The "Justin Morgan" Horse

There is no surprise by now that we LOVE horses in this family, especially Ella. The fascination with horses probably got passed down through the genes, as I always dreamed to care for/own a horse. They have a soft spot in my heart for their beauty and stature. Although we haven't owned one yet, we've been very blessed through the years to be around horses. When we lived in Omaha, we would drive to the Mahoney State Park almost every Saturday to ride ponies, pet and feed larger horses, and just stand there in awe and watch them graze. Here in Texas, although we haven't yet found a close-by place for pony rides, we've been so lucky to see, pet, feed, and watch horses pretty much any time of the day with the neighbor's horse boarding ranch right across the street from us. Yes, that is pretty amazing and that is why I call this, my dream home and neighborhood. We could not ask for more (in terms of horse proximity and other things.) The horses living next door are all so beautiful and different, and intelligent. Some temperamental, some sweet; we love them all and know most of them by names.

There is a beauitful bond between these two. He walks or trots from wherever he is in the field over to the fence when Ella is there.

He is her best horse friend.

This one is beautiful too. She thinks it's a Justin Morgan horse. Why? Well, Ella picked up a book from the school library that tells you almost everything about Justin Morgan horses. Judging by its appearance, you would think it is. Back to the book: reading it with her has been great equestrian education for me (and her, of course.) We plan to one day, who knows when, to raise our very own Morgan horse. Just like this.

(Note the pretty red bow on the mane!)

You see, Justin Morgan horses are very special. Their lineage traces back to Figure, an almost legendary  horse born around 1789, with a lot of traits and qualities that made him famous enough to have its own pedigree. The horse was at some point renamed after his second owner, Justin Morgan, and has been known by this name ever since. Amongst those traits and qualities were: strenght, willingness, speed, endurance, gentleness, intelligence. Justin Morgan was as good of a workhorse, as he was a race horse. These character traits, as well as its beautiful physical traits were passed on to each and everyone of his offsprings, and that's what makes this breed so special and America's oldest.

More on this here, here, and here at the Morgan Horse Association's official website.

Oh and yesterday Ella brought home a book about this other beautiful horse breed, the Appaloosa. Good stuff, I already read it and I'm now excited to read it to her!! I just love little horse lover, such an avid reader and all-animal lover!! :)