One of the many strengths of the Morgan is its versatility. Not just versatility as a breed, but the ability of an individual horse to perform and excel at multiple disciplines. Our horses are no exception, having been asked to perform a variety of tasks. While trail riding is my main activity, I also do some pleasure driving.

On a drive with my sister April; Chuckey Crown Jewel in harness.

We are members of the Blue Ridge Morgan Horse Association, which over the years has put on breed demonstrations, open barns, pleasure drives, trail rides, and sponsored some classes in local shows. We have participated in some of these local shows, showing in-hand, western pleasure, hunter-on-the-flat, and carriage driving. Our horses have placed well, especially considering they have never been specifically trained or prepared to show.

Windstorm Sapphire (right) and myself in our only western pleasure class.

Trail riding is my main activity and over the years have spent many hours in the saddle on some very good trails. Our area offers many good rides within a few hours drive. On occasion we have camped for a few nights and ridden for successive days, and I have even made two week-long pack trips.

Jewel (left, wearing packsaddle) and Sapphire on day 4 of our Smoky Mountain pack trip.