A new book has been published entitled, "The Morgan Horse Foundation - A Computerized Analysis", authored by Calvin Hanson, a well known Morgan breeder, judge and historian.
The 325 page book is based upon Hanson's seven-year research project, which for the first time computerized 45,000 horses representing the foundation genealogy and history of the Morgan Horse breed, with an additional 14,000 horses computerized, bringing popular bloodlines up to the present day.
The book contains 30 chapters, which analyze the findings and set the record straight on the Morgan's pioneer days, featuring pedigrees, photos, descendant trees, stories, survey charts, a detailed explanation of the computerization process, and thousands of discoveries made during that effort.
Current day Morgans, many of whom are World and Grand National Champions, were traced all the way back to the breed's originator Justin Morgan through lines that were never realized.
The book also includes an in-depth analysis of the breed's history; contributions of Colonel Joseph Battell and his Morgan operation; unregistered Morgans who were full siblings to other registered Morgans and could have been registered; the fastest racing Morgans; their times and relatives; the connection of the Morgan and the Standardbred; Morgans that traveled long distances and their times; special sire lines that kept the breed thriving; universal sires of the 1700s and 1800s which linked breeds such as the Morgan, Tennessee Walker, Saddlebred, Thoroughbred, Saddlebred and Standardbred; early show records dating back to 1847; the evolution of the Morgan National Champions with their bloodline relationships; and much more.
Calvin Hanson has donated all proceeds from the book, after publishing costs, to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse. A special book signing was held at the recent Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show. Books can be purchased from The National Museum of the Morgan Horse, P. O. Box 700, Shelburne, VT 05482, 802-985-8665 or from Arthur L. Perry, Jr., Intrepid Farms, 3215 Roblar Avenue, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. The cost of the book is $50 including postage.