What Is a Lippitt Morgan?

"To touch a Lippitt is to touch history"

(Bob Griswold, The Lippitt Club, 1999)

Origins of the Morgan Horse

The Morgan breed traces to a single foundation stallion born in the late 18th century — Justin Morgan’s horse, known as Figure. From this one stallion came a line of horses renowned for strength, stamina, versatility, and an exceptional disposition. Early Morgans were valued equally as farm horses, carriage horses, saddle horses, and cavalry mounts. Their usefulness and adaptability made them one of the most respected American breeds of the 19th century.

The Preservation of the Old Vermont Morgan

As the 20th century progressed and modernization reduced the working role of horses, breeding goals within the Morgan population shifted. Some programs emphasized animation and show-ring expression over the traditional “all-purpose” working type. Concerned that the original Vermont-style Morgan might be lost, a group of preservation-minded breeders identified twenty-five Morgans whose pedigrees retained a high concentration of early Morgan ancestry. These horses became known as the foundation Lippitts, named in recognition of Robert Lippitt Knight, a strong supporter of the old-style Morgan. To be considered a full Lippitt Morgan, a horse must trace in every line of its pedigree to one or more of these twenty-five foundation horses.

The Preservation of the Old Vermont Morgan

As the 20th century progressed and modernization reduced the working role of horses, breeding goals within the Morgan population shifted. Some programs emphasized animation and show-ring expression over the traditional “all-purpose” working type. Concerned that the original Vermont-style Morgan might be lost, a group of preservation-minded breeders identified twenty-five Morgans whose pedigrees retained a high concentration of early Morgan ancestry. These horses became known as the foundation Lippitts, named in recognition of Robert Lippitt Knight, a strong supporter of the old-style Morgan. To be considered a full Lippitt Morgan, a horse must trace in every line of its pedigree to one or more of these twenty-five foundation horses.

Genetic Continuity

All Lippitts trace directly through their male sire line to Justin Morgan (Figure), and they retain one of the highest concentrations of early Morgan blood within the breed today. Many Lippitts trace back to Figure within twelve to thirteen generations — a remarkable degree of continuity for a horse born more than 200 years ago.

Rarity & Stewardship

Full Lippitts are considered rare within the broader Morgan population, with an estimated 2,000 worldwide and significantly fewer active breeding mares.

Preservation organizations such as the Lippitt Club encourage responsible breeding practices to maintain genetic diversity while retaining traditional type, temperament, and structural soundness.

The Lippitt Today

Modern Lippitts continue to embody the qualities attributed to the earliest Morgans:

Hardiness and stamina
Willing, people-oriented temperament
Longevity and soundness
Versatility across disciplines

Whether used for driving, ranch work, trail, dressage, or sport, the Lippitt remains true to its origins — a balanced, capable horse shaped by American history.

Lippitt Foundation

Mares Stallions

Bonnie Jean 0343 Croydon Prince 5325

Bridget 02852 Rob Roy 4483

Croydon Mary 02900 Donald 5224

Emily 03026 Bob B 5282

Evelyn 0684 Welcome 5702

Hannah 03196 Sir Ethan Allen 6537

Hippolyta 03222 Sealect 7266

Jenny Woodbury 03258 Bilirubin 7462

Lippitt Sallie 04565

Lippitt Trixie x04695