Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky

The Morgan (saddle type) horse breed traces back to Justin Morgan, foundation sire that was foaled in 1789 in Vermont. Although his breeding was unknown, many thought it to be of Dutch, Thoroughbred, or Arabian descent. Today, every registered Morgan traces back to Justin Morgan through his best-known sons--Bulrush, Sherman, and Woodbury. The first Morgan horse registry was established in 1894.

Present-day Morgans differ little from their mighty progenitor. The average size of a Morgan today is 14.2 to 15.2 hands and 900 to 1,100 pounds (405 to 495 kg). Morgan coats are predominantly chestnut, bay, or brown, although many blacks, palominos, buckskins, and even a few grays appear in the breed. This versatile breed is used for trail, show, driving, jumping, and even working cattle.