Dry Ridge Outfitters and their Old Style Morgan Horses

Kevin and Deb Little have been operating a pack business for over 25 years, guiding clients and guests into the Teton Mountain wilderness for 3 to 7-day pack trips. They use mostly old style Morgans and Morgan crosses for the work. We were visiting near the tail-end of their season and were able to catch them at their Idaho ranch and they offered to show us their horses and talk about what they liked most about Old Style Morgans.
To find out how you could be among those lucky enough to see the Teton mountains as a guest on one of the Little's trail rides, check out their website: dryridge.com.

[@jmcc199]

Gorgeous line of Morgans !! This was my type - back in the day. Thank you for keeping this original style alive !

[@fleetskipper1810]

Nicest horses I’ve seen in a long time. 30 years ago, I had the privilege of riding an old style Morgan. Not only was he smart, but he was like riding a big sofa bed. Incredibly floaty strides.

[@matthewalexander2436]

I dearly love Arabians, but the Morgan has a very, very special place in my heart. They're so good looking and lovely natured horses, I just love their heads. ❤😊❤

[@joyanders3968]

Nice to see the original old style Morgan horses. I have seen too many breeders raising Morgans that looked like Saddlebred horses. Beautiful horses here.

[@sparks8934]

American saddlebred is another outstanding breed though I rode a mare that was an Am😮Saddlebred horse what a phenomenal horse Lady was.

[@mikerelva6915]

The real Morgan is the Lippitt and they are tiny. These old style Morga s are nice but nothing like the original Morgan's.

[@mikerelva6915]

@@counselthyself2591 thanks for the share! It's amazing to compare these old breeds with the modern ones. The old ones were small but hardy. They didn't require much care but could go for days. Their horses back then had to be pulling wagons, working, or riding every day, over all surfaces and they were your car. Today the house had turned into a luxury item meant to be trotted around spotless arenas for an hour or two a week at most, then left in their stall. There is a great picture of president Grant with his three horses. He had a little.morgan he would time everywhere, and then for.parades or when he got close to a town or his troops, he would hop on his 17 hand black thoroughbred to look good 😂. Therein lays what happened over the years - his tiny. Morgan did all the work and was practical and comfortable for what he needed to do, but to look good he got on his thoroughbred. The thoroughbred would have broken down if asked to do what the Morgan did tho, as it was selectively bred to run a mile onna race track vs trot 100's of miles thru rugged terrain like the old school Morgan. All breeds are great, but they all have their purpose. Sadly, today many of their purposes are just looking good in the show ring vs having a use working.

[@rustydevil7192]

Saddlebreds have a lot of Morgan horse blood through Rex McDonald which is a very prominent in saddlebred blood. Vise versa Morgan horses became more appealing to people because of the saddlebred blood though horses like Upwey Ben don which is down from Upwey King Ben and Astral King which was 3/4 saddlebred out of the old Morgan Hockaday blood. Most Morgans other than Lippitt have Saddlebred blood so Nocturne, Funquest, and some UVM horses have saddlebred blood. However, I love both breeds for all the same reasons.

[@clayoreilly4553]

Beautiful country, beautiful horses. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@Brembelia]

I love the fact that some people are preserving the original style Morgan horse. Because the Morgan horse was so versatile, breeders have mixed this line in with other lines like the American saddle horse, the Tennessee walking horse, and the Standard American Quarterhorse. I have even seen hunter/jumpers 18 hands high whose owner were claiming they were pure Morgan. A friend of mine owned a line bred Morgan, a Lippett from the Green Mountain Stock Farm. Line bred Morgans have a very distinctive look, and it would be a shame to lose this line and look through all of the crossbreeding.

[@lindamclennan8645]

Love the guy's narrative-extremely informative.He's very wise in his knowledge of Morgans,has quality horses-this video is worth watching over & over

[@benjeanettebooth1800]

Morgan horses are a great breed. I had a mare as a teenager and hardly ever rode her with a saddle; learning bareback riding teaches you how to ride really well. These horses live a long time. That mare I had was 26 years old and very sound.

[@maggiepatterson7949]

Morgans are a favorite of mine...love their temperment, conformation, intelligence, etc! Yours are Beautiful!

[@shirleybewley6646]

When I was a kid in the 50's Dad made sure we each had a horse, his was a black Morgan named Sugar. She was a sweet girl and we all loved her. After hearing him talk I now understand why she was Dad's favorite. He would use her to hunt and then we did family trail rides. Such a wonderful childhood. I must now check out The outfitter!

[@michellehoyt7770]

My beloved Morgan mare Oak Acres Delia I lost at age 28 after 25 wonderful years together, it wasn't long enough. I can't find one to replace her heart and brains, plus she had beauty. Nothing has stood up to her in all the years since. She was ready to leave the yard and go trail riding and explore any time, worked cattle, did barrels, she was my true soul sister. I still miss her. I keep looking, but her quality are hard to find! Your horses are fantastic!

[@caroluse]

I knew the Oak Acres Morgans out of North Dakota. I raised mostly Lippitt type Morgans in Minnesota and my friend had a stallion named Oak Acres Honor. Great horses! This was 30 years ago. My stallion was born in Woodstock Vermont…Curtis Ashmore.

[@westwindonthelittleranchby240]

I rode 570 miles on a pack-string from grants pass Oregon to Glenn's ferry Idaho. I did it 4 years ago. I had 3 on my string. Best summer ever. I used pegging string on my rigging ring.

[@RobynSouder-rt9jf]

Loved my old style Morgan mare. She could out walk my friends thoroughbred gelding. Work all day and never tire AND beautiful. Keep up the good work sir with your wonderful horses.

[@art-is-lazy4509]

Good to see that Morgan breeders are not stunting their breed down like so many little quarter horse breeders

[@joycehennequin8469]

Thankyou so very much for sharing this video.For me the Morgan horse is without a doubt is the most beautiful horse in the world,and such kind eyes.lve riden horses all my life .... just over 50years + when l was about six l new exactly what l wanted to do and that was to work and be around horses of every minute,and that's what l did and do.All the very best UK 🇬🇧 ENGLAND

[@johngeorgegately7402]

Introduced to Morgans in western MA (Berkshires). Mawgans. My friend Paul Hathaway (RIP) trained UVM Promise. My friends Doug & Sandy Kimple (RIP) had Morgans. Beautiful , ideal companion steeds.

[@rodunsworth2060]

I have been riding with Kev and Deb a few times. They are great people with wonderful horses and fantastic trips.

[@benbrown8258]

I was glad to see Morgans packing, but, I had hoped I'd see a pair at least pulling what a friend overseas used as a garden plow. I've seen a team of goats pulling an actual (scale down but with adults riding in it) stagecoach. I've seen goats logging in Nicaragua. I don't doubt a team of goats could pull a plow, but so far, the most I've seen a single Lippit Morgan do that was practical work is pull a small disc harrow. I've never seen Old Style Morgans work as a team to to do any brush clearing, logging or pull a plow. Kevin and Deb are definitely doing more practical with his Morgans than the stereotype of cultured women on their refined Morgans in events celebrating (and limiting them to) their athletic and artistic beauty and grace with flowing manes and feathered tails. For that I am thankful.

[@practicalplinking6133]

Yer doin' something right when the horses come over to say hello !!

[@triciajumonville7741]

Morgans, particularly the old style ones will do that. Very people oriented horses (owned - or was owned by - and raised them for many years).

[@scrubjay93]

Great to see someone caring for the Morgan horse breed! Those are nice-looking horses and the people seem just as nice😊

[@jeannem6723]

Love of my life was a MorAb cross, pure bred both sides.

[@lizweber4996]

We had 2 Morgans a mother and daughter that were registered... they were awesome girls!!!

[@moomoo3031]

Im so happy to know Real Morgans are still out there! A Morgan horse barn opened near us in VA long ago, but they were all gaited Morgans and were so fat I couldnt believe it, Morgans arent gaited horses at all, crazy! Morgans are just perfect like they originally were and yours are gorgeous.

[@cathiwim]

You would like mine. I got the mare locally but she is from Kingsport TN from an old style farm out there. The guy i bought her from had an old type stud, and used them for trail riding. My plan is for harness and garden work, cuz i cant ride anymore due to health reasons. But i can due ground work all day long.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

I agree. I don't like the show Morgans which I believe are crossed from American Saddlebreds. I much prefer the original old style Morgan horses.

[@gmwwc]

Actually there were a good many OLD Morgans that were gaited. Flyhawk is known to produce gaited horses. I had one of these lovely horses and I still have his 1/4 Arab daughter.

[@lazyleo8730]

@@cathiwim If you are able to share, what farm did you get her from? That is somewhat local to me and I adore the old style of Morgan horse.

[@lazyleo8730]

@counselthyself Interesting, thank you for the information :) Always nice to learn something new

[@deborahjellison4125]

I feel for you and your broken ribs. I had an unscheduled dismount, broke 4 ribs and punctured a lung . Took a couple of years to heal. Really, he jumped the dip, and I was not paying attention, my fault. The first time I ever went off a horse. I have an old stock Morgan, he came from a Yuma Indian tribe. He was about 8 yrs old when I bought him and had been abused. We made a great team, he loves trails, Best Trail Horse Ever. I've had him for 29 yrs, yes he's 37. Now he's retired. I hope should I buy another horse, it will be a Morgan, fantastic breed. Enjoyed your interview with Rural Hetitage, will look forward to more information on your horses.

[@donprohaska2917]

I have owned Morgan horses since 1990 and bred many! The very best horses I have owned. BuckSnort Morgans

[@mrs.c5471]

Do you have a website? Do you sell your stock?

[@sparks8934]

Morgan’s are one of the best horse breeds I’ve ever ridden. Exceptional horses, and an exceptional wife this kind gentleman has, wish I would’ve done this when I was younger . My husband trained with the USMC and loved the Grand Tetons.

[@jimwilson4043]

the Morgan is the one stop shop for a horse, ours worked a plow, hauled hay wagons and we even rode them , amazing animals

[@stevegreat7193]

Beautiful horses.

[@gmariet1391]

Thank you for sharing. I'm more impressed than I can say ! Thank you ! 🐎

[@harley1969chuco]

you have beautiful horses thanks for sharing

[@sparhawkable]

Such beautiful animals. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@annbph]

Perfect I love the well bred old line Morgan. Thanks to Maxine Merchant of Houston Tx from the 60s.

[@kellisargeant8417]

Gorgous horses always was a quarter horse fan but liked Morgan's too love to try one riding one

[@earthmama5659]

Wyoming is big country! So beautiful.

[@miraclefarm1927]

Beautiful and well managed herd.

[@jcampbell100]

Loved my Morgans. So true it would take a week to get ready for a 5 day trip. Lots of work and lots of fun.

[@downbntout]

I always really liked the Morgan slogan "Morgan's will do". So beautiful. They will suit your task.

[@AnnaMaria-zm8cv]

Morgans are my ideal of perfection in horses, they are so beautiful in and out. It soares me I can never own one, due to my countries policy we arent allowed to import horses :( But luckily I can admire them on videos like this.

[@triciajumonville7741]

Iceland, by any chance? I've had the opportunity to ride an Icelandic Horse and they are pretty wonderful themselves.

[@pfs8966]

Many years ago...early 80's our farm "Spring House Morgan's" in WVA had some beautiful old Lippit mares, Ransomvale Morita and Moriah as well as Royalton Mary Mary. Those mares were dropping beautiful foals even though they were aged mares. Beautiful and capable equines!

[@pfs8966]

Ransomvale Mariah

[@rebeccamunoz4596]

Love the Morgan horse❤🤗👍

[@vintagelady1]

I am pretty sure the mare my folks bought me when I was in middle school was a Morgan or Morgan cross. She certainly had the look & temperament, & people asked me all the time if she was. I lucked out completely with her b/c I was a horse-crazy little girl & I had no idea what i was doing. she put up with me without a fuss, no matter what. Wish I wasn't too old to start riding again---I do love horses.

[@grassroot011]

read the Morgan Horse was originated by a farmer in Vermont. Justin Morgan. I really like their conformation. Also size. And the alertness, presence and intelligence evident. Nice, thanks

[@chadroberts44]

Couldn't ask for better people to take a pack trip with.

[@victoriatormanen2232]

We ranch off of Morgans. They are the toughest, cowiest horses!

[@claudiadickerman4218]

Twenty odd yrs ago, I had the time of my life and one of the most satisfying adventures when I saw an advert in a Phoenix, AZ newspaper for people to live and work on a dude ranch in Moose WY, just north of Jackson Hole. Room and board and several different type of work to apply for. I had been in hotel hospitality prior so I applied to be assistant reservation manager for the guest stays. When I arrived there I think my jaw stayed in the dropped position because it was like standing in a post card as this ranch faced the grand Tetons in full panoramic splendor. I went up in early spring and stayed until almost Thanksgiving and was offered a position on the snowmobile trips into Yellowstone. Same crews that ran those also ran the Snake River Rafting Co that was based at the ranch also. I did work in these different areas and also went down to Jackson Hole part time at the ranch booth we had in town. I did all I could possibly pack into that wonderful adventure and I will always have the super memories of it. If any young people are reading this, I wholly recommend you try it at dude ranches and even Federal parks like Yosemite, and others. I wish I was young enough at the moment to go to this ranch and ride his wonderful Morgan horses which are a New England favorite and I grew up in New Hampshire on the Vermont border where I believe Morgans basically got their start. I prefer the type here in this video as opposed to the "showy" Morgans I have seen which are gaited and used even for dressage .

[@juliekeeney1538]

I used to have a palamino Morgan horse. She was old style with thick neck, compact build. She was a good horse.

[@wolfmare50]

My Ram was lippitt. Bless his soul.

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Love the Morgan horses❤

[@praline4157]

They are gorgeous!

[@bcazz5202]

Flyhawk - my mare has that breeding and is also an intelligent, go all day horse, even in her late 20's. Could use another soon, so going to check out that website. :)

[@edsmith2562]

With fortune I have owned 4 foundation type Morgan horses and 1 of the leggy type. There is no question that the breed is the finest pleasure I ever had under saddle and in my back contry strings. The only two mares that I ever fully trusted in my lifetime were of the foundation group.

[@kathleengeiser6956]

I have loved Morgan's since I was a child and read the book, Justin Morgan had a horse. The true story of how the Morgan horse was discovered and developed. Now the old style Morgan is called the Lippitt Morgan if I'm correct?

[@JG-mt3rp]

Wow, what a fabulous bunch of horses and so well fed and conditioned. Absolutely beautiful

[@yzettasmith4194]

I would have loved to see the horses more.

[@steverotz666]

Always kept banamine on hand would take with when we went to the mountains hunting

[@dianabrown833]

I'm clear out here in west coast quarter horse country. How great! I didn't know there were original Morgan horses. I would love to see more videos of them. I'm not a very big lady and am going to be looking for a smaller horse. Have been thinking of Halflinger. Are your Morgans smaller? Prices?

[@harveyschmucker9552]

I have worked halflingers and Morgan horses and I would encourage you to go Morgan

[@duanerogers1166]

I would be interested in find a team of gelding to use to pull a sheep camp and also ride and pack with I had a morgan/quarter horse cross and he was a great horse

[@joycehennequin8469]

Do you have anymore videos please of your horses.

[@caciliawhy5195]

My horse as a kid was a Morgan. Great horse. She could do anything. What they have done with the Morgan breed is despicable.

[@downbntout]

My sister liked Morgans, deep chested strong old-type, not the freaky-headed park type that look like fancy Shetlands. Her vanity licence plate said "UU UU" (Heels kicking)

[@nadineblake6354]

I would love a tall Morgan chestnut mare. Any in South Africa?

[@suzzalaska]

Been following freesians last few years. To me they are similar.

[@siannevautour8659]

Our Morgan tries to buck every time we ask him to canter.

[@jeanbeck202]

her name is Amanda

[@mrs.c5471]

What does the L in the brand stand for?

[@russlittle8010]

Little

[@chrisoconnor5880]

Percheron

[@lizbelli8287]

Any morgan people out there that know if they are comfortable of carrying an adult male, say max 200lbs with all tack? I see them packing in this video, but I’m more curious about dressage/hunter jumper. Unfortunately I have no personal experience with Morgans. I ride mostly thoroughbreds and quarter crosses at my barn. My husband has shown interest in riding. I hear they are a strong breed, but to the eye they don’t seem to have much bone compared to other “husband” horses.

[@mattmoore7796]

I have ridden the all day in the mountains. Me being 225 at the time.

[@gregs8736]

My Morgans have carried over 200 lbs in the mountains all day and had no trouble outworking other breeds that were at least one hand higher. And mine were 15 hands high plus. They had no trouble staying sound either!

[@pixie706]

Aren't Morgan horses a crossbreed to start with like quarter horses ?

[@suzanneyoung8011]

No, Quarter Horses are actually more crossed with other breeds than Morgans. In fact Quarter Horses have Morgans back in their bloodlines. Morgan horses all descend from a single stallion that became known by his owner's name, Justin Morgan, and he was sired by a Thoroughbred stallion. His dam side was unknown. But he bred true and passed on his traits to anything he was bred to. This was in the early 1800s, much much sooner than the AQHA breed was established. Even the Thoroughbred was originally a cross hundreds of years ago.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

@@suzanneyoung8011 To me they are reminescant of Welsh Cobs. Maybe this was the unknown breeding of the Dam? Here in NZ we have Morgans but they seem to be a bit crackpottish. Especially new ones from the US. I have looked at youtube for Morgans but don't like the Saddleseat and nutty behaviour. These old fashioned ones are LOVELY.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

@@juliaforsyth8332 I agree. I much prefer this old style type. I saw a video a few years ago, and I unfortunately do not remember the name, but there is a large cattle ranch that exclusively breeds and rides Morgan horses as opposed to Quarter Horses,which most ranchers use. Their tradition goes back to their original family member who settled out west and brought his Morgans with him. Just goes to show that this old style Morgan is a great all-around horse as opposed to the saddleseat type.

[@gmwwc]

@@suzanneyoung8011 your answer belies you incorrect assumption. It is true that Justin Morgan is the foundation sire of the breed but he was only one horse and he was bred to SOMETHING other than a Morgan because there were no other Morgans. Many breeds contributed to the development. An eye to developing a close coupled using horse to fix the type, and yes gaited horses figured in there. And yes, Quarter horses were bred from whatever would produce a horse that was strong, right handy, cowie, and and emphasis was put on sprinters. Remount stallions were used a good bit and some Percheron draft went in there to improve the legs and feet. Not too many years past a breeder advertised their horses as having "big buts and pretty faces" and indeed the stamp of Percheron was clearly evident in their pictures, right down to the dappled gray coats.

[@eloiayotte7165]

They might have some Canadian horse blood. The little Iron Horse from New France.

[@jeanbeck202]

our granddaughter amamands trained pure black Morgan stallin puree black for kohor stables won the world harness class was in magazine about 4 years ago not sure not to many years ago l.

[@rustydevil7192]

I here him talking about breeding but i either missed or he never mentioned what is the foundation of his bloodline other than Flyhawk. I know Flyhawk and i don't see Flyhawk it looks l like Povenier breeding in my humble opinion.

[@wholesome122]

Kinda want to drink hot chocolate now

[@user-wn8mg2jh1d]

WOW fLYHAWK Bloodline amazing . I am so glad you are not just gelding but breeding the bloodline on . I am so tired of Morgan Breeders destroying the Morgan Breed by Gelding every Colt.

[@LilyGazou]

My friend had an Andalusian stallion and he was so gentle and easy for any rider to manage. Maybe he has to geld his colts for legal reasons - “safer”

[@barbaraaguitas6286]

Typical Morgans. If people are around, they mosey right over to nose around!

[@sheriroberts2954]

Morgan's are the direct descendants of Canadian Horses or Cheval Canadienne. These old style Morgan's look just like the Canadian Horse!! The proof is in the DNA and documented by Texas A & M. The Canadian Horse is now a rare breed that is on the critical list.

[@eiloen]

"Ay Raab"? Seriously? The only people I've ever heard pronounce Arab like that are right wing racists. Maybe this guy should retrain his word use.

[@coop5329]

I wanted to see the horses; show me what makes them Morgans, show me the conformation, the body shape, what is it about the hooves that makes them strong. Show me the horses, not 20 minutes of looking at some guy while he talks generalities about horses. Two thumbs down.

[@Ap-8]

Please explain why do you castrate the horses? Who gave you and who ever else that does this the right to do such a cruel act. God gave them that nobody has a right to take that away from the horses. What is the stupid point of such actions?

[@willpp9999]

If you dont castrate they can be a nuisance/ danger if riding out with mares if they are in season , its not cruel , plus stallions / colts can fight between themselves for dominance , we castrate our colts between 1 year and 18 months , unless we want to keep them has stallions to breed with our mares !

[@jeannem6723]

@@willpp9999 You really aren't doing a stud any favors by leaving him entire. Stallions generally live hard lonesome lives.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

Honestly, this has to be about the dumbest comment I've ever seen on any horse video. Who gave them the right??? Well God did since he made mankind to be over the animals. Also, this man had that right as the owner and breeder of these horses. You must not have owned stallions before. Every male horse born does not deserve to be a stallion. Only the best bred, best conformed, best temperament and best performing horses should become stallions. Breeders do not want to spend a lot of time, energy and money breeding inferior horses. You do know that we have a problem with excess horses that are sold off for slaughter? Why in the world would we want to add to that problem by keeping all male horses intact? Using your logic, every cattleman would keep all his male calves as bulls instead of steers, and no one would be spaying and neutering dogs and cats either. That's just crazy and contributes to unwanted animals.

[@Ap-8]

Explain exactly what does castrate mean. Are you saying that it is some form of birth control. Does this mean the horse still has his penis just not that which will cause birth. CASTRATION IS ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS. ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS. I do not care what the reason is for God never told man to cut off what He gave that horse. A rocket can be made to go to the moon. You mean to tell me man can not come up with a better solution to this matter. That is a cheap shot and the weakest theory ever.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

@@Ap-8 of course he still has his penis. A little research on the internet would do you some good. During castration, also known as gelding a horse, only the testicles are surgically removed by a veterinarian while the horse is under sedation. It's a quick, safe procedure that's done at the farm. This process has been done for ages all over the world. You're in no position to judge what God wants when it comes to management of the animals. He gave man dominion over them, and this procedure prolongs the horse's life, improves his temperament and provides a safer environment for people and other animals alike that are around horses.

[@Lily_1010]

Beautiful horses.