Morgan Horse

The Morgan horse is one of the first equine breeds developed in the United States. Its foundation stallion was Figure, who was foaled in 1789 and owned by Justin Morgan.

Today, these compact horses are used for everything from therapeutic riding and ranch work to equestrian sports and police work.

Once you learn about Morgan horse characteristics, you’ll understand why this is such a beloved breed for riders of all ages and experience levels.

Morgan Horse Snapshot

• Height: 14.1–15.2 hands (56.4–60.8 inches)

• Weight: 900–1,100 pounds

• Lifespan: 25+ years on average

• Colors: All colors, but commonly brown, chestnut, bay, and black

Caring for a Morgan Horse

Morgan horses are not challenging to care for. They’re relatively healthy, don’t have complicated grooming needs, and are easy to train and pleasurable to work with.

Morgans are easy keepers, though, meaning they can gain weight easily. It’s important to maintain them at a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.

Morgan Horse Health Issues

The Morgan horse breed is generally healthy. However, there are certain conditions that they can genetically inherit, and they are susceptible to the same health problems that can affect all horses as they age or when they don’t receive the right diet and daily care. 

Here are some of the health issues that a Morgan horse might be predisposed to:

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)

Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) causes the body to accumulate too much glycogen (a form of sugar) in the muscles, leading to tying up episodes (painful, uncontrollable muscle contractions).

Some of the main symptoms of PSSM include:

• Cramping

• Weakness

• Soreness

• Stiffness

• Sweating

• Muscle tremors

• Reluctance to move

There are two types of PSSM:

• Type 1 PSSM is inherited, caused by a genetic mutation in the GYS1 (glycogen synthase 1) gene.

• Type 2 PSSM is not caused by a genetic mutation and its causes are unknown.

Morgans have a low risk of PSSM1 and can also develop PSSM2. Genetic testing is helpful in determining the risk of PSSM1.  

Treatment can be provided when a tying up episode occurs. Pain medications, anti-inflammatories (such as phenylbutazone or firocoxib), muscle relaxants (such as methocarbamol), and sedatives may be prescribed by your veterinarian after an episode occurs.

Changes in diet, such as avoidance of grain or only using one with low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content and the addition of vitamin E, may also be necessary. Exercise should be slowly added back to the horse’s daily routine.  

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Commonly seen in Morgans and other horse breeds, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is similar to diabetes in that the body is unable to process insulin properly. It can be caused and worsened by excess weight.

Symptoms of EMS include:

• Gaining weight easily

• Difficulty losing weight

• Fatty deposits in the tail head and crest of the neck

• High body condition score

• Laminitis/founder

Your veterinarian can provide dietary recommendations to help your horse if they’ve been diagnosed with EMS. The goal will be to get your horse to lose weight safely.

Your vet might advise switching to a low-carb grain, reducing grass consumption, and choosing hay with low non-structural carbohydrates (NSC).  

There is no cure for EMS, but you can manage this condition with the right diet and exercise that will help keep your horse at a healthy weight. 

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)  

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease, is a progressive endocrine disorder that affects the pituitary gland, which produces and regulates hormones. Morgan horses may be predisposed to this condition, which is seen in all breeds. 

PPID develops when the hypothalamus in the brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine. As a result, the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland makes too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then causes the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. 

With PPID, horses can present with a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Long and/or curly coat

• Patchy shedding

• Laminitis

• Lethargy

• Hoof abscess

• Weight loss

• Muscle loss

• Increased drinking and urination

• Pot-bellied appearance

• Chronic infections

PPID can’t be cured, but it can be managed with a medication called Prascend® (pergolide). Your veterinarian might also recommend changes to your horse’s diet, especially if they also have underlying conditions like EMS.

What To Feed a Morgan Horse

Morgan horses are easy keepers that can quickly gain weight, so it’s important to feed them an appropriate diet to maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid overfeeding your horse to help prevent obesity that can make them prone to other health problems. Foods that are low in sugar and starch are recommended for this breed. 

On average, you can feed your horse roughly 2% of their body weight in forage daily. For example, if your Morgan weighs 900 pounds, they can eat about 18 pounds of forage every day.  

Foods like Timothy hay, alfalfa hay, flax, soybean meal, and oats can be good choices for a Morgan. And be sure to have fresh water available at all times.  

Providing a vitamin/mineral supplement, along with salt, will round out the diet and provide the nutrients your horse needs. Talk to your veterinarian about supplements that would benefit your horse, though, especially if they have been diagnosed with a medical problem.

Morgan Horse Disciplines

The Morgan horse can just about do it all and is a wonderful riding companion. They even perform in various horse shows, such as regional shows promoted by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA).

Considered a versatile horse breed, Morgans are used for a wide range of activities related to work and recreation. Examples include:

• Driving

• Reining

• Dressage

• Jumping

• Trail riding

• Endurance riding

• Pleasure riding

• Ranch work

• Therapeutic riding

• Police work

Whether you’re planning on using your horse to compete in equestrian events, you need a stock horse for working with livestock, or you want an equine companion for leisurely rides, the Morgan can exceed your expectations. 

Morgan Horse Personality and Temperament

There’s a lot to love about the Morgan horse. In addition to being talented in multiple areas, they have a fantastic personality that makes them a pleasure to handle and ride.

Morgans are intelligent, alert, pleasant, gentle, and loyal. They are also cooperative and reliable. It’s no wonder that they excel in so many disciplines.

These active and athletic horses get along with both adults and children. Because they are friendly, calm, and affectionate, Morgans make lovely companions for horse owners and riders of all levels, including beginners. 

Morgan Horse Training

Morgan horses are known for their trainability, as well as their eagerness to please and willingness to work.

But regardless of when you start training these horses, it’s important to develop trust so they will gladly follow your cues. Always be gentle and patient—and never harsh—as you work on building your relationship with your horse.

Morgan Horse Grooming Guide

Morgan horses don’t have complicated grooming needs. You can use a basic equine grooming routine to keep their coat smooth and their hooves in top condition.

Follow a grooming schedule for brushing and cleaning your horse and use high-quality grooming tools.

Coat Care

Groom your Morgan horse regularly, at least once a week. To be sure you’ll always have what you need, assemble a horse grooming kit that includes: 

• Curry comb and dandy brush for loosening and removing dead hair and debris

• Shedding blade to remove loose hair

• Soft face brush that won’t irritate this sensitive area

• Mane and tail comb or brush for detangling these delicate hairs

• Finishing brush to make the coat shine

When needed, use a detangler on the mane and tail. And if your horse gets very dirty, use a gentle shampoo that will remove stains and brighten all Morgan horse colors, including a black Morgan horse.

Hoof Care

Your Morgan horse’s hooves should be examined regularly by a professional farrier. They can look for and address hoof issues, as well as ensure the hooves are properly trimmed, balanced, and shoed if necessary.

In addition, your veterinarian should regularly examine your horse’s hooves to diagnose and treat problems like abscesses. 

Take a look at your horse’s hooves daily so you can spot problems and treat them promptly. A durable hoof pick should be used to efficiently remove rocks, dirt, and other debris from the hooves to keep them clean and healthy.