Meet the Morgan in Maine

Submitted by Sue Oliver, photos by Andy Illes

On Saturday, March 31, a wide range of people of all ages had the opportunity to meet, touch, pat, and in most cases, ride a Morgan Horse for the first time! We had more than 300 people, ranging from children about two years old to adults in their golden years who showed up to Meet the Morgan on a sunny afternoon at the Pineland Equestrian Center in New Gloucester, Maine. The goal of the day was to allow people of all ages to experience the Morgan horse up close and personal and to walk out of the event with a smile on their face.

We had a world class line up of instructors and Morgan horses to share with the public! Adriana Day and Olivia Rush with Raintree Valedictorian GCH, Kelsey Ramsey with Nicoria, Kathleen Bailey with Kennebec Rugby, Katie Yereance with Sea Vu Undeniable, and Amy Reny with CBMF Ruby! We achieved success in putting joy in the hearts of the children and adults who got to ride and touch a Morgan with over 100 rides safely executed by the teams above.

The event’s final activity was the presentation of a select group champion Morgan horses. The audience was anxious to see these five horses. Nine To Five, a two-year old filly was presented in-hand by George Liberty and Stacey Myers. She snorted and flagged her tail and showed off her how she won the Maine Morgan Breeders Cup class as a weanling in 2016. Margaret Bailey rode Kennebec Ladyhawke side saddle and showed off her dressage moves. Margaret and Ladyhawke impressed the spectators with grace and beauty on motion. Kennebec Rugby and Kathleen Bailey found some extra energy to jump over fences which rounded out the versatility of the breed. George Liberty rode Sheldon Cooper, a four-year old gelding under saddle. The final Morgan presented was MEM Blue Chip GCH with Rick Lane under saddle!

Andy Illes captured many moments that brought tears to her eyes and many others. The first-time rides are always special and we are grateful to all who came today to enjoy the Morgan horse. The Morgan Horse is the horse that choses you! Welcome to the Morgan family!

Editor's Note: The Maine Morgan Horse Club received monies from AMHA's Promotional Grant that went toward this event.