American Morgan Horse Association facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | AMHA |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Morgan Horse Club |
| Formation | 1909 |
| Purpose | Register and promote Morgan horses |
| Headquarters | 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 130, Lexington, Kentucky 40511 |
| Services | Breed registry |
| Publication | The Morgan Horse |
| Affiliations | USDF, USEF, WDAA, 50 recognized clubs, 20 youth clubs |
The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is a special group that keeps records for Morgan horses. It was started in 1909. The AMHA helps people who breed and own Morgan horses. Their main office is at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The AMHA also publishes a magazine called The Morgan Horse. They have a museum in Maine and offer lots of information and learning programs.
Contents
History of the AMHA
How the AMHA Began
The Morgan Horse Club was first created in 1909. This happened at the Vermont State Fair. In 1927, it became an official organization. Later, in 1971, its name changed to the American Morgan Horse Association.
In 1988, the AMHA built a large center in Shelburne, Vermont. This center included the National Museum of the Morgan Horse. It also housed the AMHA offices and the American Morgan Horse Institute.
Where the AMHA Is Now
In 2020, the AMHA moved its offices. They are now located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The AMHA has grown a lot over the years. Today, it has about 7,000 active members. It also has records for 90,000 living registered Morgan horses.
What Is a Breed Registry?
Keeping Track of Morgan Horses
A breed registry is like a special record book for animals. It keeps track of their family trees. The first records of Morgan horse families were made by Joseph Battell. He published his first book in 1894.
The AMHA now keeps these important records. They have a huge collection of information about Morgan horses. In 2013, the AMHA shared its records with the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This helped with research about the breed. By 2010, the AMHA had recorded over 179,000 Morgan horses.
Rules for Registering a Morgan Horse
In 1948, the AMHA made a big decision. They "closed the stud book." This means only horses with registered Morgan parents can be added. This rule helps keep the Morgan horse breed pure.
The AMHA also works with other countries. They have agreements with Canada and Britain. Horses already registered in those countries can be registered with the AMHA. Only purebred Morgan horses can be registered. Horses that are half Morgan cannot be.
The AMHA has rules about how horses are born. Cloned horses cannot be registered. However, foals born through embryo transfer can be registered.
National Museum of the Morgan Horse
Exploring Morgan Horse History
The National Museum of the Morgan Horse is in New Gloucester, Maine. It is located at the Pineland Farms Equestrian Center. The museum shows how important Morgan horses have been throughout history.
It has a special research library. This library contains many old books and papers. The museum also has a large collection of items. These include photos, sculptures, and paintings of Morgan horses. You can also find information about Morgan horse farms and breeders. The museum helps keep the history of the Morgan breed safe.
American Morgan Horse Institute
Supporting Education and Shows
The American Morgan Horse Institute helps the Morgan horse community. It provides money for educational projects. It also offers scholarships to students. The Institute also helps organize the Grand National Morgan Horse Show every year.
Morgan Horse Competitions
Showing Off Morgan Talents
Morgan horses registered with the AMHA can compete in many events. These events are approved by the United States Equestrian Federation. This group holds all the purebred Morgan horse shows in the United States.
The AMHA also works with other horse groups. These include the American Horse Council and the United States Dressage Federation. There are ten regional shows held each year. The biggest Morgan horse show is the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show. This exciting event happens every year in Oklahoma City.
See also
- Morgan horse
- Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show
