Figure (horse) facts for kids

Horse and rider costumed to resemble Figure and Justin Morgan.

Figure was a small, dark brown horse (called a bay stallion). He was owned by a man named Justin Morgan. Figure became the most important horse for starting the Morgan horse breed. This means many Morgan horses today are related to him!

Figure's Early Life

Figure was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. He was a small, dark brown colt. People believe his father was a famous English Thoroughbred stallion named "True Briton." Figure's mother was a horse from the "Wild-Air" family. She was bred by Justin Morgan, the person the breed is named after.

Figure was about 14 hands high (which is about 1.42 meters or 4 feet, 8 inches tall). He weighed around 950 pounds (about 430 kg). He was special because he passed on his unique looks, strong body, good temper, and athletic skills to his foals.

Justin Morgan's Horse

In 1792, Figure was offered for breeding. Soon after, he was given to Justin Morgan (a singing teacher and town clerk) as payment for money owed. Morgan owned Figure from 1792 to 1795. During this time, Figure was used for breeding in several towns like Randolph, Vermont, Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Royalton, Vermont.

In 1795, Morgan let Robert Evans use Figure to help clear land. Later, Morgan traded Figure to Samuel Allen for some land. Allen then sold Figure to William Rice of Woodstock, Vermont that same year.

Figure's Amazing Skills

In 1796, Figure showed off his speed in a race in Brookfield, Vermont. He beat horses from New York and won $50! That year, Johnathan Shepard of Montpelier, Vermont used Figure for breeding and also raced him. Figure did very well in these races. Because of his owner, Figure soon became famous as the "Justin Morgan horse."

Figure's Many Owners

Figure was traded again in 1797 to James Hawkins. By 1801, Robert Evans of Randolph owned him. Evans used Figure for logging (pulling logs), racing, and breeding until 1804. Colonel John Goss then took ownership of Figure because of a debt. Goss used the horse for military parades and even entered him in a pulling contest, which the small horse won! In 1805, Goss traded Figure to his brother David.

David Goss owned Figure from 1805 to 1811. Figure worked on the farm for most of the year and was used for breeding for two months each year. He was sold to Philip Goss in 1811 for the breeding season. Philip Goss then sold Figure to Jacob Sanderson, who sold him to Jacob Langmeade. Langmeade used Figure to haul heavy goods.

Langmeade sold Figure to Joel Goss and Joseph Rogers at the end of 1811. Figure continued to be used for breeding for several years. In 1817, he was sold to Samuel Stone, who showed him at the Randolph fair. Later that year, Figure was even ridden by President James Monroe in a parade!

Figure's Last Years

In 1819, Figure was sold to his final owner, Levi Bean of Chelsea, Vermont. As he got older, Figure was allowed to rest in a pasture. He sadly died in 1821 at the age of 32. This happened because he was kicked and got a bad injury. Figure is now buried in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Stories About Figure

Many fun stories and legends grew around Figure and Justin Morgan. A popular children's book called Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry tells a fictional story about Figure (who is called "Little Bub" in the book) and his early life. Walt Disney Pictures even made a movie based on the book in 1972.

Figure's Family Tree