Morgans Recreate 1796 History

For the third year in a row the Morgan Mile Road Race created history as Morgan horses were started from scratch and raced eighty rods down the same road that Justin Morgan did over 200 years ago.

On what started out to be a cold and rainy Saturday, about 75 spectators lined the Morgan Mile in Brookfield as 15 Morgan horses raced in an official race sponsored by the Vermont Morgan Horse Association. The original Morgan horse, Figure, raced against two New York running horses in 1796, defeating both easily. That stretch of road is known as the "Morgan Mile" to this day and is located close to the place Justin Morgan is said to have lived.

The 15 horses were entered into two divisions: three in harness and 12 under saddle. The Morgans were raced in heats of two horses, with the fastest time of each heat recorded.

Harness Races

The harness horses started out the day with Cheryl Rivers and River Echo Hamilton qualifying with a time of 1:03.06. In the second heat, Melissa Wise with Willowick Solitaire beat Malachy and Eileen Growald with a time of 1:10.97.

The Harness Championship was an exciting race with Cheryl Rivers and River Echo Hamilton beating out Melissa Wise and Willowick Solitaire with a record time of 1:02.56.

Saddle Races

The saddle races were just as exciting and very close. The husband-and-wife race ended up being a two out of three match-up as David Godding on Ragtime Moonraker won the first race, but wife Cheryl on Jewel’s Magic Love made it clear who wears the riding pants in the family as she came back and won the next two races.

The mother-daughter match-up found mother Sue Miller on Kerry Glen Coleen come from behind to beat daughter Emily Miller on Misure Emerald in their first race, however Emily won the next two races and beat Mom two out of three.

After the dust had settled and all of the qualifying races had been run and timed, there was a rematch from last year as 10-year-old Althea Holland on Highover Crown Victoria raced against Melissa Wise on Skyway Jamelle. Last year Melissa beat Althea in the Championship Under Saddle Race, however this year Althea Holland on Highover Crown Victoria became the New Champion in a record time of 1:02.85.

The end of the day saw two record-breaking times. After the race, some went on a one hour trail ride through the hills of Vermont and grilled hot dogs were had by all. This race was the third time since 1796 that an all-Morgan race took place on the famous Morgan Mile. Justin Morgan won races with regularity and was considered a "fleet runner at short distances."

Modern Morgans are known for their versatility and stylishness. They are used for sport, show, and recreation. The first American breed can be found world wide, but Vermont remains a state where many fine Morgans are found.

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