The POSM Horse is unique in how it strives to preserve the original old type, like Figure (Justin Morgan's stallion that fathered the breed). We only accept Registered Morgans* that look like and act like Figure and are capable of doing what he did. Primary work is a defining characteristic, trait of being or spirit that an animal can only reveal by using him. Because most of us do not till the soil to earn a living from it, this ability has not been given the consideration it deserves in determining what Figure was and our original old type Morgans should be. Instead we sell beautiful original old type breeding stock for pets, show, competition or never breed them at all. What happened to the Narragansett Pacer? Will we ever learn? Keep your POSMs and use them for family outings, sport, shows, ETC., but breed them to preserve the original old type capable of primary work. Most other organizations breed for pedigree or genetics. If Justin Morgan's Figure started the breed and was so outstanding as to be the progenetor of the first existent American breed, then he had to be bred to something unlike himself. In the beginning, his prepotency kept the breed similar. Some small time farmers, who couldn't afford an animal for every activity, recognized the adaptability of the original old type Morgan horse and continued to breed his type (at least until most were enticed by the automobile, mechanization and other endeavors to leave the farm for more profitable life styles).
One organization estimates less than 13% of our Morgan mares today have relatively pure blood (no Saddlebred out crosses since 1930). Now comes the rub. If we continue only to breed pedigrees, we could be following the breeding of the mare's type and not Figure's.
We say breed the pure* Morgans. But, select for as much as is possible the original old type. We go even further, by saying we need to select for the ability to do primary work (the ability to earn a living from the soil for small family craft horse: farmers, homesteaders, work in the woods, on the roads [transporting people and goods], ranchers and their directly associated endeavors). Yes, allow secondary work (earning a living using your POSMs responsibly from other than in primary work). But, realize, "Beauty is as beauty does.". The more one breeds for success in aspecialized endeavor, the more specialized the horse becomes and possibly the less adaptable in all -around-use.
It is our belief, the best Morgan was Figure and our original old type is like Figure. To "improve" him is not preservation! It is another horse that has been "improved" by someone's standards who doesn't know what primary work requires of a horse. It is the only criteria not addressed by any other organization today. And, in our opinion is why the original old type Morgan, Figure, was so sought after by the everyday-Joe who needed one animal who could do it all.
Note: The POSM Horse Registry (PHR) keeps each strain distinct and encourages Lippitts, Foundation Morgans, etc. to breed your line and only breed to your strain. We keep your records straight that way. Our distinction is your Morgan to be POSM type: must look POSM type and be able to do what the original old type, Figure, could do.
* In that some old timers during the Depression couldn't afford Morgan Registration, we allow the Registry of acceptable POSM type with a notarized statement of breed purity, under penalty of perjury. This line is kept separate under the POSM Horse Registry.
