FEBRUARY 2013 THE RIDER /7


Forty Years With Morgans


In 1973, a small liver chestnut Morgan colt was foaled in a con- verted cow barn located on the north side of Highway 2 in Ajax, Ontario. Today, superstores dot the landscape that was once fertile farm land and the foaling place of Lauralee Foxy Man.


After ten years of working with horses and owning a couple of grade horses, it was Catherine Sampson’s dream to one day own her favourite breed of horse since childhood, a Morgan. On May 12, 1973 that day would be realized and the beginning of a small breeding dynasty that would reach across the ocean would take root. From that initial purchase of a stud colt at just two weeks of age, the Sampsons would acquire the remainder of good breeding mares over the next few years while building a show record in the process. It was the infancy of a small selective but well researched breeding pro- gram. It would stand the test of time stretching over four decades. By 1980 Trillium Morgan Horse Farm was firmly established producing its first crop of foals.


In 1981, the farm pulled up roots in a rented barn in Whitby and headed east to Orono for a permanent location. Over the years the farm expanded and developed into a modern full service equine facility. A secondary property was later purchased bringing a land base for crop production and livestock mix to 120 acres. It was during this transition period that the farm’s subsidiary, Trillium Equine Complex evolved. From their foundation mares and stallion, came many champion and best friend Morgans. Notably their most influential homebred stallion was Trillium Samson, a son of Lauralee Foxy and H-Loli. His influ- ence as a show horse and sire of athletic and stylish Morgans grew. His breeding contracts went to such faraway places as Italy and Hawaii. Today his son Trillium Finest Black Opal stands in testament to his sire’s beauty and temperament.


In the 1990s the great son of the legendary Vigilmarch and full brother to Val’s Terry (18 times world champion) travelled from Atlanta, Georgia to live at Trillium and continue his stud duties. Sereni- ty Intrigue would prove to be a very special Morgan. He was gentle and breathtaking to watch in action. Trillium Intrigue’s Spirit was the only Morgan in Scotland at the time she was imported by the late Felicity Warnock. Spirit is a daughter of this sire out of the good mare Ken- nan’s Memory name.


Serious in their efforts to breed good Morgans, the Sampsons never lost sight of the true meaning of having them. It is a breed to real- ly enjoy all aspects and disciplines and not just the show arena. All their horses are multi use. They are not limited to just breeding, show- ing and raising babies. Their horses are teachers in the private lesson program and hands-on models in workshops. As well these horses strut on the tanbark in all their show glory. The Trillium horses have done just about everything. Some have gone on to be successful reiners, trail horses, saddle seat, hunt horses, carriage horses, fine harness horses, parade horses, western, dressage, roadster horses and even harness rac- ing for Morgans. The name Trillium is synonymous with quality and talent. It has evolved over the past forty years that saw many sacri- fices, challenges and determination to create through their breeding efforts, a family horse that owners are proud to show and enjoy. (The Sampsons are holding their Trillium Ruby Celebration and dinner at the Rebekah Hall in Orono on March 23. Tickets are just $15 available through the farm.)


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