Versatility Showcase - Carriage

Born to be a good carriage horse, the Morgan is upheaded and stylish; has a good sloping shoulder that fits well into a collar, and a short back for strength. He has short cannons with good clean legs and dense, flinty hooves. He has a spirited, yet pleasant disposition with a great desire to please, making him easily trainable for the task at hand. The elegance of the Morgan makes them very popular for carriage pleasure shows and parades.

Carriage Pleasure Shows

There are many carriage shows that attract Morgans across the country. However, the most spectacular is the prestigious five-day Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition sponsored by the Pittsford Carriage Association in Pittsford, NY . This annual show offers spectators the opportunity to view a wide variety of 19th century carriages exhibited by over 250 competitors from some 20 states, Canada, and Europe. Antique vehicles from tiny pony carts to huge road coaches drawn by a four-in-hand (four horses) appointed with highly polished brass and silver harness participate in all phases of classical driving competition, including cross-country obstacle classes and the elegant pleasure driving classes in the ring. Morgans have earned many championships at Walnut Hill, and it seems there are more honors earned by Morgans every year.

Combined Driving Events

The sport of combined driving could have been designed with Morgans in mind. Modeled after 3-day eventing, combined driving events include driven dressage, a 10- to 22-km marathon with complicated and challenging hazards (obstacles), and an obstacle (cones) course. This growing sport is rapidly being dominated by Morgan horses, at all levels and divisions, both in US and in international competition. Many events offer Training and Preliminary levels at 1- and 2-day competitions, allowing the newcomer to begin competition at a level where neither the driver nor the horse will be intimidated. As they gain skill and teamwork, they can progress through Intermediate and then Advanced levels, which are generally run over 3 days, and they can even try out for the USET and international competition.

The artistry, suppleness, and energy needed for driven dressage, the first phase of combined driving, come naturally to the Morgan. In this phase, the horse, driver, and carriage are at their elegant best, with show harness shining, the vehicle polished, and driver dressed with care.

The second phase of competition finds the Morgan eager and ready for the challenge of the marathon. Many Morgans quickly figure out that hazards are fun, and they seem to look forward to this phase. The marathon starts with a warm-up section, usually 5-9 km, then a 1-km walk section before the mandatory vet check. Advanced level adds another trot section, another walk, and another vet check. All levels culminate in Section E, where hazards are negotiated at speed. Some hazards include water, and all have choices to be made by the driver as to what route through the hazard will be fastest (and safest) for their horse. In the marathon phase, the horses are usually pulling a specially made marathon vehicle, usually made of metal with 4 wheels and brakes. A "navigator" rides on the back of the vehicle, using their weight to balance the vehicle and keep it upright through all the quick turns. The Morgan's natural enthusiasm and eagerness, combined with their agility and big trot, gives them an advantage in this phase of the competition.

In the final phase, horses are tested through a very disciplined cones course, requiring that they show soundness, suppleness, and obedience, even after the physically challenging marathon. The Morgan's stamina and sturdiness are very valuable for the cones course, when the driver needs an energetic and responsive horse that can still make supple, round turns.

American Morgan Horse Accomplishments in National and International Combined Driving Events

Morgan horses have been very successful in National Championship and International Combined Driving competitions. They compete with many different breeds of horses and ponies, and prove to be strong contenders against all others. Morgan qualities of intelligence, bravery, strength, and speed are put to the test in this challenging sport.

In 1985 and again in 1987, Larry Poulin drove a pair of Morgans and set the international driving world on its collective ear by finishing first in dressage and sixth overall their first time out. In 1995, the Morgan pair driven by Lisa Singer and owned by Anne "Mimi" Thorington led the World Championship charge in Poland until an unexpected obstacle took her out of the running. They were again one of three pairs chosen to represent America by the United States Equestrian Team in 1997, where they were the highest scoring U.S. competitor in dressage and 9th overall. Singer was named Top Woman Driver and leading Marathon Driver. Singer has earned a spot on the U.S. Pairs international team every selection year since 1995, a Morgan breed record.

Single Morgans went overseas in 1992 to Windsor, England, where the Queen presented Bill Orth and New Ran's Hawk with the First Place Trophy for winning the Single Horse title at the Harrods International Driving Grand Pix competition. George Hoffman, the other American driver, driving Morgan Woods Yankee, took an honorable reserve. June of 1998 saw the first World Championship for Single Horses in Ebbs, Austria. Tom Hilgenberg and his Morgan Who's Zoomin' Who were named to the USET Team of three, finishing 7th (out of 63) that year to become the highest scoring American, helping the U.S. Team win the Silver Medal. Winning the marathon phase and helping her two teammates to the coveted Gold Medal was Marie Kahrle of Sweden with her Swedish-bred Morgan.

Some of the great achievements and honors for Morgans include:

National Pairs Champions 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989:
Kennebec Count, Kennebec Russell / Larry Poulin

1990 National Pairs Champion: 
Atavista Statesman, Chief of State / William Lower

1992 International Driving Grand Pix Single Horse Champion, Windsor, England
New Ran's Hawk/Bill Orth
Reserve: Morgan Wood's Yankee/ George Hoffman

1993 National Single Horse Champion:
New Ran's Hawk / Katie Whaley

1994 National Champions:
Pairs: Meadowgreen Molly, Meadowgreen Treasure, Avalon Avante Guard / Lisa Singer Single Horse: New Ran's Hawk / Katie Whaley

1997 National Champions
Pairs: Battersea Chancellor, Meadowgreen Treasure, Avalon Avant Guard / Lisa Singer
Single Horse: Who's Zoomin' Who / Tom Hilgenberg

1998 World Singles Championship Team
Who's Zoomin' Who / Tom Hilgenberg placed 7 th overall

1998 National Champions
Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite

1999 National Champions
Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite
Pairs: Count on Me, Battersea Chancellor, Avalon Avante Guard / Lisa Singer

2000 World Singles Champion Team -
chosen but Championship cancelled due to West Nile virus outbreak
Team Members:
Canequin's Look Out / Nancy Johnson
Individual Members:
Morgan Wood's Yankee / George Hoffman
Crystal Belle Joy / Pam Pruitt

2000 National Champions
Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite
Pairs: Count on Me, Battersea Chancellor, Avalon Avante Guard / Lisa Singer

2001 National Champions
Single Horse: Canequin's Look Out / Nancy Johnson
Reserve Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite

2001 National Pairs Champion:
Count on Me, LR Ami Bengali, Avalon Avante Guard / Lisa Singer

2002 National Champions
Reserve Single Horse: Canequin's Look Out / Nancy Johnson
Reserve Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite
Pairs: Count on Me, Battersea Chancellor, Avalon Avante Guard / Lisa Singer

2002 World Singles Championship Team
Canequin's Look Out / Nancy Johnson
Gaitwood Lightwing / Fred Merriam WON BRONZE MEDAL

2003 World Pony Championships
Single Pony: High Country Doc / Sara Schmitt 3rd in dressage, 6th overall

2003 National Championships
Reserve Single Horse Champion: Export / Drew Callahan
Single Pony: Shidanan's Crown Royal / Betsy Cowperthwaite

2004 National Champions
Pairs: Count on Me, LR Ami Bengali / Lisa Singer
Single Pony: Courage to Lead / Suzy Stafford
Single Horse: Export / Drew Callahan Reserve: Daniel Dawson / Eileen Davis

2004 World Singles Championship – An All Morgan Team!
Bethesda After Dark / Scott Monroe placed 12th
Gaitwood Lightwing / Fred Merriam (won cones drive off)
Collector's Right Stuff / Scott Padgett

AMHA Awards for Carriage Competitions

Don't let your successes in carriage driving competitions go unrewarded. As an AMHA member, you can join our Open Competition Program and earn year-end awards for placings in pleasure shows and combined driving events. AMHA also offers medallions for lifetime achievements. More information is available on these programs at this address:

http://www.morganhorse.com/benefits/programs_competition.php

AMHA also offers competition awards for high-scoring Morgan horses at individual competitions. Find more information at the link below.

http://www.morganhorse.com/benefits/awards.php