The Morgan horse can be traced to Justin Morgan who moved in 1788 from West Springfield, MA, to Randolph, VT, and obtained a colt named for him two years later. That horse lived until 1821. While its lineage is not known, one story tells it was a Welsh cob and another that it was sired by an English thoroughbred to a mare of mixed parentage. The Morgan is a muscular, compact horse used for general riding, steeplechasing, and light draft work. Characteristically, it has an excellent temperament and endurance.