Vermont is for Horse Lovers

 A chestnut Morgan horse that carries the Silver mutation. Photo by Anthony Domire JR.
A chestnut Morgan horse that carries the Silver mutation. Photo by Anthony Domire JR.

I am always looking for new and different ways to spend time in Vermont which is unique to this wonderful state. Here is something kids of all ages can enjoy: a visit to a newborn foal and her mother.

When it comes to Morgan horses, the University of Vermont’s Morgan Horse Farm is the go-to address. With over 70% of the entire world population of Morgan’s coming from this locale, you can bet a visit here will be a special treat.

The Morgan farm is located in Middlebury. It is 215-beautiful acres which got its start when Justin Morgan acquired a colt in 1789. Morgan was a Vermont native who received his colt from someone in Springfield, Massachusetts as payment for a debt he owed. Morgan was taken with this horses outstanding look and excellent athletic abilities. Morgan named the colt “Figure” and observed that the horse could “out trot, out run and out pull” all his other horses.

Convinced that he should have more horses like this one, he started to breed “Figure.” To Morgan’s surprise and satisfaction, he discovered that no matter what kind of mare Figure was bred with, the offspring turned out just like their father. Unknowingly Morgan had discovered one of the most important equine sires in horse history.

The farm is open to the public and offers tours of the premises. Enjoy!

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