Sport Horses
Morgan versatility shines in the Sport Horse divisions
Whether you’re a classical dressage fan or an event rider, a competitive or pleasure trail rider, or have another sport you enjoy in an equine partnership, Morgans can do it all!
The Kings of Carriage Driving
Like everything else they do, Morgan horses excel in carriage driving and are respected around the world for their stamina, intelligence, quickness and athleticism. Their strong bonds to their humans make them ideal for recreational and competitive carriage driving.
Sport Horse Committee Chair
Gina Handy
Morgans & Carriage Driving
There are many ways to enjoy your Morgan carriage horse in competition. Pleasure Shows can contain a wide range of classes, including paces, ring classes (such as Reinsmanship), driven dressage, and obstacles (such as a scurry or pick your route). Drivers in Pleasure Shows often compete in beautifully restored antique vehicles, but modern vehicles are also widespread.
Combined Driving Events (CDEs) are based on ridden three-day eventing and consist of driven dressage, a marathon phase with obstacles, and timed obstacles. Different, shorter versions of CDEs include Driving Trials, Arena Driving Trials, and Combined Tests. Driving Derbies, which are modeled after World Cup Driving in Europe, are becoming more popular in the United States. This type of competition consists of a combined course of cones and marathon-type obstacles driven at speed and can be thrilling for driver and spectator alike.
More information about the different types of carriage driving competitions, as well as other basic information of interest to drivers, can be found here.
If competition does not appeal to you and you’d rather just hitch up your Morgan and go for a drive in the country, New York State has several parks that have trails suitable for carriages. While there are many more parks that have equestrian trails, trails for carriage driving must have the proper width and footing. The American Driving Society lists these New York parks in their Northeast Trail Guide:
New York State and surrounding states sport many local driving clubs that often organize recreational drives for their members. These clubs can be a great resource to find safe and fun places in your area to enjoy your Morgan carriage horse. The American Driving Society has a list of northeastern driving clubs here, and some of their members are bound to be Morgan owners!
2025 Sport Horse Shows & Events
DECEMBER - Classical Dressage
December 29 - VIRTUAL HORSE SHOW - Sponsored by the Western NY Dressage Association (WNYDA)