What can a Morgan do?

Morgans do it all! The variety seen in the morgan world can only be matched by the Arabian (maybe, and if anyone can think of others feel free to share). So today we'll tackle the Saddleseat division

I. Saddleseat

a. 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 agreeableto 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 onthe 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 relaxedusing pleasure horse.

b. English Pleasure Saddle and Pleasure Driving: English Pleasure & Pleasure Driving horses are just as much a showhorse 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 aquiet, deliberate, and willing performance. As the name implies, thePleasure horse should give the appearance that he enjoys the work he isdoing and that he is indeed a pleasure to ride or drive.

c. Park Saddle and 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 vitalityand distinctly energetic character of the breed. The Park Morgan should be collected, balanced, rhythmic and precise at all times. Whileanimation and presence are prerequisites, the Park Morgan should display a "poetry of motion" that is achieved by a combination ofathletic ability and a willing attitude. At all gaits, the Park Morgan should be airy, elastic, elegant, cadenced and obedient.

Saddleseat is my personal division of choice purley because I like they way the horses go and I feel I can really show my horse to its full potential. Now for people who thinks all saddleseat horses are abused and tortured you may be right for a few breeds but the AMHA is against all abuse and the rules against it are strict. If you even have an action chain at an "A" rated morgan show you are disqualified for that show and can have your membership suspended permanatly. The pictures Should show the differences. On the Left is a Morgan, sure the riders eq. isn't great but just look at the guy on the right with the saddlebred.