Q1. Other horses can do work. Why is the Work Morgan so special? A1. Pedigrees are important to maintain a breed. But, pedigrees are only part of the story. A great Sire, like Figure, can without purposeful breeding have his useful characteristics bred out of his progeny. The Work Morgan not only has pedigree but performance proof.
Q2. Perhaps the purest form of work was work to provide food and shelter for a family and its livestock and to a greater extent an associated community. But, we don't farm any more so how is the Work Morgan relevant? A2. The Morgan horse has great roots. You are right most of us don't live on farms, etc., but some still do (check out the POSM Horse at www.naturespace.cc or www.posmhorse.com ). They probably do seek the purest form of responsible primary work (earning a basic living from the soil and risking their Morgans only in the pursuit of earning that simple living from working the soil and its associated endeavors)for the Morgan horse. That's what proved the Morgan great- his versatility. And, it's probably the purest way to maintain his salient characteristics even today. From this perspective, perhaps all other forms of work are secondary work (using the Morgan to earn money or pleasure or to compete).
We can all breed our Morgans capable of some kind of relatively responsible, productive work though. Here we don't limit you how. Just WORK your Morgan and prove his ability to do so.
Q3. My Morgan is a Show Morgan and used for breeding. Does that mean I am left out of the Work Morgan site? A3. Work Morgans may once again be important in assessing the necessary qualities of a Show Morgan. But, with the current non-use criteria of Show judging, a Work Morgan doesn't always get included by their criteria. Likewise, if a Morgan used for Show is not used for Work, he is not a Work Morgan. So use him in Work and join us!
Q4. If I use my Morgans for Show, Pleasure and Competition, why would I want to represent them as a Work Morgan? A4. Why not? Demonstrate to all that the versatile, original Morgans can do it all and you own some. Tell the world you own the epitome of the versatile Morgan horse.
Q5. Do you guys have fun? A5. You bet. Some folks today only use their Morgans for Work. And, they consider their work fun. It depends mostly on your point of view rather than the activity. Try it and see.
Q6. So you don't really specify the kind of Work? A6. No. As long as one uses their Morgan in relatively safe; responsible ways, welcome.
Q7. How can I be involved? A7. Promote the Work Morgan aspect in your breeding, activities, conversation, share these interests, etc.. Try the different types of work Morgans are being used for and share how your Morgan excels at them (steady, calm, patient, honest, endurance, easily trained, stays sound, gentle, good mother, throws type, can work stallions and mares together, agile, sure footed, friendly, etc.). Promote your interests - share the fun, oops work!
