The Morgan horse is a sturdy equine having the distinction of being the first registered breed in North America. Listening to the story of how Morgans came to be recognized as a steady, strong human companion is like settling into a warm blanket with a cup of coffee around a gently flickering campfire. Especially when it’s told by Morgan aficionado Peggy McDonald.

“Morgans are the only breed that came from one animal,” explains Peggy, lifetime member of the Alberta Morgan Horse Club and director emeritus of the Canadian Morgan Horse Association, (“That’s a distinction you get when you retire,” she grins) who, together with her husband Eldon Bienert, was awarded the 2009 Alberta Horse Industry Distinguished Service Award.

“The stallion was Justin Morgan,” she says with admiration, “And he himself was so prepotent in passing on his strength and his confirmation that he created a breed. He was born in 1789, his first offspring was named Figure, and he was foaled in the state of Vermont.”

Indeed, Morgans carry the hard-wearing reputation of the first progeny of the breed, becoming known as an all around equine species built for endurance, vigour, brawn and their genial good nature.

“For me, it was the personality that drew me to Morgans,” says Cindy Dietz, of Coulee Bend Morgan Farm. “They’ll do anything for you. They give 110 per cent. And they’re affectionate — these guys get to be friends, a part of the family.”

It’s no wonder Morgans are one of the more well established equine breeds in western Canada. When early settlers wandered west and north from New England, a horse that could hold its stead in a widely ranging call of duties was favoured for its versatility and

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