Vermont Morgan Horse
Excerpt from the introduction of my Morgan Horse ebook monograph that talks about the work and the farm:
I wouldn’t call myself a “horse lover,” and I think that disappoints people who see these images and expect to chat with me about horses. I’ve ridden horses before, western-style mostly, and I had one misadventure with bareback, but I don’t know anything about saddles, tack, or even what to feed them (although grass and hay seem to be favorites). What I do know is that they are strong, beautiful animals with distinctive personalities and that the people who care for them put in a great deal of time and hard work. That’s what drew me to this subject: the relationship between human and animal, and the incredible dedication of those who have kept the Morgan breed thriving into the 21st century.
The historic Morgan Horse Farm, where for more than a century breeders and trainers have been keeping the prized Morgan bloodline alive, is maintained by the University of Vermont. Renowned for their noble spirit, feats of strength, and gentle disposition, the Morgan has emerged as one of the preeminent American breeds. Everyday, the farm staff grooms and trains the 30-40 horses on the premises, conducts tours for the public, and manages an active breeding program.
They are magnificent animals, proud and trained to perform. Most people only know this glamorous side, with the horses portrayed in rigidly posed paintings set in pastures with bucolic barns and fences in the background, or hitched to carts with drivers dressed in their Sunday best riding clothes, guiding the animals around the interior of the show arena. The reality I’ve presented in this monograph is no less idyllic, but it conveys the long hours and sweat that go into making these animals the icon that they have become.
I thank Steve Davis, Lee Beckwith, Kelsey Connor, Rachael Courant, Olivia Chicoine, Nicole Grainger, Stephen Iocco, Jessica Kemp, Anna LaRoche, Shane Morin, Rachael Rogers, and Alanna Schober for their kind guidance and patience letting me photograph their work at the farm.
To view a portfolio of fine art documentary photographs of the farm, please visit www.brettsimison.com/morgan.
Vermont Morgan Horse: The Documentary
In Weybridge, Vermont the University of Vermont maintains the historic Morgan Horse Farm, where for more than a century breeders and trainers have been keeping the prized Morgan bloodline alive. Renowned for their noble spirit, feats of strength, and gentle disposition, the Morgan has emerged as one of the preeminent American breeds.
You can watch the full video on the Vermont Morgan House, by clicking here.
More about Brett:
Brett Simison is a commercial, editorial, and fine art photographer based in Middlebury, Vermont. Over the course of his career, he has worked for a variety of clients throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Central America, shooting everything from studio product photography to assignments in the jungles of Guatemala.
He strives to meld the worlds of documentary and fine art in his work, endeavoring to tell a story that reaches the viewer in an informative and emotional way.
Visit www.brettsimison.com for more on his work.