What Is the State Animal of Vermont?
On March 23, 1961, the Morgan Horse was officially designated the state animal of Vermont by the Vermont legislature. The breed had been popularized in the late 1700s and early 1800s by a man named Justin Morgan, who was given a colt by the name of "Figure" in 1791 as payment to a debt. The horse managed to outwork any horses in the area and became the father of an entire breed.
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Justin Morgan
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Morgan was a schoolteacher who was born in West Springfield, Masssachusetts, in 1747. He settled down as a farmer in Vermont where he also bred horses. He died in 1798.
Figure
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The horse named Figure was able to excel as a runner, trotter and working horse. With the horse's skills in these areas recognized, Figure was bred many times. The horse's name was changed to that of his owner, Justin Morgan. The horse died in 1821 at the age of 32, having successfully established the breed.
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Description
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A Morgan horse has incredibly strong legs, large eyes, handsome face and an arched neck. Most are black, chestnut or bay in color.
Uses
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By 1840, Morgan horses dominated the harness racing scene in the United States. These animals were also used as mounts for the cavalry during the Civil War and in the west and ridden by Pony Express riders in the early 1860s.
Morgan horse farm
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture established a breeding farm for Morgan horses in Middlebury, Vermont, in 1907. In 1951, the University of Vermont took over the program, aimed at breeding sound and sturdy Morgan horses.
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Resources
- Photo Credit www.best-horse-photos.com
