I became aware of the Morgan breed of horse only through a girl at TAFE by the same name. I thought it was rather cool that she could have a breed of horse that shared her name! Morgan horses are not a breed that I believe is well known in Australia. That said, it was really interesting to learn about the start of the breed in Marguerite Henry’s book, Justin Morgan Had a Horse.
Justin Morgan is a teacher who has a bit of debt behind him. The story starts with him having completed a long travel on foot with a young boy named Joel. The two are seeking out Farmer Beane who owes Justin a sum of money that will help him to pay his debts.
Unfortunately times are tough and all that Farmer Beane can offer the schoolmaster is two horses. One is a good looking, sturdy colt. The other appears a runt and doesn’t appeal to Justin or any others who come across his path. And yet, young Joel is drawn to him.
Although Justin doesn’t care for the runt of a colt, he finds himself soon the owner of the pair and Joel is delighted to be able to invest his time and energy in the colt. Their long walk back home to Vermont provides ample time for him to build a bond with the young male horse. And in time Joel is rapt to be asked to gentle the horse, starting him under saddle. Little Bub as he is affectionately known proves himself as a fast horse, although he may not be much to look at.
And so starts the journey of the little horse that will later be known as Justin Morgan. When pitted against other horses – draughts, racehorses and various breeds, he consistently proves himself. Although Joel doesn’t own the horse, he is proud as can be of the little colt that grows into a fine stallion. And in time, many, many years later Joel is able to restore the horse to what he once was when he became a fine stallion. Justin Morgan Had a Horse is a really interesting read about the establishment of this American breed of horse.
Author – Marguerite Henry
Non Fiction – children, history
In my library – that it is.
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