Morgan Horse Farm receives $1 million donation

Author: Andrea Glaessner

Now that's a sturdy little Morgan right there," chuckled Steve Davis, director of University of Vermont's (UVM's) Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, pointing to a frisky young stallion trotting around the ring with his trainer, propped up in a carriage, in tow.

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"This is kind of an extensive education effort here," said Davis, referring to the stallion and his young trainer. "The owner's just acquired this horse here and we're working him. He's a good-looking Morgan, well-behaved too," he said, nodding with approval. For Davis and the horses, it was just another day at the farm.

Keeping his eyes glued to the horse, Davis delved into a bit of the Morgan Horse Farm's history. "Well, you must know Joseph Battell. He owned Bread Loaf, which was his summer horse farm. Then he founded this place," said Davis, gesturing his hand towards the vast farm grounds. "Friends of UVM Morgans have been a source of support for many, many years."

Now, the farm has another source of support, larger than any other gift to the farm in its history. The farm announced just last week that it received a $1 million gift from the Amy E. Tarrant Foundation - 10 times the amount of the next largest single gift from any individual.

Although the gift is record-breaking in its generosity, the funds will not be used to build any new facilities. The farm's press release notes that the gift will be used to create an Amy E. Tarrant Endowed Fund for the Morgan Horse Farm, with $800,000 to establish an endowment and $200,000 designated for current operating needs. Earnings on the endowment will provide funding for the farm in perpetuity.

Putting it in layman's terms, Davis explained, "The gift is designed to supplement our operating costs. There were no earmarks or special projects. It's just business as usual."

But for the farm, "business as usual" could mean the completion of a few much-needed renovations. "This barn you're standing in is over 135-years-old. Some of our infrastructure is in a lot of need," said Davis.

Leading the way outdoors to the attached complex, Davis explained that certain facilities were in dire need of at least some restoration. "As you can see, until now we've been able to meet our needs with no fluff and frill. This [gift] will give us a little comfort room," he said.

UVM President Daniel Mark Fogel echoed this sentiment. "This endowment will give the farm a margin of comfort it's never had in meeting its annual operating expenses and investing in the maintenance of its historic buildings," he said.

According to Davis, this is not the first time the Morgan Horse Farm has welcomed gifts from Tarrant. Pointing in the bright sunlight towards a gleaming white building, Davis explained that the "maternity barn" was renovated with the financial support of Tarrant.

From late March until late June, the renovated barn will witness the births of the 10 foals expected this season. Throughout the month of June, the farm will host "foal days" every Saturday, allowing visitors a chance to meet the newest additions to the Morgan Horse Farm. The staff will be on-hand to teach visitors about the first year in the life of a Morgan horse. In addition, the farm will raffle off one member of its annual foal crop.

In August, the farm will hold its annual "Vermont Day Open House" designed to entertain and educate visitors about the Morgan horse. Demonstrations will include training procedures and riding lessons, as well as an introduction to some of UVM's breeding stallions and their offspring.

The horses of Morgan Horse farm - with their shiny coats, rippling muscles and elegant gait - have captivated visitors for years.

"When Mrs. Tarrant was a little girl, she came with her family to the farm and the impact of the place and the horses has stayed with her," said Davis. "She's doing it for the horses. That's my read [on it] anyway."

Davis, who has served as director of the farm for 22 years, has worked with horses all his life. "I first saw this place when I was seven," he said. "I was enchanted by this place too, just like Mrs. Tarrant."