For many years, Miner Institute has brought Heart’s Delight (HD) Morgan horses on an every-other-year rotation for equine demonstrations at the Almanzo Wilder Farm in Burke – the original homestead of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s husband Almanzo and his family.
This year, four Morgans from Miner Institute: HD Seneca, HD Esperance, HD Independence, and HD Adirondack made the trip to Burke. They were joined by Candlelite Lady Galadriel, “Gala” a 10-year-old Morgan mare. Gala is sired by world champion stallion, Privilege, and out of Candlelite Irish Mist. Gala has participated in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) activities for most of her life and has been helping children improve their reading skills for the past three years as part of Candlelite Farm’s Horse Powered Reading Program.
Additionally, HD Harkness traveled to northern NY with his owners Mary Chris and Martin Foxworthy from their home in Michigan. “Hark” was born at Miner Institute in 1998 and sold as a weanling then purchased by the Foxworthys when he was two years old. He has been in Michigan with the Foxworthys ever since. Hark is an accomplished carriage driving horse and was chosen as a special edition model for the Breyer company in 2023. Hark attended the Breyer Fest in Lexington, KY in July 2023 and has become an amazing ambassador for the Morgan breed and has gained many adoring fans. At the Wilder Farm, Hark drove with Mary Chris and Martin Foxworthy in a bird in hand flyer.
Morgan history
Justin Morgan acquired a bay colt in 1789 and named him “Figure.” Figure was known for his beauty, strength, speed, and gentle disposition. Figure sired many foals who shared his distinguishing characteristics. Although Figure moved on to other owners after Justin Morgan’s death, he became known as the Justin Morgan Horse after his former owner. Morgan horses today carry on the looks and spirit of Figure, the Justin Morgan Horse.
In 1840, Almanzo’s father James Wilder purchased an 88-acre parcel in Burke where the Wilder Homestead now operates. Morgan horses were an established part of the Wilder farm, but James’ marriage to Angelina Day in 1843 likely solidified it. Angelina was several generations related to Justin Morgan, making Almanzo and Figure’s original owner distant cousins. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book Farmer Boy is set at the farm and recounts stories of Almanzo’s childhood recounted to her by her husband.
On July 27, the Wilder Homestead hosted a celebration of Irish influence in northern New York with Irish food, music and the Morgan horse demonstrations. The weather was beautiful, and the crowd was pleased to get to see the versatility of the Morgan horse. Miner Institute’s Summer Experience in Equine Management students and yearlong intern Elizabeth LaValley participated in the demonstration with HD Seneca, HD Esperance, HD Independence, and HD Adirondack. They helped get the horses ready and were available to field questions as event participants came to visit and interact with the horses. We always appreciate the opportunity to share our love for the Morgan breed and our passion for educating the public.