as for trail horses, we have used our “show horses” in competitive trail where the rides are forty to fifty miles in two days … often the horses were taken straight from the show ring to out into the wilderness for a competitive trail ride
one weekend at Nationals
the next weekend in the wilderness
we really did not notice until looking at these glamour photos that Lexie is almost identical to our first Morgan Shamrock Foxie Joy, Foxie was a little taller at 14.1+
Foxie
Your horses are beautiful and I can see they are well loved. . Lexie and Foxie really do look a lot alike. Love how versatile this breed is.
when our kids were growing up their friends were always getting a new horse when they changed disciplines, we just bought more tack
The breed is renowned for its versatility, most of ours are old blood lines…Foxie going back four generations you were at nearly 100 years
Thank you for this info clanter, it’s not my thread but I’m low key looking for my next horse and I was interested where you got yours up north. OP I hope you find yours!
This is helpful. When you saw that the 5 panel genetic test should be included in the PPE - that would be covered by the buyer, correct? Also, have you found that sellers are open to this and to waiting for the results? I guess it could be considered a red flag if they weren’t.
Susan Motter and her daughter Megan produce some of the best young Morgans we know of. They work with the foals from day one establishing excellent foundations for the foal to be successful. The last two we got from them both won the same World Championship. They have a full sibling of Fig coming next Spring.
They delivered my daughter’s new weanling (age 4 1/2 months) at Morgan Nationals
unloaded from the 900 mile trip from North Dakota to Oklahoma City …he took a nap
then a few days later was in the show ring… Winning
He is wise beyond his age, very easy to handle, the exposure he has already had many horses never get.
WOW!
That is all I can say every time you post pictures. 
these days it helps having two kids who are professional photographers 
one shot a video of Lexie who had just been turned out in the pasture after several days confined to her stall due to weather… She was IMPRESSIVE … she really showed off her bloodlines as she blasted around the pasture.
Admittedly we try to work as team with the breeders who over the many years we have had Morgans know we will promote their stock. We have gotten what I consider insider deals on these horses, the most we Ever paid for any one horse was $5,000. Both of the recent World Champs we have were $3500 buys as they did not fit the breeders program being Bays whereas they breed for color. (come to think of it Lexie was an outsider since she never grew being 14h she did not fit the breeders program either). None are misfits these all have excellent blood lines in the breed, they just did not fit the program for the breeders (who have come to know we will use their horses in a way that helps their operation to be exposed to others)
Might be because our farm name for showing is Sanctuary Morgans? We named it that as we used the farm as protected environment for our kids, not thinking that we would end up being a home for horses.
forgot daughter’s horse was a photographer himself, at least he had his opinions
Yes, the buyer pays for the PPE, but you might have to ask the vet to include the 5 panel test. It can take 2-3 weeks to get results back, so it might be reasonable to put down a deposit on the horse to hold him while you’re waiting. And yes, if the seller balks at the 5 panel test that would be a big red flag.
When you go to look at a horse try to find out as much as you can about his history–how many owners, why he’s for sale, what kind of riding has he been doing (trail, dressage, obstacles, cow work, etc.), who has been riding him (beginner, intermediate, etc.), his place in the herd (although that could change in his new herd), how he has been kept (24 hour turnout, stalled, dry lot, etc.), what he eats (grass, hay, grain, forage balancer), any special dietary needs (easy keeper/hard keeper) and anything else you can think of to help you get to know this horse.
Also look him over for any physical issues, and pay special attention to his feet. Does he require special shoes? Can he go barefoot? Long toes can be corrected, but founder rings are a red flag. If you find significant scars ask how he got them. Ask if he’s ever been lame or had a colic episode, and if the answer is yes delve deeper. Abscesses and stone bruises are no big deal unless they happen frequently, whereas chronic laminitis is a deal breaker. White spots on the withers can indicate he’s been wearing a saddle that doesn’t fit. Sores on the corners of his mouth can indicate rough handling or a bit that pinches. Most of these things aren’t deal breakers, but they can give you an indication of the life he’s had.
Yes you should get another horse. You had an awful experience with Jasper but nobody could have handled it better. You absolutely proved to all of us that you have what it takes to be a great horse person, and any horse would be so lucky to land with you.
Thanks!
I had a PPE done on Jasper. The vet (not the one I currently work with) didn’t see anything off with him so I didn’t opt for x-rays.
At that time I had never heard of the 5 panel genetic test. Of course I because familiar with it when Jasper’s issues started. Now that I am in some PSSM/Muscle related groups I have a better understanding of some of these genetic diseases. When i went to look at an Appaloosa recently, I contacted someone in this group and had them look at his breeding line and was told there were 3 red flags. If I had loved that horse I was going to ask the owner if I could do the 5 panel test on him. As it turned out, he wasn’t my horse.
I am definitely much more prepared as I look for my next one.
Thanks again!
Celeste Brown is a Morgan breeder in TX with some really, really nice sport horse bloodlines. I bought a filly from her sight unseen 2 years ago and couldn’t have been happier. Let me know if you’d like the breeders contact info, even if she doesn’t have anything she may be able to connect you with someone near you who does
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