OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2021

18 OklahomaHorses • September/October 2021 show up, but the numbers were really good last year.” Pandemic or not, part of the draw for exhibitors is State Fair Park itself. Since 1975, the facilities have grown and updated in tandem with the Grand National. “OKC has done a great job of keeping it [State Fair Park] modernized by updat- ing stalls and buildings over the years,” Kraegel said of the horse-show capital of the world. “There are so many places to work horses and warm up. It’s really great for events of any size.” Oklahoma City is also an easy place to navigate for those coming in from out of town. And the airport is just a short drive from State Fair Park. “State Fair Park is in a great area that’s not crazy expensive to stay in, and it’s superaccessible,” Kraegel added. “It’s just an ideal location for a horse show.” Justin Morgan Had a Horse Owners and exhibitors might come to Oklahoma City for the Grand National, but they stay for the Morgan horse breed itself. The first Morgan horse, a bay colt, was born in 1789 and later purchased by Justin Morgan. Although the colt was named Figure, he became known by his owner’s name. This was a common prac- tice of the time and how Figure became the founding sire of the entire breed. Many people who aren’t familiar with the Morgan breed might have some pre- conceived notions that simply aren’t true. “I think the most common misconcep- tion of the Morgan horse is that it’s a tiny, fat pony,” Kraegel said. “And I’ve found that a lot of people also believe Morgans are gaited.” The personality of the breed is com- pared to that of a Labrador retriever in the canine world. And although most breeds of horses forge a strong bond with people, the Morgan horse seems to be a bit more invested in the relationship than others. “Morgans really love people, and I think they’re a bit more emotional than other breeds,” Kraegel said. “They care if you’re visiting them or not. They really rely on their people.” As the owner of one of the largest Morgan horse barns in Oklahoma City – Cottonwood Creek – Kraegel has spent a lifetime getting to know the breed. She had experience with her fair share of American Morgan Horse AssociationWestern Seat Gold Medal finalists await results at the 2020 Grand National &World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. At the 2020 Grand National &World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City, Susan Morey and JRH Remember Me create a colorful scene in red, blue, and black.