As readers of this blog might remember, one of my all time favorite horse books is Justin Morgan Had a Horse, by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis. I love the story of this not-so-big horse that could do everything .... pull a carriage, plow the fields, carry a rider in style, even beat bigger horses in a race. This book so inspired me that when I visited Vermont I made sure to include the statue of Justin Morgan at the University of Vermont. I also toured the stables there. Amazing!

It was there I found The Morgan Horse, written and illustrated by Jeanne Mellin (and also with photographs). The "little wonder colt from no where" was considered a 'runt' and too small to be of much use. What a surprise he turned out to be! A nice, well written history of the breed.

Mellin also wrote The Morgan Horse Handbook which goes into more detail as to the ideal breed characteristics, faults to try and avoid, blood lines, and so on. There are wonderful pictures and illustrations (by the author) of all the many things the Morgan can do.

Jeanne Mellin was a familiar name to me. She wrote and illustrated another horsey favorite of mine: Horses Across America. On her Morgan horse she takes an imaginary trip across the United States visiting breeds specific to various states such as the Chincoteague Ponies, Tennessee Walkers, Quarter Horses and (drum roll please) the Appaloosa, the subject of the last Horse Crazy Posts!

Reading Hermit With Dog