35(t JUNE 1953
OfliSii 7
MORGANS AS JUMPERS -- Are National Show requirements helping to develop this Morgan trait? COME TO THE NATIONAL MORGAN HORSE SHOW, JULY 31, AUG 1 & 2
NORTHAMPTON, MASS .
The object of the New England Morgan Horse Association
is to
encourage and promote the breeding and use of registered Morgans as versatile pleasure horses, and to standardize the requirements and specifications for showing and judging.
You are welcome at its five yearly meetings, trail rides or drives, field trips or dinners to discuss and act in pursuance of its object, or merely from interest in America's greatest pleasure breed.
President MR. J. CECIL FERGUSON Broadwall Farm, Greene, R. I. Vice-President Secretary-Treasurer JUDGE KENNETH H. ROBINSON MRS. WINTHROP S. DAKIN Windsor, Vi. R.R. 3, Amherst, Mass.
Directors MRS. FRANCES H. BRYANT LAWSON W. GLIDDEN DANA W. KELLEY WALLACE L. ORCUTT, JR. C. P. WELDON
THE NATIONAL MORGAN HORSE SHOW, NORTHAMPTON, MASS., JULY 31, AUG. 1 & 2 will show you what the Morgan horse can do in harness and in saddle for pleasure and for business, for children and for adults. Plan to come. PARADE 10138
An outstanding young Morgan stallion, dark chestnut, 15 hands, with personality, presence and manners. He has a high percentage of Justin Morgan blood, with an excellent pedigree. You will hear more of this young stallion in the future as he adds to his brilliant show record.
FOR SALE: Lippitt Gloria, a nice 2 year old dark chestnut filly. We have her full sister, who is safely in foal to Parade, so we are offering this high-percentage filly to a discriminating buyer.
Mr. & Mrs. J. Cecil Ferguson BROADWALL FARM GREENE, R. I. Table of Contents SPECIAL FEATURES Waseeka Morgans 6 Training the Family Horse 8 diem to Up and Over 10 Mid•West Morgan Horse Owners, Inc. 13 Morgans ... from Wyoming 15 Those Lumbar Vertebrae Again 16 th€ &titan 1953 National Morgan Horse Show 20 Horse and Buggy 25 [ Mostly Morgan 26
Volunteer Wanted REGULAR FEATURES Dear Sir: Letters to the Editor 4 Enclosed please find check for re- The Editor's Comments 5 Names in Pedigrees 9 newal to your fine magazine. To me, Quiz Corner 12 it continually seems to grow better Illinois-Missouri News 13 and better, and I've been a subscriber Illinois News 13 for close to ten years now. Jeffy's Journal — Part 7 17 Morgan Pictorial 18.19 At present I am not a horse owner News of Morgans and Their Owners 21 but have to content myself with being Minnesota Morgans 22 a Morgan lover and your magazine Maine Morgan News 23 makes me feel as close to owning one New York State News 24 Morgans Afield and in the Ring 28 as it is possible. I would like to see N. E. Calendar of Events for Morgan Owners 32 a regular monthly column of our Once Upon a Horse 34 California or West Coast Morgan do- Stable Hints 35 ings, shows, etc., as was done by Mrs. Larry Oakley. It is good to see some local shows in print. Officers of the Morgan Horse Club Hoping for your continued and President MERLE D. EVANS greater success. Ohio Merchants Bank Buticling, Massillon, Ohio Bettye Johanson Vice President FREDERICK 0. DAVIS Diablo, California Windsor, Vermont Treasurer WHITNEY STONE Help io New Owner 90 Broad Street, New York 4, N. Y Dear Sir: Secretary FRANK B. HILLS This is one publication that has let 90 Broad Street, New York 4, N. Y me spend a great deal of pleasure and enjoyment and also profit by learning all the articles that are written in it, The Mor gan Horse Magazine and also helps me to get in touch with the proud owners of the horse s of the Vol. XIIT June. 1953 No. 6 Morgan breed. A Monthly I myself have a Morgan colt and The Official Publication of since she is the first colt I have ever THE MORGAN HORSE CLUB, Incorporated owned, I certainly can afford to learn 90 Broad Street, New York 4. N. Y. all that I can about the breed, care and Publication Office feeding of her, and because of that Leominster, Mass. the Morgan Horse Magazine has be- Publisher Otho F. Eusey come very useful and valuable. for The Morgan Horse Club. Inc. Editor Sumner Koan In deep appreciation for the asset that you have been to me, I remain, CONTRIBUTING EDITORS C. Fred Austin Mabel Owen Very truly yours, Beverlee Stahl Helen Brunk Greonwalt Janet H. Muszynski Janet Dakin Mrs. Frank Linnell Easthampton, Mass. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mrs. Dickson Admirer One Year $3.50 Two Years $6.50 Three Years $9.00 Dear Sir: The MORGAN HORSE MAGAZINE, published monthly by THE I would like to say that I think the MORGAN HORSE CLUB, INC., 90 Broad St., New York, New York. March issue of the Morgan Horse Printed by The Eusey Press, Leominster, Mass. Entered as second class Magazine was the best in a long time. matter at post office, Leominster, Mass. Mabel Owen is doing a fine job on Copyright 1953 by The Morgan Horse Magazine Names in Pedigrees and I think Mrs. Dakin's Jeffy's Journal is wonderful. His neigh is like the bidding of a monarch, I wish that someone would do a and his countenance enforces homage_ feature article about Mrs. B. H. Dick- - - -44149 2,, 4 The MORGAN HORSE The Editor's Comments OUR COVER The horse has three natural gaits—the walk, the trot and the canter. Of the last listed much has been told and written. The canter — or gallop — of the Arab and its descendent, the Thoroughbred, has become such an +important part of our modern life that the sports world would cease to turn on its axis if the breed stopped running. Fastest of the means; of movement pro- vided things equine this headlong propulsion has, in hosts of minds become associated with the word horse in today's world. The trot has long been synonomous with speed—the racing Morgan mares—the trotters and pacers of the grand circuit who trace their lineage back to the sons of Justin. No more spine-tingling sight is there than a field of harness horses coming into the stretch, reaching for the final effort to the wire under Jumping Morgans, a controversial the clever hands of the spread-legged men at the reins, But too often it is the subject, provides us with our cover numbered disk on the hat band that controls the enthusiasm of the crowd. The this issue. The well-known Tarik's effort of the lissom-limbed animal is forgotten in the bedlam of the posted price. Golden Lassie is shown exhibiting per- But what of the third gait, the walk? fect form as she takes a rail jump under Too often it is associated with the " .. .plowman o'er the lea" or the the expert handling of Ruth Reevals. amble of some Victorian parson's fat old mare, The walk, despised by poets and Lass, who has been in the blue and flaming-penned historians who see it merely as the slowest forward motion, red in National jumping, and who has the sedentary plodding of some aged and lack-luster beast. competed successfully in regular hunter Those who brand it such have never ridden a Morgan in the spring of shows, is taking the jump as a jumper his youth and virility or in the proud memory of his past successes. The Mor- should, showing confidence as well as gan moves out of the stable; yard with a spring to his gait that to the uninitiate easy handling with no control other is almost a running walk or amble. No such thing. It is the proud spurning than a snaffle bit. of the earth, the driving force that says "Get on, Get on, there is work to be done and we must get back to it. This ride is but a temporary thing, a respite LETTERS to be enjoyed for an hour. For you it may be relaxation but to me, your Morgan, (Continued from preceding page) it is time out from the press of the world's work." son, that grand old horsewoman of And so he moves, head bobbing slightly to the tune of his quickly pressed Weston, Mass. She has done so much hooves. You in the saddle are only aware of the glorious motion beneath you to popularize the Morgan, besides of the eager drive that carries you on at a speed that almost equals a slow trot. teaching countless children how to No deviation there. The head is pointed up the path. The ears are pricked ride. Though we don't all agree with to the task of getting there and back. The arched tail shows animation and all her ideas, she still is one of the joy in the task ahead. The champing jaws play a tune on the bridle bars and best authorities on the Morgan Horse. the world is a-zing as you ride your Morgan at a walk. Patricia Hallquist Hillsboro, Missouri We have ridden many horses at many gaits over the period of years. We Likes Quiz Corner have sat—unskilled—on the back of a Tennessee walker and been wracked by its Dear Sir: urderslung way of going. We have ridden a gaited horse at the rack and single I am a regular subscriber to the foot, a runner is the dawn-wet test of a workout. We have posted lazily to the Morgan Horse Magazine and enjoy grass-clipping trot of a hunter, tried to sit the same on a western saddle. We have it more with every issue. The Stallion known the eel-like maneuvering of polo ponies. the rhythmic pounding of Issue this year was great. standardbred roadster-under-saddle. I'm very glad to see the new feature They were all experiences, tastes of old winejugs from which we never "Quiz Corner." I think it will be a drank very deep. great help to newcomers in the "Mor- But an hour ago we returned from our daily afternoon ride. The day gan Horse World." was hot, the humidity high. The woods paths were sodden in places, stony in Keep up the good work. others. It had not been a day for canter or trot and the entire six-mile route had Mrs. I. L. Froman been at the walk—a walk, but not the despised gait of the poet, Our Morgan Climax, Michigan moved out as though headed, for battle. Up the long grade, through the Buys Cagney Morgan marshy stretch, up over the rocks and down the brushed descent. Along the Dear Sir: pine padded trail, through the brook, down the sandbank, and up the steep You have a beautiful magazine hillock. Finally we swung out of the woods into the open and home. It had which I look forward to every month. been walk all the way. But what a walk! It is a far cry from the issues of 1944 Spirited, driving, eager had been the ride. Not for one moment were when I first subscribed, and I have we permitted to think we were dozing. The bright bay ears in the midst of every copy all bound. the cloud-like foretop fairly snapped in their eager pointing. The shoulders under Last fall I bought a Morgan from the pommel worked like pistons. The strong quarters and hocks made them- Jim Cagney's herd on Martha's Vine- selves manifest with the power of their drive. Collected, alive, a bundle of yard, and I like him very much. I energy and alertness. A quick-moving inspired small bundle of horseflesh with think they are the only horse. After a goal to reach, a job to be done and the decency and knowledge to do it well. all, all the other breeds have borrowed That is the third gait of a horse. The much neglected way of going. from them. That is a Morgan at the walk. H. E. Stahl Whitman, Mass. WASEEKA
An account of a fast-growing group of Morgan
The slender girl in jpdpurs led the Morgan mare into the shadowed training ring. She unsnapped the lead shank and stretched out her training whip. The big eyes in the mare's beautiful head watched alertly for a sign. When it came, merely a soft called "trot," the mare stepped out sharply in a counter-clockwise direction. Smartly she held to her gait, circling the boyish-looking figure in the center of the ring. "Walk" came the command and the Morgan dropped obediently into the slower pace. She circled the ring once more before she got the word to canter and then broke sharply onto a left lead. "Nice work" T called from the rail—and nice work it was too. The whip lay on the ground at the young trainer's feet. The mare was reacting solely to voice. "This is only the third time I've worked her" said the girl "but she's so intelligent and tries so hard that she learns very quickly." That, in capsule, is a report on the training of Sentimental Lady by her new owner, Mrs. Susan Annis of Ashland, Mass. She has but recenty acquired the promising confor- mation and performance daughter of Ben Don from F. 0. Davis of Windsor, Vt., and plans to do all the training her- self. The mare is a beauty, small of head with arching neck and shows a world of substance in her blocky body and well-muscled legs. "I love her," said Mrs. Annis as she wound up the day's training and put the horse away. Her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Power joined us, quietly enjoying her daughter's enthusiasm for the beautiful four- year-old. We stood in the brightly-painted stable with its five spacious boxes. "Where are you going to put all your Mor- gans?" T asked Mrs. Power. "Good question" chimed in Mrs. Annis. "There's plenty of room right here," replied her mother. "These five stalls plus two at Thanksgiving farm for broodmares will do us nicely. "But with all this land . . . ." and I indicated the sweep of some 500 acres. "But this is a fruit farm," was the answer. "Nearly all of it is in peaches, apples, pears. We have some hayland and pasture but not enough of either—or stabling fo r that matter--to start a Morgan breeding farm. What we have
Mrs. Keene Annis with SUE OF KEENELAND and her handsome chestnut stud colt. At top, she fondles the colt as it nuzzles its mother. CENTER: "Keep your distance," the little fellow seems to say as he stands between Mrs. Annis and his grazing mother. BOTTOM: The dam takes off and the colt proceeds to do likewise.
MORGANS mares, and a prediction of more to come.
in mind is a halt dozen Morgans and a few colts each year. We don't plan to keep a stallion. "Besides," she added, "if we loaded up on horses in a hurry think of all the fun we'd miss traveling around look- ing at prospective purchases." "Fun of looking," has taken Mrs Power over much of this country. She has toured parts of the mid-west, most of New England, a great deal of New York and New Jersey and has even seen the horses of Merle Little in Duarte, Calif., and those of Ed, Roberts on the California Mexico border. But the brief story of this family's Morgan ownership is so studded with events that I fear Mrs. Power is in for a stable building program. Back of it all lies an interesting his- tory which points up the old adage that "once the bug bites you . . . " Mrs. Power was horn in Ashland and, as a youngster had horses. Late r she acquired some top walk-trot animals and showed them extensively throughout New England. But her late husband's long illness caused her to close her stable and she yielded to the demands of operating her big fruit farm and raising prizewinning dogs. She has a kennel of handsome little Corgis, her daughter raises Newfoundlands, and her son-in-law Keene raises English Setters. "My daughter learned to ride when she was away at school and she has always loved, horses," said Mrs. Power, "So we bought her a horse, Sun. There he is" and he pointed to a saddle-type gelding in the nearest stall. He has been a grand horse and Susan uses him to teach the neighborhood youngsters to ride. But he's just a horse and has no place here now that we are committed. to Morgans." Getting "committed" started last year when Mrs. Power, her daughter and son-in-law took in the Morgan National show at Northampton. They were impressed by the big showing but Keene Annis was more interested in a photograph in the Morgan Horse Magazine. "Now there," he is reported to have said, "is a mare I would like to own." The mare was Varga Girl, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Otho F. Eusey of Sterling, Mass., and a few weeks later Mr. Annis bought her. Then, during the winter Mrs. Power bought a four-year-old mare, Sterling Velvet also (Continued on Page 26)
TOP; The future master of Waseeka, Davie Annis, gets support from a friend as he straddles his three year old Welsh pony. CENTER: Most recent acquisition, SENTIMENTAL LADY. BOTTOM: STERLING VELVET gets preliminary training from Johnny Lydon. necessary for me to stay with the filly Training the Family Horse at the end of the rope to prevent her affection from taking her right back By Mrs. MYRTLE M. WESTBROOK to my husband. He, of course, held a long whip, but the filly was to remain unafraid of it. Shortly she realized The time to buy the family horse is would mouth a taste of grain, and as that she was to walk at the end of the either before or just after conception. soon as she showed real interest in it, fifteen-foot rope in a circle around her You should know the mare well she was given a box of her own to eat trainer in whichever direction the tug enough so that she will not offer re- from. Needless to say, both animals indicated. When she did this well at sistance to your handling the foal. As had free access to salt and water. As a walk to the command, "Giddap," she in all dealings with horse-flesh, breed- winter came on, the grain was supple- began the trot. At the command ing tells. But there is an awful lot of mented by carrots, a crop that can be "Trot," a gentle tap with the whip on "As the twig is bent" in horses, too. raised without machinery. About the croup urged her faster. When the Thanksgiving time both animals were trot was mastered in both directions, As soon as the foal is born, the "Canter," was ordered with a sharp owner should in some way take active wormed, a most necessary precaution against loss of the foal. stroke of the whip on the ground be- possession of it so that the mother will hind her—of course, from the walking not become overly protective. This During these early months is the gait. Her blood told on us here, for can be done by wiping the foal, which time to make the animal fearless. This she soon foiled her trainer by cutting. many books recommend; it can be done has been discussed some in connection Alone he was helpless to prevent this simply by stroking both animals; but with human attentions, but a multi- incorrect outcropping of a splendid it should be done. Our problem tude of other experiences should be pre- characteristic. So for a few lessons offered the solution in itself. The sented. We have one pasture on the stood by with a whip to keep the circle foal was born at dusk in the pasture road; need more be said about that? true. Fortunately for man, horses set while the nights were still cool. We Every possible type of vehicle from a patterns which they only break under felt it had to be gotten in the barn, little red English roadster to aluminum duress. There was only one place in and though it could walk some, the trailer-trucks make every conceivable each direction where she cut, and when barn was a long way off. So my hus- noise; we ourselves introduced honk- she got the whip for cutting there, she band carried the foal. I was leading ing from this vantage point. A pasture soon quit cutting. Simultaneously she the mother, and mild as she is, she bordering on a railroad track would was learning to back up. This was lifted me off the ground when she also be good, but all farms can't have taught by the command, "Back," or- tossed her head as he picked up her everything. On a windy day we tore dered with a strong push on the nose baby. When both were in the roomy newspapers and let them fly till she and chest. "Whoa" was always accom- stall, we made sure the newborn found went on grazing when a whole sheet panied by a sharp yank on the hacka- its source of nutriment. fluttered by her head. We pulled big more. After each lesson she was given Beginning the next morning, the handkerchiefs from our pockets and a reward of some kind: grain, a carrot, entire family gathered around the pair shook them all around her. We carried or an apple. She must have known several times daily, brushing the new- sticks and branches of every descrip- this, for she had only to see the hacka- born, stroking its head, hugging it tion and rubbed her neck and body more being carried toward the pasture around. the middle where eventually with them. This we felt was a very and she would run to the gate for her the saddle-girth would go, and when necessary procedure, for the mother had lesson. it had steady footing, lifting each foot. apparently been ill-used and when a At about one month of age a halter whip of any kind is used with her, she But she had other things to learn be- was put on for a few minutes each day. gets out of hand, neurotic fear of sides the commands. Harness had to When it was accustomed to this, we led man's chief disciplinary aid is a de- be put over her head and dangle at it short distances with its mother. Soon finite handicap in dealing with a horse. her sides. A saddle had to he put on the foal was so friendly with human The foal always accompanied its and tightened at the girth, the stirrups beings that it sometimes preferred our mother when the latter was under sad- bumping at her stomach. She had to company to its mother's, and then dle or in harness. It became accus- see movement on both sides of her we led it away from her for a few tomed to birds and rabbits starting up body simultaneously. She had to feel steps, increasing the distance each under its feet. it learned to go over weight on her back. First she was time. At the age of six months, when all kinds of ground; rock, ploughed, just shown her tack, in our hands. many horse-breeders begin their halter- muddy; over running water, up and Then it was put on while someone breaking (note even the harsh word: down steep slopes, and. through woods. stroked her head; then it was put on as she stood alone. Then she was led breaking), our family-raised filly was When the filly was a year old her in it; then she went at the end of her leading like a welltrained dog. training began. She was put in a rope. First just a hand was stretched Her feeding was taken care of en- hackamore reinforced with heavy wire over her back to where it would be seen tirely by her mother and good pasture. through the shank under the jowl. The mother had a couple of quarts of by her opposite eye; then we hung Most people think of the hackamore as across, arms on one side, legs on the horse-feed daily, for she was soon under offering control by the nose, but the other. Finally the ultimate mounting saddle and helping with some of the chin is almost more important in longe cultivating. Once in a while the foal training. The first few times it was (Continued on Page 27) 8 The MORGAN HORSE mont and to be sired by a son of Sher- man Morgan owned by Samuel Brooks HONEST ALLEN 73 of Sherbrooke, Quebec, a Morgan (Twenty-seventh in the Series - - Names in Pedigrees) called the Brooks Horse. Her dam was supposed to have been bred in the same By MABEL OWEN region and to have been by Cock of the Rock. Whether this was the Morgan Today there are horsemen who re- selection along what we have grown Cock of the Rock which stood in Dan- flect that there are whole generations to regard as purely Morgan lines. When ville, Vt., while young, or another of grown up into the world of motor cars the results of this selection, plus the the many stallions of that name is un- and airplanes, not to say atomic power great influence of Justin Morgan's own known. If it was this horse, she was and immensities beyond that, even too peculiar precocity, were added to the a very well-bred mare indeed, for he great for contemplation. It leaves a speed-producing families of the Narra- was a double grandson of Justin Mor- dearth, somehow, of the little peaceful gansett Pacer and early Thoroughbred, gan himself, but since there was then things, the small comforts and pleas- there appeared the two greatest Ameri- a great tendency to name a good young ures a horseman knows. Then, the can-bred sires of all time, old Black stallion after his sire, if that horse were exigencies of travel, the toil of farming Hawk and his son Ethan Allen. famous, or even after some other great and the luxuries of racing depended The value of Black Hawk to the horse he might ressemble in looks if upon a deep knowledge of a horse's Morgan horse can never be over-esti- not in lineage, it is most uncertain as character and there was more satis- mated, for he was the finest source of to the actual pedigree of the dam of faction derived from a successful read- speed and quality therein, as well ---as- Honest Allen. Foaling dates, geogra- ing of that character than can now be the most popular scion of the breed, phy and the color, type and markings achieved from a modern, meticulously for on his great name alone, vast num- of the horses involved lend weight to appointed motorcar. The nomadic bers of his get were sold across the the above theory, but records then tribes of this earth, the gypsies in Ire- nation, and their individual successes were sketchy at best, and the memory land and Hungary, the Bedouins of the led to a country-wide Morgan migra- of man, over periods of time, is apt Middle-East came by their intuitive tion. Black Lion, Grayhound, Mc- to be colored, by the hopes once held love and knowledge of the horse rightly Cracken's Black Hawk, Thurston's for some horse's brilliant future. What- for their very dependence on them has Black Hawk, Black Arrow, and Ver- ever her pedigree, however, she was a lent the perspective we so often lack. mont Trotter, these were only a few fine, typy mare, considered by many It is not enough to recognize the per- of his more successful sons, for each of observers a very good one indeed, and fect outline, not enough either to be these lines produced fine performers John B. Clark, editor of the Man- earned in the bloodlines and their on the nation's trotting tracks. Ethan chester, N. H. "Mirror and Farmer" values, for neither of these, or even Allen was probably a greater horse wrote of her that "she was a mare of both will produce the one horse to performance-wise, than his sire, but considerable speed, great finish and nice make of your name as breeder a "bright was over-shadowed by him in popular appearance." It is certain she was a word on history's page." It is not the opinion and got fewer foals, athough splendid producer, for she was the dam jokesters who talk to horses, but that a far greater number of good indivi- of several good road horses, of Honest extra sense of one-ness with them that duals, and it remained for Ethan Allen and of White Mountain Morgan. gives, to gypsies and Arabs alike, the Allen's branch of the Morgan family The latter horse is believed to have curious ability to guage future great- tree through his son Honest Allen, to been her first foal. This one was sired ness, even under an unprepossessing re-establish the Morgan name in public by old Green Mountain and was sold hide, for the adage that "A Gypsy's prominence during this latter century. to a breeder in Clinton, Illinois for gold walks upon four feet." is known The racing successes of Lord Clinton, $4000, considered at that time to be a in many languages and quoted on grandson of Honest Allen, led Colonel record price for a New Hampshire-bred many a nomad's caravan. Battell to establish a full brother, the horse. It was most unfortunate that In the light of what-might-have-been black General Gates at head of the im- this horse, for all his fine speed and it is difficult to decide whether the ad- mense Morgan stud at Breadoaf and at temperate manner, failed to find a versities of Justin Morgan's existance the present time, Morgans tracing to niche in the sire's book of greatness were a help or a hindrance to him. this horse on one or more lines outnum- comparable to that achieved by his Perhaps it would have been easier had ber those of any other single family. half-brother. he lived in a state abounding in horse Honest Allen was one of the first of As in individual, Honest Allen was breeding establishments, but the very Ethan Allen's get to give indication of rather on the small side, since he was nature of Vermont favored the little the heights that horse was to reach as barely 143 and never weighed as much horse in more ways than not, for not a sire. Foaled in 1855, he was out of as a thousand pounds. He was a only was he the very type best suited to a moderately thick-set chestnut mare of clear, red, chestnut, with coppery their needs, but the large majority of Morgan type. Much effort was spent glints in his summer coat and was mares kept there were, as nearly as in tracing her pedigree, and no really marked with an even, quite wide strip could be had of a similar sort, espe- conclusive evidence was ever found to down his face. His head was beautiful, cially as to disposition, stamina and old- support the theory that she was not along the classic lines like that of his fashioned rawhide toughness. Rarely Morgan. From the memory of those sire. His eyes were clear and round, pampered, they had to be sturdy, and who knew her history, she was said to it formed a favorable basis for natural have been purchased. in northern Ver- (Continued on Page 29) TUNE 1953 9 The winner of the 1051 lightweight division of the 100 mile trail ride, TARIK'S GOLDEN LASSIE, is shown with her rider, tho author. UP AND OVER
By PHYLLIS N. TAYLOR
TARIK'S GOLDEN PRINCESS with a few weeks of jumping school- Good form over the hurdle. The rider in this case is displaying ing behind her, serves as an excellent mount for a jumping lesson the proper stance of forward seat technique. The hand on the for 15 year old Pamela Erdman. horse's neck is good insurance. For over ten years I have traveled As any experienced jumping instructor grace and an injustice to our horses, to through several states to witness all can tell us, any horse (and most the Morgan name. If a rider has to kinds of horse shows, including the ponies) can be taught to handle him- holler to excite his mount, if he has to famous National Horse Shows held self safely and gracefully over "low" beat the horse into a frenzy in order to at Madison Square Garden in New jumps. In fact, many are the Shet- get him to leap over an obstacle from York City and at the Boston Garden. I lands we have seen jump in a more fear of the crop—then, this is not the deeply envy the hunt-capped. riders graceful and confident manne r than kind of jumping that our show who ride "clean" and gracefully over some of our Morgans. audiences or ourselves can be proud of. all types of tricky hunt-courses and My frankness, I realize, is subject (There are proper Cmes for the use of challenging obstacle-jumps on their to strong criticism and discussion — the voice and the crop.) Nor does high and heavy Thoroughbred hunters well, that is exactly what I hope to anyone admire the horse who con- and jumpers. I admire the aristocratic create, to start a solution to give our stantiy exhibits dislike, lack of con- American Saddle Horses as combina- Morgans a chance to be "admired" in fidence, and refusal, who awkwardly tion pleasure mounts (harness and jumping classes, as they always are plods up to a jump, hanging back be- hack.) "under harness or tack." I have to cause his interest has not been de- Yet, tops with me is the National be frank because of my deep feeling for veloped properly, and his rider does Morgan Horse Show, not only because Morgans, and I mean to speak in de- not knew how to "help" him. of the "horse flesh" which is exhibited fense of the horse. Morgans certainly can partic'pate in (wish I could own some of those I It seems that months of hard labor the local shows in hunter and jumper see there!) but also the unequaled is spent on everything for schooling classes of but 3' and 3'6" jumps. Is our variety of classes. Neither "Garden" our horsesl—except jumping. Why difficulty in the lack of time or facility, can boast the intrigueing Just'n Mor- can't some of our teen agers get of experienced handlers of jumpers, the gan Class, the mass of proud !, beautiful schooled now as "correct" and confident "know-how?" How true it is, that we and well-mannered stallions, the ador- riders of their Morgans over all kinds Morgan owners have strong disadvan- able colts, a Versatility Class or an of jumps? Why can't we find ex- tage to other breeders for we do not "endurance" Ten-mile Road Test. In- perienced jumping instructors to school have but one thing to school our horses deed, for years Morgans have proudly our Morgans properly over jumps as for, we have variety! Indeed, our exhibited themselves as "fast and others school them for harness and "versatile Morgans" are a broad chal- stylish" both in fancy-and-draft har- tack? lenge to ourselves! But—can we not ness, and under saddle in the show Our jumping standard now is at the get our young riders interested, and ring as well as constant winners in the bottom of the ladder. In 1940 and start them on a jumping program to Endurance Trail Ride contest. 1941 the jumping class was at 3'6". improve this situation? Can't we find My own personal experiences as a Now we seem barely able to squeak good and experienced instructors to Morgan owner, breeder, and handler out a 3' jump. But what is more of a take on both our riders and their Mor- for almost ten years has proved some- shame to us, instead of a pride, is the gans for top-notch schooling? Let us thing even more valuable. I do not manner of going, the "way" in wh'ch raise our standard. Surely, through speak from prejudice, but from a con- our pets "barely-manage-to get-over" frank discussions, suggestions from all clusion drawn from talks with owners our rails. It is our fault, not the horses, of us can find a way to improve this of other breeds. Some of the strongest and only because we have not given situation. lovers of other breeds have admitted them sufficient schooling. How can It seems that some of us dislike to that, indeed, the Morgans have it over cur Morgans impress their audiences face the truth—to admit that we do others when it comes to "personality," that they "know what they are doing," need "improvement." Yet, if one a "human" horse rather than a that they like to jump? How can we mingles with show-audiences, especially
" machine; " and, when in times of increase the number of entries, and the those who know about jumping, then crisis, and a horse's "sense" has proved competition in the jumping classes? one has to face the critical unenthus- the steadying and helping hand which How can we get "helping" riders to iastic remarks against our breed. has averted sure catastrophe. (We aid the horse in his jumping perfor- In fairness to our breed—let's admit have experienced 5 different cases of mance? — Morgans can and will jump our weaknesses, let us study them, and this with our registered mare, Tarik's well, — but they must have the proper compare them with other jumpers Golden Lassie.) schooling under experienced and good and hunters. Do not our Morgans de- Yet, in spite of all these strong points hands. serve experienced and understanding a Morgan. has, and the variety of abili- Those who have ridden the 100-mile handlers in their jumping, and in the ties he is constantly being trained for, Trail R;des know the sad mistakes of riders of them? Is it not hands of ex- there is definitely one field in which riders who "entered" a Morgan merely perience which have won us our ac- our standard has been decreasing in- because of its "endurance reputation," claim under harness, and tack and in stead of improving. It has become very and, there was no proper conditioning. endurance contests, in pulling the obvious to me that although we Mor- Result? — the horses suffered indivi- stone-boat? I have observed with envy gan lovers claim our pets are "jumpers" dually, and our breed was subject to the calm and experienced drivers as (part of their versatility) we have done temporary clouds. In this same way, they have handled, with keen under- ourselves, and our breed unconscious some folks seem to think that the standing, high-spirited and flashy stal- harm by not giving our talented indi- "versatile Morgan" can "jump," (ad- lions (mares or geldings) as they have vidual mounts a fair chance to develop mirably, that is) without any proper whipped around the show ring in a and improve their jumping standard. schooling. This is becoming a dis- (Continued on Page 30) TUNE 1953 1 1 family." Bob Morgan was by Ethan usually permit gentle handling and will Allen 2nd out of a mare by Green generally forget the former tenderness Mountain 2nd, his second dam by there, but it may help to fold a cloth QUIZ CORNER Black Morgan. He was shown at the over his head, not a grain sack because Vermont State Fair in 1909 where dust will get in his eyes and ears, but there were some 250 Morgans exhibited, perhaps an old towel, and then rub Question: I should like to know The stallion won first in the get-of- your hand over his head and ears under something about Bob Morgan, grand- sire class and three of his get won the cloth. It is important to remember sire of Artemesia, his size, color, etc. blues in two year old stallion, three you can't be too gentle when handling year old gelding and two year old geld- a horse's head, ears, eyes, and nostrils. Answer: In a circular advertising ing classes. Also sired by him were Many such problems have their begin- his services while he stood at A. R. Van Morgan Boy, 2nd in yearling stallion ning in rough handling when groom- Tassel's Hill Crest Farm in DuBois, and Morgan Queen, 2nd in the year- ing or bridling, or by chafes caused by Pennsylvania, it is stated of Bob Mor- ling filly class. dirty or badly fitting halters or bridles. gan that "Bob Morgan is a handsome Kicking while eating isn't unusual. dark bay stallion with black points, Question: One of our horses is ex- Sometimes the cure is simple, some- 15 hands and about 975 pounds. Bred times not, If it is due to jealousy, by William Rosebrooks, Island Pond, tremely ear-shy and a confirmed kicker in the stall while eating. Since he is board up the stall partition over the Vermont. He is a typical Morgan of manger so he won't see another horse the old-fashioned kind—an animal of a fine saddle horse otherwise, we'd like to try to cure the foregoing bad habits. while he's eating. There are various superior intelligence, proud and lofty other manual methods to prevent kick- style and More horse to the inch than Answer: Some horses are ear-shy ing, one of the simplest being a short can be found in any other breed—in for various reasons and the solution of leather strap buckled loosely around the show ring he is always the center the problem may lie in finding and a rear pastern with four or five links of attraction. He possesses superior curing the cause. Your veterinarian of an old automobile tire chain road qualities, being absolutely fearless, should, be able to tell you whether there threaded onto it. It is somewhat prompt and cheerful, with the best of is anything radically wrong. Some- easier to pad the stall where he kicks, disposition and absolutely sound. It times there are warts or other growths with one or two old auto tires hung can be truthfully said that few if any bothering the horse, sometimes a form against the wall, or if you are lucky better bred Morgan horse lives than of canker and occasionally it is as simple enough to be able to find some, several this one and possessing as he does all as a woodtick in the ear. Once the lengths of discarded fire hose. the characteristics of that justly famous cause is removed, the animal will
PARADE SADDLES HORSE SHOW Classes for Morgans will be in- cluded among the list of those on the program of the benefit horse Priced from $275 up. show to be sponsored by the Execu- Generous trade - in tive Committee of Troop 83, Boy Scouts of America on June 28. at the allowance for your Scaghticoke Fair Grounds, Scaghti- old saddle. coke, New York. Classes will start at 9.00 a. m. with the official open- ing at 1:00 p. m. and the Morgan classes slated for the afternoon. Much interest has been shown by Large assortment of silver bridles both owners and the public and as from $79.95. it is the first show to have these classes in many years, at least in One show huiness, excellent condition. this area, it is hoped owners and breeders will avail themselves of New traces, patent leather breast collar and the opportunity offered them, and caveson set $125. enter. Listed are "Morgan under saddle" and "Combination Mor- ATTENTION MORGAN OWNERS — Send gan," with some other classes being held open, if the Morgan people today for your discount card which entitles care to fill them. There will also you to 10% off regular prices. Save at be colt classes, Get of Sire, Road Havey's by presenting your discount card. hack, trail horse, etc., in the open classes. Visit our display at the National Morgan t have praised the Morgan for Show. years around here, public interest is high, prospective sales are good, and now the rest is up to Morgan owners — let's hope they enter! avey s June Stowell, Sec. Manchester New Hampshire Rt. 2, Johnsonville, N. Y.
12 The MORGAN HORSE MID-WEST MORGAN Stabled at the same place is Jenney Lake, now owned by Albert Kaegel ILLINOIS NEWS HORSE OWNERS, Inc. of Chesterfield, Missouri. Always a By BEVERLEE STAHL The Mid-west Morgan Horse Owners, winner whether shown in hand, in Inc. held their first quarterly meeting harness or under saddle while owned of 1953 at the Peru Hotel in Peru, Ill. by the Greenwalts, she will be trained A substantial number of members for Mr. Kaegel's young daughter Although our spring rains have been attended, several traveling over 300 Sandra to show. The Kaegels are also cold and sometimes mixed with snow miles. the owners of a yearling filly, chestnut the leafing trees and greening grass The meeting was presided over by with a white mane and tail, which foretells the coming of a luxurious Mr. Chester Treftc, president. Plans come from Mrs. Greenwalt of Pawnee, spring. In the orchard our flowering were made for the 1953 show and Illinois. fruit trees await the sun and warmth tentative trail ride. Over in Lebanon, Ill. is a small, so that they may attain their full It was decided and voted unani- select group of Morgans owned by glor}A. mously that the show be held at Mr. F. K. Dzengolewski. Heading this The Morgans here at Stahlward have Monee, Ill., the 18th and 19th of July, group is Pride of King, a bay stallion, been shedding for some time and are with Mr. Robert R. Stahl of Lowell, and as true a Morgan as can be found. now sporting a brilliant sheen in their Indiana as chairman and Mrs. A. W. He is by King Shenandoah, a grandson coats that was absent when they car- Peiritz of Skokie as Show Secretary- of Bennington, and out of Rarette, a ried the lifeless covering that is so Treasurer. Committee members are: full sister to Paragraph. Mr. Dzengo- essential to their health during the publicity, Mrs. Helen Berenz, Miss lewski plans to show him a little this long winter months. Patricia Hallquist, Mrs. L. S. Green- year, and he will be a horse to watch. wait and Mrs. Robert R. Stahl. Other An outstanding chestnut brood mare Mr. Albert Katgel of St. Louis, committee members are Mr. Ray is Princess Toby by Cinnamon Lad Missouri has purchased from Mrs. L. Searls, Mr. L. S. Greenwalt, Mr. Ross out of Toby King. She was due to S. Greenwalt her greatly esteemed mare Griffith and Mr C. J. O'Neill. foal in a few weeks, and if the colt is Jenny Lake. This mare has earned The next meeting is to be held the anything like its dam, it will be tops. herself an enviable show record, chalk- evening of July 18 after the show. These were two nice young fillies, both ing up many wins in harness under This is to be an open dinner meeting with lovely heads, as well as two good saddle as well as in hand. She was and all members and exhibitors are in- young stallions. last years American Morgan Shows vited to attend. Ray Searls of Medora, Ill., has some champion mare, also champion at the This year's show plans to be an im- nice Morgans. Here the head man is Illinois State Fair several years pre- provement over the previous years as Illawana Jerry by Captain Red out of vious. the stabling facilities at Monee are ex- Gildia by Go Hawk. This five-year- Mr. Kaegel has also purchased the cellent and the new ring adequate. old dark bay stallion is shown in all nice yearling filly Sandy Butterscotch The construction of many fine new the local shows in parade and pleasure for his young daughter. As I under- motels along the nearby highways classes, as well as on pleasure and trail stand Miss Kaegel is an excellent rider, makes it easy for one to find the very rides, proving the usability and docility these two youngsters should make an best in sleeping accommodations. Do of the Morgan stallion. Mr. Searls has attractive pair in a very few years. make plans to exhibit and show the a nice stud colt by him out of Illawana Mr. Porter Fox of Chicago, Ill., pur- spectators of the mid-west what a well- Nada, a good-looking chestnut mare. chased from Mrs. L. S. Greenwalt, a bred and well-trained Morgan can do. Also catching my eye was a bay yearl- ing filly by Pride of King out of Cin- yearling stud colt to be shipped by air Illinois-Missouri News to Ecuador, South America along with namon Queen. She was just as round other breeding animals. By PATRICIA HALLQUIST as a butterball. People planning to Interest in Morgans is running high show yearlings this year will have to Mr. Neal Werts of Humansville, this spring out here in the Illinois- contend with her for the blue. Missouri has sold his nice 4-year-old Missouri region. Everyone I've met Wesley Dent of Mascoutah, Ill., re- stallion Justin Jubilee on the east is looking forward to shows and trail cently sold a three-year-old stallion, coast. I fear Mr. Werts is going to rides and of course anxiously awaiting Hytone Boy, to V. B. Penny of Harves- miss this horse as he was Reserve the arrival of colts. ter, Missouri. This stallion is by Champion Stallion at the Illinois State The Airacobra, owned by D. E. Congo out of Dellama, and was Reserve Fair for two years in succession. Sheffer of Kirkwood, Missouri is in Champion Weanling of the Morgan The Mosher brothers of Salt Lake fine shape. Now a three-year-old, he Futurity at the 1950 Illinois State Fair_ City, Utah have made another trip to has filled out this past winter and pre- Mr Dent also has a yearling stallion the mid-west, taking home with them sents more of a challenge than ever Fancy Dan by Congo out of Dellama from the University of Illinois a good to the Mid-West stallions. A rich, who won the weanling colt class at the son of Flyhawk. This young stallion dark chestnut with an almost white 1952 Illinois State Fair. a two-year-old chestnut, possesses the mane and tail, he will be shown in The Greenwalts of Pawnee, Ill., have size and weight that they find so hand, in harness, and under saddle in done quite a lot of selling this spring, necessary in their rocky terrain. They both Morgan and gaited classes this including the following horses to the also purchased a three-year-old stallion year. They say he can really rack a East: from Mr. Roy Brunk of Rochester, Ill. storm, too. (Continued on Page 25) JUNE 1953 13 WARHAWK at work CHIEF TWO FEATHERS holding a roped horse.
In a letter to C. Fred Austin, Al- bert W. Cross of DuBois, Wyoming deplores the fact that more is not written about the use of Morgans on the range. Read his reasons why the Morgan is a good cow pony.
Morgan mares owned by the ranch.
WARHAWK holding a rope on a cow. By the time the cow had calmed down for the photographer. old Hawk had become so bored he was almost asleep. . . . from Wyoming
By ALBERT W. CROSS
Dear Mr. Austin: Now then, when are we going to like to see the Morgan Horse Club Here is a little news of Morgans have a good action picture of a cow slap the wrist of the PHBA. I don't from our immediate vicinity that I horse on the cover of The Morgan suppose it would do much good hut, have heard, seen, etc. Horse Magazine? at least, a lot of Palomino breeders I guess that the first thing I had Believe it or not, there is a mighty would wake up to the fact that there is ought to get off my chest is my gripes; horse-world out here in the cow coun- a breed called Morgan. namely, why the Sam Hill isn't there try and the Morgan should have just Now, as to the little I have heard of more in the Morgan Magazine about as big or bigger place in it as the the Morgans up here on the head- the Morgan as a cow pony? I seldom famed Quarter Horse, but due to the waters of the Big Wind River: I be- see an article about the Morgan in this Quarter Horse propaganda machine, lieve that there is more interest in the capacity....one in which he excels. the average layman thinks that all cow Morgan horse in our country than I Is it the fact that the real old-time cow- punchers ride Quarter Horses. I want can ever remember of. We have sent men that use the Morgan are toct a few of them, and all Morgan breeders horses the past year to Texas, New blamed busy to write, as I am most of to know that there are a good many Mexico and California, as well as the time; or are the Morgan people that ride Morgans, and I've never seen different parts of our own state. Some just conceding the field to the Quarter a Morgan horseman come in afoot, as of these horses have been registered Horses? In either case, look out—for the saying goes. and some have not, but all have been I'm ready to start a one-man war to Now, my second and last yelp for full-blood Morgans. I am in hopes of preserve the recognit'on of the Morgan this time has to do with the PHBA, of plac'ng a few horses in Utah and as one of the greatest, if not the great- which I am a member. As you may Washington soon. We recieved a nice est, cow horse in the U. S. By cow know, we have a strain of double- letter recently from Mrs. L. S. Green- horse I mean a working cow horse. registered Palomino-Morgans. They walt of Pawnee, Ill. She sent us the One that not only can catch a calf in represent about 35 years of breeding name and address of a man wishing a harrowed rodeo arena in a jump- on the part of my father and myself. to buy Warhawk 8605. However, he and-a-holler or cut cattle in the same Last week I attended a meeting of decided that 10 years were too many arena after being schooled for several our State Palomino Association. At years; so we still have the grand old years and used for that purpose only, as that time I found out that, due to a man of the H Bar Ranch. so many of the present day rodeo horses new ruling of the National Associa- The Indian Department here has are; but a horse that you can catch old tion, a Palomino colt out of a registered gone out of the horse business, which Mossy Horn in the scrub-oak or go PHBA mare can only be registered in is a blow to the Morgan horse—as, for into a herd and rope from 1 to 100 the Permanent Book if both sire and years, they bred Morgans. However, calves without scattering the round-up dam are registered Palominos, or the there are still a lot of Morgan horses over four counties, and if a calf does sire is a registered Thoroughbred, and a lot of Morgan blood showing on quit the flats you have horse enough Quarter Horse or Arab. All others the reservation. A few Indans are still to catch him in any kind of footing Morgan included, must first go in the breeding them—one of the foremost before he has run h:mself to death. Tentative Book and stand trial, so to being Jim Hill of Burris, Wyoming. Then, if you should jump a bunch of speak. This works the same in case However, I don't think he is register- horses and have to bring them off the the stallion is a Palomino and the mare ing anything. His foundation sire is face of Old Baldy, he can run downhill another breed. Of course there are a one of the horses raised by the Indian as well as up hill and keep it up 'till good many breeds left out under this School named Chief Justin Morgan. the ponies are corraled. ruling, but I don't think it right that Another school horse is Buckles, who I have Morgans and have sold Mor- one of the oldest, if not the oldest, is owned by John Lee of Lander, Wyo- gans that can do anything as well or truly American breeds—the Morgan— ming. He also owns the good mare better than any horses in the arena, should be omitted. I feel that we, the Easter Fine S. I am in hopes of get- and some of them are working in that Morgan breeders, have been asleep at ting both of these boys to join our capacity now; but the horses I'm proud the switch; but you can bet that there organization. of are the ones that are out on the were three breeds of horses whose Mr. Whitlock and Mr. Galley of range doing an honest-to-goodness cow associations were there to see that they Casper, Wyoming, and the Flagg pony's work. These horses aren't weren't lost in the shuffle. I might add Ranch, are also doing fine with their working for a ribbon, a trophy or a that I raised quite a rumpus for being Morgans. They own a nice lot of Mor- few dollars prize money—they are the only Morgan breeder present and gans, most of which are sired by Cap- working to get one of the hardest jobs the boys and girls know that they ta'n Kellogg. They bred one of their done right that any horse can be called stepped on someone's toes. I slapped Kellogg mares to our Morgan, War- on to do. our State Association's wrist—now I'd (Continued on Page 31) JUNE 1953 15 JOE KELLEY, M.H.R. 10618, also Those Lumbar Vertebrae Again has eighteen thoracic and six lumbar bones in the spinal column. By ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN In view of the differences described above, the question arises as to the ex- From the literature Morgan fancit, a Thoroughbred. The size and charac- have been lead to believe that this strait tent of variation in the Morgan and ter of the MORGAN frame, as a matter also in other breeds. The books on and the Arab are the two breeds of of fact, coincides with that of the Ara- modern horses which have character. comparative anatomy usually give the bian, and is as far removed, as possible formula for the modern horse as seven istically five instead of six lumbar verte from the accepted type of the racing brae. The data on which this conch'. cervical, eigtheen thoracic, six lumbar Thorc ughbred." and five sacral vertebrae. The seven sion is based are scanty. Unfortunately, these accounts can- cervicals are of course characteristic In Circular #199, November, 1921, not be verified as specimens were of all mammals. It will be noted that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, apparently not preserved. They are ETHAN ALLEN has seventeen in- Mr. H. H. Reese gives the following to a degree substantiated by the skele- stead of eighteen thoracic bones and information: "Post-mortem examina- ton of ETHAN ALLEN which is pre- tions of Morgan horses have revealed that other breeds of horses have also served in the Museum of Natural shown this variation. Again in "The only five lumbar vertebrae, whereas History, University of Kansas. We Comparative Anatomy of the Domesti- most horses have six. GENERAL are indebted to Dr. E. Raymond Hall, GATES 666, DONALD 5224, DUDE cated Animals," by L. F. Lillard, 1905, the Director of the museum, for the page 37, it is stated: "The thorough- 4673, and a weanling colt sired by following information: "Some old bred. English horse has sometimes five; TROUBADOUR OF WILLOW correspondence in the Museum file sometimes six lumbar vertebrae." MOOR 6459 out of LADY LYNDON and inspection of the skeleton itself by 03342 possessed this characteristic. Finally, it should be observed that in Messrs. Baker and Galbreath permit some American thoroughbreds, con- Other things being equal, a back with me to provide the following informa- spicuously the type now being used to twenty-three vertebrae should carry tion. Many of the bones are broken weight more easily than one with produce Quarter Horses, the back is and fragmentary. The horse seems to quite as short as in the typical Morgan. twenty-four, and it is possible that have been buried shortly after its death this explains in part why CASTOR In his account of the Morgan Horse in 1876 and remained in the ground ("The Horses of the World," Nat. and GLADSTONE WERE ABLE TO until exhumed on June 4, 1887. In Geog. Soc., Wash., D. C., 1923) Wil- CARRY THE SAME WEIGHT AS that time the bones suffered appre- liam Harding Carter comments as fol- READILY AS LARGER HORSES. A ciably Vertebrae present are as fol- lows: "When the sire of Gladstone short loin is generally associated, with lows: seven cervicals; seventeen thora- and Castor died, the postmortem ex- a short coupling, which in turn denotes cies; five lumbars; the sacrum com- amination showed only five lumbar easy keeping qualities and the ability posed of five sacrals; two caudals. I am vertebrae. Similar condit'ons have to withstand a long trip without be- told that the lumbar vertebra which been found to exist after post-mortems coming noticeably 'tucked in'." articulated with the sacrum is present. in other cases. Should the existence In "The Vermont Horse and Bridle We do not know that any vertebrae Trail Bulletin" for July of 1939, it is of only five lumbar vertebrae be char- anterior to the caudals are missing, but acteristic of all the Morgans, that stated: "Recently, some intimate and Messrs. Baker and Galbreath are un- compelling facts have been brought to would suggest descent from the Ara- willing to commit themselves to a bian, but it would require remarkable light that make it more than probable statement that all of the precadual ver- that JUSTIN MORGAN was a mixture prepotency of sire to fix an anatomical ebrae are present." change of marked importance in the of Arabian and Dutch horse. C. C. It should be recorded here that the Stillman, secretary and treasurer of foals of such an assortment of mares skeleton of ETHAN ALLEN is cata- as were known to have been bred to The Morgan Horse Club, Inc. for some loged in the Museum of the University years, and an extensive breeder of of Kansas under the number 52229. Justin Morgan and his sons." MORGANS, decided to investigate We must now point out that the Obviously now the existence of only the matter of descent by exhuming vertebral column of a still-born colt five lumbar vertebrae is not character- the skeletons of a number of his ani- (dam RUTHVEN'S SALLY ANN, istic of all the Morgans. As far as the mals, to ascertain if their conformation sire LIPPITT MORO ASH) in the records go this horse exhibits the same suggested any particular breed. In a collections of the Museum of Paleon- range of variation in the number of number of instances, he discovered that tology, University of Michigan, ex- vertebrae as other modern light breeds, they possessed five instead of six lum- hibits eighteen thoracic and six lumbar with the possible exception of the Arab, bar vertebrae — a distinct Arabian vertebrae, and another specimen now and there is no direct correlation be- characteristic, which never occurs in in this museum, SPRINGBROOK tween the length of the back and the number of body vertebrae. It is also evident that we need much more data than is now available be- HOLLISTON HORSE SHOW fore the amount of variation in the Sunday, June 14 vertebral column of the Morgan and other light breeds can be determined. Write: Charles H. Warner, Hopkinton, Mass. We suggest that wherever possible specimens he preserved in museums.
16 The MORGAN HORSE .JEFF 'S JOURNAL
PART 7
"BONNIE with JIFFY — 7 days old"
f he week of June 6 to June 13, 1951 went out alone. This carefulness was of experience, and it can also correct a year ago, had beautiful, clear, soft probably quite unnecessary, but that erroneous information. Most of the starlit nights. Never have I seen such is the way I am. As spring progressed writers, although not all of them, know lovely nights, but never have I had she became more sluggish. I took to what they are talking about, and if the opportunity to study them for a riding bare-back, so that at least I could they can tell it intelligibly they can be week at three o'clock in the morning. improve my seat as we walked and a very real help. It is a rewarding experience to be alone jogged around the neighborhood. By Before the first of June, wax formed. with your mare at that hour in a pas- the first of June, I gave up even that Foaling could be any time. Soon after ture when all the world appears to and wondered why I had. thought it June 1, milk started to flow. She could sleep. My purpose in being there at would be fun to have a foal. It was a foal any day then. Day after day that time was to see if she needed help tiresome period. I am sure that mares passed. She dozed almost all day just in foaling, or to bring them both in if are not always so lethargic. Bonnie is inside the box-stall door with her head she had foaled. It was on Friday, the a highly conservative creature and hanging to her knees. At night she 13th of June shortly before that hour broodiness just comes natural to her. would wander out to pasture with slow that Jeffy was born, just 340 days after The doctor had advised that she be and stately tread to graze. These were her breeding. allowed to foal either in her stall or out trying days. Bonnie had been slow to show her at pasture whichever she preferred. On June 9th the milk sprayed out in condition. You will find that every- Mares had an easier time foaling, if a small mist with a slight hiss rhythmi- body rallies around to help at your they could do it where they wanted to, cally as she walked, grazing. She first foal. Some of these come by invi- so he said. Therefore, from the middle should foal by morning. June 10, 1I tation and a good many come just to of May on, her stall door was fastened and 12th were the same. According have a share in the business. You will open and she was free to come and go, to her symptoms, she was long overdue. be deluged with advice, and your mare night and day, between stall and pas- had developed a schedule for obser- will be subjected to the most intimate ture. I disinfected her stall by wash- vation at about eleven at night, three scrutiny. The concensus of these ing the walls and sloshing the floor in the morning and at six. At anytime friends was that Bonnie was not in with Lysol, and made her a deep bed Toby and I expected to find that we foal. This was in March. 1 called the of bright, long straw. From my many had two horses in the pasture. On Great Doc. Yes, he said, she is preg- books I took advice to have certa'n June 12 she seemed livelier. She walked nant although she does not show it. preparations at hand. I filled a basket around, in the daytime and reacted We then built the big foaling stall by with clean towels, iodine, disinfectant, pleasantly to my attentions. removing the partition between her and other things. By now several of Three AM, June 13, found me box-stall and the adjoining straight you are saying what a worry-wart I am. drugged with sleep on the way to the stall. With all this unusual space to True enough, I am one. However, barn. A soft low mutter was a new roll in, she did so w:th abandon one any big stable of valuable horses takes night sound. It was Bonnie beside her- night and become cast. The long these and other precautions. I see no self in an ecstasy of joy, licking and horizontal scratch marks and shoe im- reason why the single mare in the talking to the perfect little foal which prints on the broken-out Dutch-door amateur barn should not have as good lay in the straw, its little head waving showed me what had happened. She attention as is allowed by time and like a blossom on its stalk. Bonnie was loose in the pasture that morning. man-power, whatever her value. There d'cl not mind at all when I came into All fall and winter I had been using is also a tendency to scorn "book- the stall to help dry her baby. It her regularly but quietly, and in the larning" in practical matters. To struggled to rise and fell back. I saw spring with increasing caution. We that I say that the knowledge found in that it was still attached to the placenta were no fun to ride with and so we books can do much to make up for lack (Continued on Page 27) TUNE 1953 17 TOP: Charlie O'Neill's veteran campaigner, ARCHIE 0. TOP: Two young ladies and me CENTER: LIPPITT SAM MORO. owned by Miss Claire Fisher of Farm in Rhode Island. At Let Plainville. N. H. BOTTOM Our cover horse with her youthful and BELLEDALE. BOTTOM: M rider, Miss Erdman, displays the form which won for the mare stallion, the past 2 years in trail, pleasure and hack classes. 0 R G A N S