One hundred years ago, a statue was placed on the Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge to honor the first of this breed, a horse named Justin Morgan. The farm was originally commissioned by Colonel Joseph Battell in 1878 as the Weybridge Stock Farm, to preserve the Morgan breed and save it from extinction. In 1907 the farm became a cavalry “remount” station managed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and called the Government Morgan Farm. A life-size bronze statue of Justin Morgan was unveiled during a field day on the farm in the fall of 1921.
The University of Vermont took over management of the farm in 1951, and it has become the home to the oldest, continuous Morgan horse breeding herd in the world. The farm is also designated as a site on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 100-year anniversary of the Justin Morgan statue unveiling was celebrated with an event held at the farm on October 2, 2021. The organizers were guided by the original program and recreated that day many years ago. A presentation by a professional Morgan horse judge discussed the “conformation” or shape and structure of the breed. Other activities included a riding and driving exhibition, viewing of Morgan mares and foals in the outdoor arena, music, and locally catered food.
The Morgan Horse Farm is a beautiful place to visit! Check the farm’s website for their hours of operation and COVID-19 considerations.