The horse industry is huge, competitive and powerful. But do you know just how huge and powerful we are? According to the American Horse Council's 1996 industry study, the horse industry impacts the United States Gross Domestic Product by $112.1 billion. It provides 1.4 million jobs and pays $1.9 billion in taxes. How competitive is our business? There are approximately 87 breed registries and associations; the largest of which has more than 161,000 members.

So how does the 10,000-member American Morgan Horse Association compete for their share of this enormous market?

They mobilize their membership and draw attention to a specific weekend of September 10-12, 2005, where the Morgan community will celebrate the beauty, splendor and unique relationships that can be developed with a Morgan horse, America’s first breed.

Morgan history and the Morgan lifestyle will be showcased throughout the country in a variety of clever Celebrate the Morgan events. There will be trail rides, open barns, days in the country, picnics, opportunities to ride and drive Morgans, and, even to the delight of the younger set, taking a Morgan to school. Everyone is invited, and all are welcome.

Anyone who has ever thought about owning a Morgan, wondered what makes Morgans tick or anyone who would simply enjoy a great time with great horses and great people can visit www.morganhorse.com for the calendar of events. Then pack up and head out to help the American Morgan Horse Association and its members celebrate the Morgan.

As a breed, Morgans have their roots in Vermont, with a stallion purchased by Justin Morgan in 1791. Initially they were used as utility horses, providing transportation throughout New England and helping farmers clear the land. In the early days of harness racing, true-trotting Morgans were known as the fastest trotting horses around. During the Civil War, Morgans were the preferred mounts of Union and Confederate cavalry soldiers. Equestrian units leading many presidential inaugural and Rose Bowl parades have been Morgans. Morgans are used extensively across the country in the service of park and police equestrian units. In 1905, Morgans were honored with an Act of Congress that established the United States Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, VT.

Celebrate the Morgan is a weekend of fun, with a peek into American history. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and get to know this proud breed known as the American Morgan Horse.

For more information, contact Fred Braden at (802) 985-4944.~~~