I'm happy you have found Rafter Bar D Morgans. Maybe you are new to the breed, a seasoned morgan enthusiast or possibly somewhere in between. Where ever you are in this journey, I'm certain you have been touched by a morgan in some way.
My passion for horses began years ago when my mother had me in the saddle as a small child. Growing up on a dairy farm, we always had horses too, and many days were spent tearing around the farm bareback with aspirations of always doing something exciting with my horse. Many races with neighborhood kids, or spending the day on the trail and getting home just after dark, filled my childhood.
Most of my life was spent riding quarter horses. One horse in particular, Cinnamon, was part morgan. He was born into my arms when I was 12. He was a 14.3H, bay, stout in stature, and the love of my life. He carried me through the growing pains of teenage years. Many a tear was shed in the mane of my best friend when others didn't understand. He took me into adulthood and was always up for whatever I asked of him. Later he taught my children to ride. June 2005, I lost Cinnamon to lightning. He will be forever missed. I keep a lock of his mane tucked away and will always remember how he touched my life . . .
I'm sure you have you're own story about how horses have touched your life. If you've been around horses along time, you probably have many stories. I know I do. Narrowing in on 5 years ago, I was with my best friend, helping her search for a morgan for her fiance'. He would ride horse with us, but only on a morgan. I must tell you we thought he was crazy. Why would he want a morgan? Nobody had morgans in our circle of horse friends. We had many nice quarter horses he could ride. He grew up on a morgan and wouldn't settle for anything else.
Our adventure began . . . in search of a morgan for a friend, I was introduced to a horse I hardly knew existed. We visited many farms and one after another I was meeting this beautiful horse with a gorgeous head, a kind bright eye, gobs of thick hair and motion that took my breath away. The more morgans I met, and the people who loved them, the more intrigued I became. The stories people shared over and over again defined this horse as so intelligent and easy to train, smooth and fun to ride, hearty and so versatile. I was sure I needed to have a morgan.
My husband, who also grew up on a dairy farm, has a love for the draft horse. He farmed and logged with them as a young man, and still has a team of Belgian mares today. I do believe in the beginning, with reluctance, he supported me in purchasing our first morgan. We purchased a halter trained four year old mare primarily Brunk bred. I wanted to train her myself and spend time with her to see what these morgans were made of.
Suddenly, I had a horse at my fingertips that would change my life, one that learns so quickly without resistance, one with so much heart and try, wanting to please, and one that meets you at the gate the next day to do it again. Her movement was like no other I'd seen, floating on her feet with elegance and beauty. Saddle training came very quickly after ground work, and with my seat in the saddle aboard this beautiful, elegant, very intelligent smooth ride, I knew many more were to come. I sold my quarter horse mares over time and had a tear for every good bye. A new chapter in our life was beginning.
My research about the morgan horse will be endless, however, I began reading books, researching the internet, and visiting farms to learn as much as I could about them. My desire to raise morgans grew. With the support of my wonderful husband, who also grew to love this morgan horse, our breeding program began one morgan at a time. I wanted mares with all the endearing qualities the morgan was noted for to create a small herd for breeding. I knew I needed to share this horse with the world.
Many horse people in our circle thought we were crazy. "You don't just switch breeds", or "Why a morgan?",I heard many times. I will tell you I do believe the morgan horse is the best kept secret ever. Some folks believe the morgan is a small draft horse, while others think it's a hot high stepping horse only for the show ring. I've invited many of these people to visit and they always leave with new eyes for the morgan horse. Their diversity is enlightening and their beauty is captivating.
In 2007 we had enough morgans we considered ourselves an up and coming breeder. We had foals coming and we needed a farm name. We needed a prefix. A few years back when my husband was heading out west to go elk hunting, he had heard from other hunters that horses were being stolen and a brand was recommended. He created and applied for the brand rafter bar d 
, with the state of WI, to brand his horse and mules before the trip. The brand now hangs on the headgate to our farm and proudly represents our morgans.
It is our goal to raise morgans with great dispositions, good morgan type, and the ability to be versatile for sport, family pleasure, work or show. With our careful selection of mares, and the stallion we chose, we hope to offer some of the finest foals with all the qualities we love about the morgan. We think our stallion will cross well on many mare styles and to date he seems to stamp himself on his foals.
Although we ride in western style, we feel our morgans are suited for other styles of riding and driving as well. Each are individuals and we will do our best to match them to suite your needs.
We have connected with and met so many wonderful people through the shared desire to own a morgan horse. From our own state of Wisconsin to Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Canada, and states inbetween all the way to France, we have either sold to, purchased from, connected with or met people who love the morgan. We give special thanks to all the people who have supported us and who have touched our lives in helping us to live this dream . . . Rafter Bar D Morgans.
Be inspired, follow your dreams, and persevere. Thank you for taking time to find out about us. We welcome you to give us a call or come to the farm for a visit.
Sincerely,
Sue Olson
A special thanks is given to Erich, my best friends fiance', who insisted on a morgan.