AMHA AND MORGAN HORSE GOING STRONG IN VT

As fall is upon us in Vermont, the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is looking back at a busy season in the state known as the birthplace of the Morgan horse. Morgan horse enthusiasts have enjoyed several notable events this season.

On September 15, a historic event for the AMHA was held in Brookfield. A trotting race was conducted along the exact stretch of road that Justin Morgan raced along against two New York running horses in 1796. Justin Morgan easily defeated the two running horses proving the strength and endurance of the Morgan horse. Twelve Morgan horses participated in the historical race in the same location that Justin Morgan did 200 years ago.

Also, AMHA was fortunate enough to offer Scott Trees as a speaker this fall. Scott Trees has been taking professional photos throughout the world for years. Horses have been his main focus; however, he also has photographed a wide variety of people, things, and events. As a speaker, Scott shared his life-long stories of being a cancer survivor and traveling the world.

Another exciting event for AMHA this fall was the promotional booth at the Fall Harvest Festival at Shelburne Farms. Held on September 15, the weather and start of foliage offered the perfect setting. The AMHA booth attracted many visitors partly because of their ambassador, "Doc." Doc is a six-year-old Morgan gelding, owned by 15-year-old Bethany Towne of Berlin. The AMHA booth passed out information on the breed along with selling new gifts.

Additionally, AMHA is pleased to announce that the Morgan horse is one of the official seven wonders of Vermont, according to a recent article in The Burlington Free Press. The newspaper conducted a survey of Vermonters about what they considered to be the seven unique wonders of Vermont. Vermonters also selected wonders such as fall foliage, maple syrup, Lake Champlain, and covered bridges.

Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 90 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.

For more information on America's original horse breed, contact the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., 122 Bostwick Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482; (802) 985-4944; www.morganhorse.com