Joint Statement by AMHA and The Livestock Conservancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEXINGTON, KY/PITTSBORO, NC— The American Morgan Horse breed today enjoys healthy registration numbers and prosperity in the equine marketplace. The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) recently approached The Livestock Conservancy with a request to review the inclusion of “Morgan (Traditional)” as an endangered breed on their Conservation Priority List (CPL).

The Livestock Conservancy defined “Morgan” (Traditional) as a segment of the Morgan population that was free of outcrossing after 1939. Without full recognition of this definition of a portion of the Morgan breed by all organizations, this listing has reportedly caused confusion for some horse enthusiasts.

Both AMHA and The Livestock Conservancy recognize the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within the Morgan breed and favor a variety of breeding approaches to accomplish this.  Both organizations are enthusiastic about and seek to maintain the diverse capabilities of Morgan horses in many disciplines and activities.  

AMHA appreciates The Livestock Conservancy’s mission and their willingness to listen to their concerns. The Livestock Conservancy is grateful for AMHA’s support of all the families and bloodlines of the Morgan horse and its promotion of the breed which has made the Morgan both vibrant and viable in the modern horse world. In light of the discussion with AMHA and other organizations supporting the Morgan horse, and after careful consideration The Livestock Conservancy has removed “Morgan (Traditional)” from the CPL in 2023

_{American Morgan Horse Association ▪ 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 130 ▪ Lexington, Kentucky 40511 ▪ (802) 985-4944 ▪ FAX (859) 287-3555} 

_{The Livestock Conservancy ▪ PO Box 477 33 Hillsboro Street ▪ Pittsboro, North Carolina ▪ (919) 542-5704}