Versatility Showcase - Showing

In Hand | Park | English | Hunter | Classic | Western

Countless families have become involved with the Morgan breed by way of the show ring. Morgan shows offer something for everyone. From the leisurely, easy-going way of the Western Pleasure horse, to the animated, energetic Park Horse, Morgan show horses offer you a way to enjoy your Morgan in a competitive setting, while enjoying the company of other fun-loving Morgan exhibitors.

As you will see, Morgan shows are a combination of the horses' historical past and present. In addition to these classes, a show will also allow you to see Pleasure Driving horses (judged on the same criteria as the English Pleasure horses), Roadsters (descendants of the days when horses were raced from sulkies), in addition to classes for Carriage, Dressage, Jumping and even Reining.

Whatever your preference for style of riding or driving, be sure to visit a Morgan show near you to get a taste of the many ways of enjoying the versatile Morgan horse.

When you attend a Morgan show, you can expect to see these classes.

In Hand

In hand classes present the horses for evaluation of their type, conformation and ability to move correctly on the lead. Horses are presented in either a show bridle or halter (for young animals). Most horses will be seen with one person leading (the header) and another (the tailer) either following behind or jogging in front of the horse to keep it alert and polished so that the judge will get the best possible view of it.

One thing you may notice during the in hand classes and most of the performance classes is how the horses stand. Their front legs will be perpendicular to the ground, with the hind legs slightly behind their normal, vertical placement. This is called "parking out", and was developed years ago, when ladies rode sidesaddle. Parking the horse's legs behind him prevented the horse from moving away suddenly while the lady was getting on with bulky skirts. Today, the tradition continues as a way of showing off each horse's best characteristics.

Park Saddle & Harness

"The Park Morgan is expected to present a picture of great beauty, brilliance, animation, and elegance, either under saddle or in harness. The performance of the Park horse should reflect the innate vitality and distinctly energetic character of the breed. The Park Morgan should be collected, balanced, rhythmic and precise at all times. While animation and presence are prerequisites, the Park Morgan should display a "poetry of motion" that is achieved by a combination of athletic ability and a willing attitude. At all gaits, the Park Morgan should be airy, elastic, elegant, cadenced and obedient."

English Pleasure and Pleasure Driving

English Pleasure & Pleasure Driving horses are just as much a show horse as the park horse but they generally have less animation. The same excellence of type and presence are prerequisites of the Pleasure horse but he need not have the brilliance nor the high action of the Park Morgan. The Pleasure horse must exhibit impeccable manners and a quiet, deliberate, and willing performance. As the name implies, the Pleasure horse should give the appearance that he enjoys the work he is doing and that he is indeed a pleasure to ride or drive.

Hunter Pleasure

In Hunter Pleasure, manners are also of importance. The horse is shown in a "forward seat" saddle, suitable for jumping fences. However, no fences will be encountered in the pleasure class. Entries are judged on manners and way of going. The horses carry their heads lower than Park or English horses, to allow them to see the ground better, as would be necessary if they were indeed jumping fences. The horses actions will also be more ground-covering, with longer-strides and lower action.

Classic Pleasure Saddle and Driving

The Classic Pleasure horse should be a calm, mild-mannered, safe, using pleasure horse. He must demonstrate flawless manners and be agreeable to the commands and directions of his rider/driver. He must work at all times on a light rein without resistance and with only light contact on the bit. Although he should be athletic and may be energetic, he must at all times demonstrate a quiet, calm and extremely tractable attitude. The flight path of the foot should be of that of a relaxed using pleasure horse. Classes are open to amateurs.

Western Pleasure

In Western Pleasure, the brilliant silver trim worn on their saddles and bridles only enhances the Morgans' natural beauty. Western horses work at a walk, a jog trot suitable for covering miles of range, and a slow, rocking-horse-like lope.

Much of the western equipment also descends from traditional needs. The horn on the front of the saddle can be used to "dally" the end of a lasso after roping a calf. The wide brim on the western hat protects the rider from sun and rain. The high boots protect the rider's legs from snake bites when walking, and the leather chaps worn on the legs are tough and durable enough stand against the scratches of scrub brush and rugged range land.