Standards of Perfection & Anatomical Chart

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Paintings by Jeanne Mellin

The Morgans is  a "type" breed ... they have a certain look: body proportions, head carriage and conformation. 

Each Morgan seems to say, "Look at me, I'm a Morgan!"

Several features distinguish the Morgan from other breeds: 

        -- Well laid back shoulder, cresty neck, up-headedness, and clean throat latch, 

        -- Chisled face, broad forehead, large eye, small, hooky ears, and tapered muzzle, 

        -- Short back, well muscled, rounded buttocks, flat (not sloping) croup, and nice tail set, 

        -- Substantial bone, pasterns short enough for strength, but long enough for smooth gaits, 

        -- Tough hooves, smooth coat, and thick, kinky mane and tail.

These horses have been bred for all-around use, originally for small farms in Vermont, for road trotting and carriage, then for US Cavalry mounts, for combined driving competition, for dressage and jumping, for endurance trail riding, and for western ranch work such as cutting cattle and reining. In two words, the Morgan horse is "beautiful and versatile."

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Last Updated January 1, 2001 by Mike Harrison