SPOTLIGHT ON MORGANS at the 2024 Massachusetts Equine Affaire

It was an action-packed event at this year’s Equine Affaire, November 7-10, 2024 in West Springfield, MA. The American Morgan Horse Association was well represented with a promotional booth, daily petting horse, breed demonstrations focused on versatility, fun gift items and merchandise, informative materials about the breed and a raffle! 

Our booth was buzzing with activity throughout the event with visitors from across the country.  Thank you to the owners who graciously provided petting horses at our booth:  Amber Kupris, owner of "Cara" Missouris Lady Carrigan; Alex Matta, owner of Heyday Revolution; Emily Schroeder, owner of "Sadie" and Heather Smith, owner of Brook Hill Distinction, an adorable six-month old filly! The horses all represented the breed well as they happily greeted adults and children alike. 

We’d also like to congratulate our lucky raffle winner, Hailee James from Woodstock, CT who won a Justin Morgan Breyer horse and the Justin Morgan book! 

Of course, our breed demonstrations were again a crowd favorite!  The live demos are always a fun and informative way to teach attendees about the history, versatility and sought-after qualities of the Morgan breed. 

Special thanks to the following owners and riders who participated in our breed demonstrations:  Hunter horse: One True Sierra Magic, ridden and owned by Victoria Romeo.  Dressage horse: "Sadie", ridden and owned by Emily Schroeder. Classic Pleasure Driving horse:  SSL Ultimate Design, driven and owned by Hilary Campbell.  Carriage Driving horse: UVM Ethos, from the University of Vermont, driven by Jamie Maguire.  Youth Riders: Casey Faulkner, Regan Temple & Kobe, each rode Hunt Seat on NeverMoretal, owned by David and Beth Grella.  AMHA Youth Teams Representative: Addison Hengle from the Vermont Morgan Horse Association Youth Team, who rode a hunt seat Morgan named CBMF James Dean, owned by Cheryl Lupien and on full lease to Addison Hengle. 

We were also in good company, as several other Morgan groups were represented with commercial booths around us, including the The Lippitt Club, UVM and UConn!  It’s always fun to collaborate and share our passion with others from the Morgan community. 

Finally, it was a very pleasant surprise when two of our Youth Teams paid us a visit!   The Mighty Morgans, who held a fundraiser by selling chocolate bars to benefit the Apache Way Farm Rescue in Dighton, MA, and the Vermont Morgan Youth Team who had horses onsite for petting and participated in the breed demonstrations. These young equestrians are truly the future of the horse industry!

It's always such a pleasure sharing our passion for this magnificent breed with members, friends and Morgan enthusiasts at Equine Affaire, and we look forward to seeing you next time. 

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