are available online for riders interested in pursuing an opportunity to qualify for the teams that will represent the United States at the 2010 International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup event, to be held October 6-8, 2010, at the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show in Shelbyville, KY.

In addition, the Saddle Seat World Cup will be a featured part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Equine Village at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Riders from the U.S. teams as well as members of the visiting International Saddle Seat World Cup teams will have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious WEG Equine Village.

“We are extremely excited about 2010. We’re looking forward to hosting a first-rate competition in Shelbyville, but we’re even more proud that we have the chance to be featured in the World Equestrian Games at the Equine Village in Lexington. This will be the opportunity that we’ve been waiting for, to show the world how incredible our athletes and our horses are,” said Ellen Beard, Executive Director of the organization. “The U.S. Team Selection Trials will be the beginning of what we know will be a very exciting year for us, as we select the team we hope will return the Gold medals and the World Cup trophies to the USA.”

Riders from all Saddle Seat breeds are strongly encouraged to apply for the 2010 teams, each of which consists of five team members and an alternate. The purpose of the Saddle Seat World Cup is to promote the discipline of saddle seat equitation on an international level. The diverse breed affiliations involved in saddle seat equitation in the United States create the unique opportunity to draw from an expanded pool of top riders. Horses from the Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian and National Show Horse breeds will be used in the competition.

A total of 20 finalists will compete to become one of five team members or an alternate for the U.S. three-gaited team. Up to 12 finalists will have earned their bids to the trials by winning one of several designated qualifying finals or by virtue of a breed association nomination. In addition, 10 finalists will compete for the honors of five-gaited team membership. Two automatic bids for this team will be extended to the winners of designated five-gaited equitation events while the remaining eight finalists are chosen from a pool of applicants.

The remaining finalists for the three-gaited team will be chosen from a pool of applicants. In the event of multiple finals wins or declined automatic bids, remaining finalist slots will be selected from the pool of eligible applicants. Riders may apply for both the three- and five-gaited teams but must submit separate application materials and fees for each team. In addition, in the event a rider qualifies for both teams, they may only represent the U.S. on one team.

Complete details, selection guidelines and application materials are available for download at www.saddleseatworldcupusa.com. Deadline for receipt of completed application packets is 9 p.m. EST on January 15, 2010. Interested applicants must submit completed applications, a $150 non-refundable application fee (per team), a brief essay, letters of reference, DVD or video, and two photographs. Applicants must be 14 years of age on January 1, 2010, but there is no maximum age for applicants. In addition, all riders must maintain current amateur certification with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to be eligible.

The U.S. Team Selection Trials are slated for March 26-28, 2010, on the campus of William Woods University in Fulton, MO. William Woods graciously provides the horses used for the trials, which is designed to prepare riders for the atmosphere of the international event. The Team Selection Trials will consist of two days of competition during which riders will complete two rail sessions, two individual patterns and one personal interview. Scoring will be equally weighted among the riding portions to total 90%, while the interview will account for the remaining 10% of each rider’s total score. Teams will be announced on the final day of the trials.

For more information on the U.S. Team Selection process, please visit the official website or contact Executive Secretary Christy O’Donnell at WCEquitation@aol.com or call (813) 760-0465. The U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation.
2009 Performance Horse Registry’s Silver Stirrup Champions Announced
2009 Performance Horse Registry’s Silver Stirrup Champions Announced
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - The final shows have been posted and the 2009 Performance Horse Registry’s (PHR) Silver Stirrup Award winners have been announced. One of the Hunter winners include Krishna Buyalos’s beautiful two-year-old filly, Outstanding. This bay filly is by Popeye K and out of Delilah. She was bred in California by Leslie Nelson. She is the winner of the Hunter Breeding Award. The Anglo-Trakehner gelding Unbelievable (Zarr x Rhapsody II) took home the award for the best Green Working Hunter.

The Jumper category seems to be a carbon copy of last season. John and Barbara Bartko’s uber-talented grand prix winner Tarco Van Ter Moude took home top honors again in the High-Point Jumper category. This gelded son by Darco and out of the mare Pleiade de Revel won in excess of $200,000 in the jumper ring for 2009. Salamander Farm’s La Martinee (Landclassic x Landelfe) was the Amateur Owner Jumper of the Year for the third consecutive year.

In-Hand Dressage was very competitive this year. The Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) winner was Lisa and Jessica Dworkin’s Days Go By. Their homebred yearling is sired by Danone out of a former Silver Stirrup In-Hand Champion mare, Zejaluna (by Palmenhain). Karen Brame’s homebred Royalander (Royal Prince x Accolades) took home the DSHB Materiale award and Jessica Jenkin’s Andorra La Vella (Amethyst x Impressive Cowgirl) won the DSHB Mature Horse of the Year award.

Dressage continues to be very popular with PHR-registered horses. The 2009 season was very competitive and some of the standouts include: Janne Rumbough’s homebred Winnie Too (Gaucho III x Kristina); Kenneth Borden, Jr’s homebred Rashka (Raymeister x Tashika); Kai Handt’s NTEC Donar (D’Olympic x Dukoscha), and Lisa Froehlig’s Welfenprinz (Weltmeyer x Prioschka). One winner, Rose Noir 2, had a very memorable year. Her owner, Mary-Cameron Rollins, rode the beautiful black daughter of Royal Angelo I out of Ironesse to an Individual Gold Medal at the Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. She was also the winner of the 2009 Silver Stirrup FEI Junior/Young Rider of the Year Award.

Eventing grew in 2009 as the popular Beginner Novice division was added as a championship level for Silver Stirrup-nominated horses. The inaugural winner of this division was Ashley Guidry and her bay mare Mercedes (Makuba x Madeara). Deanna Hertrich of Salem, WI, was the Novice Champion with her Thoroughbred gelding, St George (Our Native x Best Game). The Advanced Champion for 2009 is Jessica Ransehousen’s Oldenburg gelding, Critical Decision. This bay son of Consul and out of the mare Two Days Tor was bred in Pennsylvania by Judy Reggio. Accompanied by his rider Melissa Ransehousen, Critical Decision was an entry in the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Four-Star Event.

The National Champion and Reserve Champion winners will be recognized for their success at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. The Silver Stirrup Awards banquet will be held on Thursday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Downtown in Louisville, KY. For more information, please visit www.usef.org/convention/2010/sponsors.aspx.

During the Silver Stirrup Awards, the PHR/USEF Leading Owner, Breeder, and Sires of the Year are also recognized. Some of the winners this year include Gareth Selwood (Andalusian Owner and Breeder of the Year), Chester Weber (Driving Owner of the Year), Dr. Ruth Wilbun (Welsh Owner and Breeder of the Year), McLain Ward (Jumper Owner of the Year), Leslie Nelson (Hunter Breeding Breeder of the Year), and Marilyn Checki (Pony Hunter Breeder of the Year). The complete list of winners are:

2009 USEF LEADING SIRES

LEADING FULL AND HALF ANDALUSIAN/LUSITANO SIRE
SANTIAGO (BRUNO – CAMPANERA II)
OWNED BY ROTHROCK ANDALUSIANS, STREATOR, IL

LEADING ARABIAN SIRE
LEGACY OF GOLD (ALADA BASKIN – KHATAR FIRESEMBER)
OWNED BY MR. FERNANDO DE SANTIBANES, ROGERS, MN

LEADING DRESSAGE SIRE
CONTUCCI (HAN, CAPRIMOND - LAUREEN)
OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM, COLORA, MD

LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING SIRE
ROYAL PRINCE (HAN, ROHDIAMANT – PIRI PIRI)
OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM INC, COLORA, MD

LEADING DRIVING SIRE
EQUINOX BEAUBROOK (MORGAN, ROYALTON ASHBROOK DARLING – EQUINOX SARAH MIA)
OWNED BY EAST OF EQUINOX FARM, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT

LEADING EVENTING SIRE
RIVERMAN (HOL, REDFORT – ALEXIS III)
OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM, COLORA, MD

LEADING FRIESIAN SIRE
BEAREND 347 (PITER - SASCHA)
OWNED BY JO LYNNE SHOUSE, FENTON, MI

LEADING HACKNEY SIRE
FOREWOOD NIATROSS (HOLYPARK WHAT’S WANTED – LAMBERHURST PRINCESS)
OWNED BY KAREN DUNST / DUNROTH FARM, BRADBURY, CA

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN SIRE
AL JASSUR LADDIN (ARABIAN, AL IRHAD LADDIN - SOMKINDAWONDERFUL)
OWNED JEAN JACKSON, SUFFOLK, VA

LEADING HUNTER SIRE
CASSINI I (HOL, CAPITOL I - WISMA)
OWNED BY HOLSTEINER VERBAND, GERMANY

LEADING HUNTER BREEDING SIRE
POPEYE K (KWPN, VOLTAIRE – ELORETTA)
OWNED BY SPENCER RANCH, KESWICK, VA

LEADING JUMPER SIRE
DARCO (BWP, LUGANO VAN LA ROCHE - OCOUCHA)
OWNED BY MARTINUS PAESEN, BELGIUM

SOUTH PACIFIC AWARD
Presented by Joan Irvine Smith and The Oaks to the Leading U.S.-based Jumper Sire
SOUTH PACIFIC (HOL, ALOUBE Z - NIRZA)
OWNED BY THE OAKS (JOAN IRVINE SMITH), SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA

LEADING MORGAN SIRE
COURAGE OF EQUINOX (CHASLEY SUPERMAN – KATY BENNFIELD)
OWNED BY EAST OF EQUINOX FARM, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT

LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE SIRE
ALLIENCE (ARABIAN, ALADDIN – A LOVE SONG)
OWNED BY SHAFER ARABIANS, W. FARMINGTON, OH

LEADING PASO FINO SIRE
EL DIRECTOR DE DAGUAO (PROFETA DE BESILU – LA MAESTRA A LA ORDEN)
OWNED BY LA MUNDIAL PASO FINOS, PUERTO RICO

LEADING PONY HUNTER SIRE
BLUE RAIN (WELSH/TB, CYMRAEG RAIN BEAU – BLUE HAVILAND)
OWNED BY ALLYSON COLUCCIO, PURCELLVILLE, VA

LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING SIRE
LAND’S END POSEDION (WELSH, ROTHERWOOD STATE OCCASSION - CAROLINAS PHOENIX)
OWNED BY GARY BAKER, MIDDLEBURG, VA

LEADING PONY JUMPER SIRE
GLENCOE JESTER (WELSH, ARDMORE FOOTLIGHT – UPLAND WHIMSEY)
OWNED BY ROBERT AND JAN O’CONNOR, BOALSBURG, PA

LEADING WESTERN SIRE
SMART STARBUCK (QUARTER HORSE, GRAYS STARLIGHT – SMART MARLENA)
OWNED BY TOM MC CUTCHEON, AUBREY, TX

LEADING ROADSTER SIRE
DUN-HAVEN CLASSIC EDITION (HACKNEY, FUN-HAVEN CRESCENDO - ROYAL MANOR MELODY)
OWNED BY JEROME ROSINSKI, MAPLE CITY, MI

LEADING SADDLEBRED SIRE
CHUBASCO (FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - TROPICAL GALE)
OWNED BY MICHELE MACFARLANE & ELLEN SCRIPPS DAVIS, SAN DIEGO, CA.

LEADING WELSH SIRE
SLEIGHT OF HAND (MYLNCROTH SPUN GOLD – COED COCH OLWEN)
OWNED BY GAIL THOMSON, HETH, AR

2009 USEF LEADING OWNERS

LEADING FULL AND HALF ANDALUSIAN / LUSITANO OWNER
GARETH SELWOOD, ELKHORN, WI

LEADING ARABIAN OWNER
TRACY RATLIFF LORD, AUGUSTA, GA

LEADING DRESSAGE OWNER
GRAND PRIX EQUESTRIAN, CHICAGO, IL

LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING OWNER
MELANIE PAI, FULSHEAR, TX

LEADING DRIVING OWNER
CHESTER WEBER, OCALA, FL

LEADING EVENTING OWNER
SARAH COUSINS, WEST GROVE, PA

LEADING FRIESIAN OWNER
JO LYNNE SHOUSE, FENTON, MI

LEADING HACKNEY OWNER
KAY MARSCHEL, DALLAS, TX

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN OWNER
BILL DOUGHTY, CAPE CHARLES, VA

LEADING HUNTER OWNER
PONY LANE FARM, BLUFFDALE, UT

LEADING HUNTER BREEDING OWNER
KRISHNA BUYALOS, SANTA BARBARA, CA

LEADING JUMPER OWNER
MCLAIN WARD, BREWSTER, NY

LEADING MORGAN OWNER
TERRI STURM, LAS VEGAS, NV

LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE OWNER
LESA DAHL-LELAND, BRICELYN, MN

LEADING PASO FINO OWNER
SANDRA WALKER, LOUISVILLE, KY

LEADING PONY HUNTER OWNER
ALEECE JARMAN, PACE, FL

LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING OWNER
THORA POLLAK, POTOMAC, MD

LEADING PONY JUMPER OWNER
KAYLA BRIEL, COPPELL, TX

LEADING WESTERN OWNER
ALLISON NELSON, ARVADA, CO

LEADING ROADSTER OWNER
CHARLES JONES, JONESTOWN, PA

LEADING SADDLEBRED OWNER
JUDITH FERGUSON-GANDARILLAS, HAYES, VA

LEADING WELSH OWNER
RUTH WILBURN, OLIVE BRANCH, MS

2009 LEADING BREEDERS

LEADING HALF- AND HALF-ANDALUSIAN / LUSITANO BREEDER
GARETH SELWOOD, ELKHORN, WI

LEADING ARABIAN BREEDER
MRS BAZY TANKERSLEY, TUSCON, AZ

LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDER
KENNETH BORDEN / LITTLE BIT FARM, WILMINGTON, IL

LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING BREEDER
MELANIE PAI, FULSHEAR, TX

LEADING DRIVING BREEDER
SUSAN MC LELLAN, DELHI, NY

LEADING EVENTING BREEDER
ELIZABETH CALLAHAN, OXFORD, MD

LEADING FRIESIAN BREEDER
BLACK DRAGON FARM (JO LYNNE SHOUSE), FENTON, MI

LEADING HACKNEY BREEDER
DARREL KOLKMAN, NEW LONDON, IA

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN BREEDER
BILL DOUGHTY, CAPE CHARLES, VA

LEADING HUNTER BREEDER
AUGUSTIN WALCH, STRATFORD, ONTARIO, CANADA

LEADING HUNTER BREEDING BREEDER
LESLIE NELSON, SANTA BARBARA, CA

LEADING JUMPER BREEDER
PATRICIA METZ, OCALA, FL

LEADING MORGAN BREEDER
SUE SPRINGSTEAD GRAMSE, ANGOLA, NY

LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE BREEDER
CYNTHIA BACKLUND, ST LOUIS PARK, MN

LEADING PASO FINO BREEDER
VANESSA HOWARD, ORLANDO, FL

LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDER
MARILYN CHECKI, FRANKSVILLE, WI

LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING BREEDER
LAURA CAMPBELL, FOUNTAINVILLE, WI

LEADING PONY JUMPER BREEDER
VIRGIL GREMORE, SAPULPA, OK

LEADING WESTERN BREEDER
MAGNESS ARABIAN FARMS, LLC, FORT LUPTON, CO

LEADING ROADSTER BREEDER
DARREL KOLKMAN, NEW LONDON, IA

LEADING SADDLEBRED BREEDER
CALLAWAY HILLS STABLES, NEW BLOOMINFIELD, MO

LEADING WELSH BREEDER
RUTH WILBURN, OLIVE BRANCH, MS

If you are interested in become part of this exciting program, please read more about it at www.phr.com.

Congratulations to all of the winners and all participants.
2009 American Morgan Horse Association Awardees Announced
2009 American Morgan Horse Association Awardees Announced
Thursday, December 17, 2009 - The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is pleased to recognize the following members who will receive top awards at its annual convention, which will take place in Lexington, KY, February 17-20.

Man and Woman of the Year Awards honor those individuals for their continued support of the breed. This year's honorees are Roger Barricklow and Connie Barker.

Nicole Nicholson will be awarded the Cecil Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award, which is given to a Morgan exhibitor who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship.

Inducted into AMHA's Hall of Fame are Elaine Galatz, the late M. A. "Bud" Hanson, and Nancy Jewell.

The Breeders' Hall of Fame honors a breeder(s) who has produced Morgans that have had a significant impact on the breed. This year's honorees are Cedar Creek Farm, Tara Farm, and Tennessee Valley Morgans.

The Golden Reins Awards are given to a Morgan professional who has a 30-year career in training or instruction. Harold Angell, Lynn and Kathy Peeples, and Pierre Loiselle will receive this special honor.

Claudia Grimes will be honored for her outstanding contributions to the Morgan Youth program as the Youth Person of the Year.

Suzy Stafford will receive the Morgan International Award for her dedication to overseas competition with Courage To Lead.

Two Morgans will be honored for their work with people with disabilities. This year's honorees are Lenawee Madonna, owned by Patricia D'Andrea; and Janlees' Philharmonica, from the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program.

Born To Boogie, Hyland Acres Command, and Topa's Krystal will be inducted into AMHA's Show Horse Hall of Fame.

We hope you will be able to join these awardees when their longtime support and dedication are recognized before the Morgan community. The 2010 AMHA Convention is chock full of many fun Morgan events. Farm tours, trainer roundtables, a mini judging school, and historical seminars are just some of the highlights that will celebrate the Morgan horse in Lexington.

Reservations to the 2010 Convention can be booked now! Single-Quad Occupancy Rooms are $110.00 per night plus tax/STBID**. Reservations made after January 14, 2010, will not be eligible for group discount. Rooms may be booked via (800) 233-1234. Ask for the American Morgan Horse Association group rate.

For more convention information or to check out updates, go to www.morganhorse.com/association/annual_convention.

USEF Announces "My Favorite USEF Breed Competition" Contest Winners

Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - Lexington, KY - In July, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced a new contest for 2009 designed to let USEF members vote for their "Favorite USEF Breed Competition." The idea behind the contest was to award and promote the USEF licensed breed competitions for their efforts in running a show so well that exhibitors want to call it their favorite. Also, the contest gave exhibitors the opportunity to provide positive feedback about the competitions to the USEF.

The exhibitors and members stepped up and provided more valuable input than we get on a yearly basis about the competitions they are attending. We received nominations for several competitions in many of the breed categories and lots of positive feedback about the competitions; however, we were only able to award one competition per breed for the Favorite Breed Competition contest. We are pleased to announce the winning competitions for each breed and to share some statements from the exhibitors below:

Breed	Competition	Comments
Andalusian/Lusitano	IALHA REGION I CHAMPIONSHIP	A Regional Championship is offered in every class. It is a culmination of the hard work you did all year with Championship rewards offered. A good show if you can't make it to Nationals.
Arabian	AHAF ANNUAL THANKSGIVING	Fantastic show management, large class variety, wonderful facility, great horses, show in its 40th year and loved by all competitors.
Connemara	PONIES ON THE HUDSON	Beautiful facility, excellent surface in wet conditions. Easy to reach competitive rings.
Friesian	BAROQUE HORSE CLASSIC	The show is run by professionals. Stalls are safe and grounds are well maintained.
Hackney	MIDWEST CHARITY	Midwest Charity Horse Show is a showcase for young stock coming out early in the season. The hospitality and atmosphere at the very horse-friendly location of the Illinois State Fairgrounds is just the best!! The volunteers that put together such a gracious world-class charity horse show, with the right "home town" touch is a pleasure for exhibitors, officials, and spectators to enjoy.
Morgan	MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN	The Mass Morgan Horse Show has it all: quantity, quality and A LOT of fun. Each year exhibitors look forward to the annual theme and socializing at this outstanding event. When trainers have to make cuts to their show schedule, Mass Morgan is never cut out. This show is truly one-of-a-kind and deserves recognition.
National Show Horse	NSHR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS	Well run and fun.
Paso Fino	FOUR BEAT JUBILEE	Georgia PFHA and show management are always friendly and helpful. The show runs smoothly and efficiently. The show is priced affordably. Volunteer personnel maintain a fun but professional demeanor. The facility (and its personnel) is first class, perfect for sunny or rainy weather, kept clean and a pleasant place to be. Food from concession (as well as food provided for Saturday night dinner) is good.
Saddlebred	SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL	The wonderful hospitality, management, facilities, and professionalism of the staff and vendors. Great job Naomi and everyone involved!
Shetland	MISSOURI STATE FAIR	I enjoy being able to show the Shetlands with the saddle horses and Hackneys. It also brings in a good audience. The show staff is great as well.
Welsh	PENN MARYDEL WELSH PONY	Friendly, well run, very nice facility, great participants. It is a show that children are safe to run and play when not showing. Just a good down-to-earth show with a family feeling.

Every competition that was voted for will receive a letter sharing the positive feedback from their exhibitors. The breed competitions listed above will receive the same, along with a plaque from USEF in recognition of their efforts to provide exhibitors with a competition atmosphere that prompted them to vote the competition as the Favorite Breed Competition.

The following two competitions have been randomly selected from the above list to receive the Grand and Runner-Up placing:

Grand Prize - MISSOURI STATE FAIR
This competition will receive a pizza party for their exhibitors at the 2010 competition.

Runner-Up - IALHA REGION I CHAMPIONSHIP
This competition will receive an ice cream party for the exhibitors at the 2010 competition.

*In order to be eligible to claim their prize, the competitions must remain USEF licensed for 2010.

We thank the exhibitors and members for taking the time to provide USEF with valuable input about your experience at USEF competitions and invite you to do the same in 2010 when we launch the voting again. You may also always find evaluation forms at the competitions that you can use to provide the same positive input about your experience at USEF competitions. We want to hear your thoughts!

For more information, please contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at (859) 225-6957 or via e-mail at lnelson@usef.org.

Maxi Gumprecht Wins 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®
Maxi Gumprecht Wins 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®
Thursday, December 03, 2009 -

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Maxi Gumprecht as the winner of the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Gumprecht was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed/discipline affiliates from across the country. Gumprecht, of Mercer Island, WA, was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) for her leadership and sportsmanship along with her commitment to the Morgan horse and the equestrian community.

Gumprecht has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and her affiliate organization. She was selected based on her impressive resume and her contributions, passion and dedication to the equine industry. Gumprecht is a versatile equestrian competing in multiple disciplines—from Western, sidesaddle, showmanship, hunt seat to park saddle. She has won multiple top 10 awards in all seats (both pleasure and equitation), and a Grand National Championship in Showmanship 14-17. In 2008, she was the reserve AMHA Youth of the Year at the Morgan Grand Nationals. She was selected by her peers for the 2007 Horse World’s People’s Choice Reserve Western Seat Equitation and Reserve Saddle Seat Equitation Rider of the Year. She has been an active 4-H officer and member; and has been recognized for her achievements in hippology, horse bowl, and horse judging. In addition, she has won several 4-H high-point horse show awards. She was also a member of the Washington State National Horse Judging Team, where she earned the Senior Overall State Champion title.

A sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in International Studies, Gumprecht is a Hodson Trust Scholar, a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, and is involved in theater and a sketch comedy group. In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, a Commended National Merit Scholar and played varsity soccer. She does volunteer work for her sorority, church and the Morgan Youth Club. In addition to horses, Gumprecht enjoys quilting and reading Agatha Christie mysteries.

“I intend to remain active in the horse industry using the experience I have gained from multiple breeds, disciplines, and trainers,” said Gumprecht. “I plan on sustaining opportunities for the new youth, just as so many volunteers did for me, in order to build a stronger breed of horsemen and women. All my accomplishments have really been a team effort. I thank the countless people who are part of this wonderful horse industry for letting me be part of their team.”

Gumprecht will receive a trophy, a scholarship to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. Gumprecht, along with the other national nominees, will be recognized in January 2010 at the USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY.

The other national nominee’s were:

— Sarah Hinds, Lake Saint Louis, MO (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
— Amanda Horn, Huntington, NY (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
— Kelsey Kimbler, Aberdeen, SD (American Endurance Ride Conference)
— Maxance McManamy, Templeton, CA (United States Eventing Association)
— Taylor Nedurian, Muncy, PA (American Driving Society)
— Taylor Noonan, Portland, ME (United States Dressage Federation)
— Katie Pelphrey, Louisville, KY (Arabian Horse Association)
— Taylor Prince, Herscher, IL (American Shetland Pony Club)
— Hannah Randall, Jefferson, GA (Paso Fino Horse Association)
— Ryan Stark, Oregon, WI (International Friesian Show Horse Association)
— Jessica Swenson, Castle Rock, CO (International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association)
— Laura Yelavich, San Jose, CA (American Vaulting Association)

The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to develop youth to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This program provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements.

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.
American Morgan Horse Association/Team Morgan Essay Contest Winner Revealed
American Morgan Horse Association/Team Morgan Essay Contest Winner Revealed
Thursday, October 22, 2009 - By the American Morgan Horse Association

Congratulations to 12-year-old Katerina Barrett of Middletown, MD, who was announced October 17 as the 2009 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA)/Team Morgan "Win a Morgan Horse" Contest winner. Barrett will soon meet her new Morgan horse, CBMF Phoenix (DBA Street Talk x Treble's Wild Memories), graciously donated by Ann Hailey of Copper Beech Morgan Horse Farm in New Albany, OH.

Barrett is a seventh grader who likes riding, playing soccer and the piano, and running. She takes lessons with Cathy Brittain Altomare of High Seas Stables, and although she has leased a Morgan for two years, she has never owned one. This year she was the Reserve Youth of the Year Champion at the Mid-A Morgan Horse Show. Barrett plans to baby sit and pet sit to earn money to buy treats and other goodies for Phoenix.

The AMHA/Team Morgan Win a Morgan Horse Contest raised funds for Team Morgan to travel to and host international equitation competitions. This year, the Team traveled to South Africa in March and hosted a competition in North Carolina in August.

AMHA would like to thank Ann Hailey for her dedication and support for this contest. She has agreed to donate another Morgan horse for a contest to be held in 2010. Any youth 21 years of age or younger is eligible. Watch for news in the spring on this next contest.

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