The Stable Scene

by Kathy Sampeck (July, 2003)

In 1791, a quiet Massachusetts school teacher by the name of Justin Morgan acquired a horse named "Figure" which he brought to Vermont to work on his farm. "Figure" was thought to be of Dutch, Thoroughbred or Arabian heritage. He was only 14 hands - far smaller than the average colonial work horse and not as long-legged as most racehorses. Nevertheless, he gained a reputation for outperforming other horses, whether it was racing, or hauling heavy loads. He never lost a race or a hauling match. Soon he became known as "that Justin Morgan horse." No matter what he was bred to, his offspring inherited his image and abilities. In fact, this single stallion founded an entire breed, now known as the Morgan Horse. Every registered Morgan horse can be traced back to "Figure." It?s no wonder the Morgan Horse was named the official state animal of Vermont!

Morgan horses were prominent in the growth of our nation. Some worked on farms, while others were used to pull carriages and stagecoaches. Many of them headed West for the Gold Rush. During the Civil War, the famous Vermont Cavalry was mounted on Morgans. The only survivor in the Battle of Little Big horn was a Morgan Horse named Comanche. Now the Morgan horse is used by mounted police squads and for therapeutic riding programs. They are shown in driving, dressage, reining and cutting events as well.

Recently, Amy Daniels, Aquia Harbour?s Stable Manager, and her Morgan mare "Four Fields Grand Command," (a.k.a. "Mandy") competed at the Southern States Regional Morgan Horse Show in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mandy came away with the Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Mare title. Mandy?s first foal, "Four Fields Mai Tai," (a.k.a. "Ty") was the Reserve Champion Yearling Colt. Both of these wins qualify Mandy and Ty for the World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. Mandy also took Christa Johnson to third place honors in a huge class of "walk-trotters." Christa is the granddaughter of Eunice and Jim Johnson of Aquia Harbour. This was a remarkable accomplishment for Christa, since it was her very first regional show. In October, Mandy may be making the long journey to Oklahoma to defend her title of Reserve World Champion Ladies Western Pleasure Horse. Congratulations to both Christa and Amy!

On May 4th at the Prince William Horse Show, Mallory Miller was Champion in the B Pleasure Division, and Samantha Snow had a first place ribbon over jumps. Derek Finney was Reserve Champion in Short Stirrup at the Amber Hill Show in June. He also won two 2nd place ribbons, a third and a fourth in Equitation and in the Pleasure Pony Division at the 4-H District Horse Show in July in Front Royal. At the June Amber Hill Show, Frances Lester was Champion in the Low Hunter Division riding her pony Rose, and Reserve Champion in Low Hunter riding RR French Connection. Her horse, Aquia?s Secret, was Champion in the Horse Walk-Trot Division. Frances was also Reserve Champion at Showday National, in Culpeper, and Champion in the Pleasure Horse Junior Division at the 4-H District Horse Show. Both Frances and Derek are now qualified for the State Fair 4-H Horse Show in Lexington, VA.

Plans continue for two horse shows in Aquia Harbour this Fall. The Stable Committee recently proposed some rule changes which were approved by the Board of Directors at the June meeting. The new rules are available at the Business Office for anyone who is interested. The Committee is exploring whether there is any community interest in adding some new stalls, since our waiting list is notoriously long. Anyone who is interested can contact me at 540-720-1024. The Stable Committee meets the first Monday of each month at the Business Office at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Happy Trails!