2022-2 Remembrances Special Edition1
City of Schertz
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2022-2
Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Historic Equestrian Blood Lines
A Schertz-Cibolo Area Connection
In 1791 America was in its infancy. The Declaration of Independence had been signed on July 4,
1776, and the American Revolutionary War ended in September of 1783. The formation of
states was beginning to occur between 1898 (Delaware) and 1791 (Vermont). But little did the
colonists know that in that same year of 1792, a significant historical event occurred in the
realm of horse breeding that would have major impacts for centuries to come. It was in that
year that Justin Morgan, an itinerant singing master, brought his three-year old colt from
Springfield, Massachusetts to Randolph, Vermont and bred him for the first time. The first
offspring to emerge from the horse called “Figure” and named for his owner, Justin Morgan,
was a horse named Brutus. Brutus was strong and fleet of foot, a harbinger of Morgan foals to
come. These “Morgans” had a handsome appearance, combined with speed and powers of
endurance as well as a reputation for excelling at any task asked of them. Originally appreciated
for their skills as parade mounts and carriage horses, Morgan versatility led them across the
young country into the western Remount program. There they have proven their further worth
as cattle range herders leading to their excellence as western dressage competitors.
According to noted historian Brenda L. Tippin in her article titled The Sons of Justin Morgan, the
original Justin Morgan horse left numerous sons and daughters, many of which have been lost
to history, although they each contributed to the strong reputation that built the Morgan
breed. Those include, but are far from limited to, horses such as Sherman Morgan (Rhode
Island), Bulrush (Vermont), Woodbury (Vermont), Old Morrill (Vermont), and many, many other
noted foundation stock of the breed. Tippin adds that the extent of Morgan horse popularity
and esteem has not remained an eastern sea-board phenomena. The breed has spread its
lineage in many directions.
One of the locations the breed has spread to is the greater Schertz/Cibolo Texas area. This
connection is represented by the horses owned by Elaine McIntyre and her daughters, Barbara
Friesenhahn and Nancy Stuhl, whose homes are adjacent to their Morgan Horse farm.
According to Elaine, as stated in The Alamo Area Horse Gazette, the family’s Morgan horse
breeding endeavor is first and foremost brought about by “the family’s desire to enjoy the
beauty and talent of the breed as well as to share the fun the horses provide for everyone who
has an interest in horses.” The McIntyre women are a competitive bunch. Their history of
winning performances guiding their Morgans through many types of equine competition is
impressive. An example of one of the most challenging competitions is a two-day carriage
driving event that incorporates four categories of horsemanship: Presentation, Dressage,
Marathon and Obstacles. Besides a competitive history that spans several state venues, the
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families have shown their horses in many locations in Texas to include most recently at the
2021 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Preparing their Morgan horses for competition is no
easy task. The McIntyre women spend between a half-hour to two hours per day every day
practicing with their horses and making sure they have appropriate competition tack and dress
ready when show time comes. It is a labor of love! The current McIntyre Morgan horse herd
follows.