With competition season picking up and championship events around the corner, it is a great time to get familiar with what to expect at a breed show, specifically a Morgan breed show. These shows offer an opportunity for horses and athletes to shine, and for spectators and fans to enjoy close up action and experience a tight knit community.  

To get a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes and in the ring, we talked to Connecticut Morgan Horse Association Vice President Adam Lagosz. He shared insights into the structure of a breed show, the standout qualities of a Morgan horse, and what makes these events some of his favorite to attend every year. 

The Morgan Horse 
The Morgan horse holds a special place in American history. Known as the country’s first native breed, the Morgan traces back to a single stallion, Figure, owned by Justin Morgan. What made Figure extraordinary was his versatility, heart, and good-natured temperament, traits that became hallmarks of the Morgan breed.  

As the breed gained traction across the country, Morgans quickly rose in popularity for their wide range of abilities. They were invaluable as work horses on farms, served bravely as cavalry mounts in the Civil War, and eventually helped shape other major American breeds such as the American Quarter Horse, Standardbred, and Tennessee Walking Horse.

Lagosz says his favorite thing about the breed is its versatility. “Their versatility sets them apart,” he said. “They can do anything well—everything from working horses to park horses. They really give it their all.” Lagosz also emphasized the breed’s heart, highlighting how willing and dependable they are in all types of work and competition. 

Morgan horses typically range from 14.1hh to 15.3hh and can be all colors from bay, black, and gray, to palomino, and even buckskin. They are well known for their ability to be competitive across many disciplines and were the first American breed to represent the United States in the World Pair Driving competition. Outside of driving, the breed thrives in saddle seat, hunter, jumper, dressage, reining, endurance, and more.  

The Show 
Breed shows bring together horses, trainers, amateur and junior exhibitors, and fans for a celebration of talent and heritage. Whether competing or attending as a spectator, breed shows offer a well-rounded experience of horsemanship and community. 

“They are long days, with over 400 exhibitors coming through the ring,” said Lagosz. “But they are incredibly rewarding. We love seeing everyone, from first time exhibitors to longtime supporters, getting involved and having a great time.” 

While each show has its own layout, some offer classes beyond the breed-specific ones. For example, the Connecticut Morgan Horse Show in Springfield, Mass., includes a Friesian division as well as open breed classes that invite horses across all breeds to compete.  

Divisions at breed shows are varied, each with its own focus and judging criteria. At Morgan shows, in-hand classes are judged on conformation, correctness, soundness, and adherence to the breed standard, while park saddle and harness horses are judged for their expressiveness, conformation, and quality at the walk, trot, and canter. Pleasure classes judge horses for their manners and obedience under saddle. 

The Community 
A tremendous amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make a breed show successful. Organizing a show like Connecticut Morgan is a yearlong effort and would not be possible without a strong, committed team. Planning for the next year often starts while the current show is still in progress.  

“Our team starts as early as 6:30 in the morning and often won’t wrap up until 11 at night,” said Lagosz. “It's a long haul, but we’re passionate about what we do. Seeing a child light up watching a class or an exhibitor proud of their horse’s performance makes it worth it.” 

One standout aspect of breed shows, specifically in the Morgan world, is the strong sense of community. For exhibitors, it is a chance to test themselves and their horses in the ring. For spectators, it’s a rare opportunity to witness the unique characteristics of what makes each breed special. Lagosz describes it as a big family that is there to support one another. “Community is everything in the Morgan world,” said Lagosz. “The turnout is amazing, each person knows and is invested in the horses, and is genuinely there to have a good time.” 

US Equestrian Subscribers and Competing Members can watch the 2025 Connecticut Morgan Horse Show on-demand on USEF Network. Not a member? Join now!