Black Hawk (1833–1856) was an influential Morgan horse sire. All Morgan horses alive today have multiple pedigree crosses to this stallion. He has more influence on the Morgan breed than any other horse other than the foundation sire of the breed, Justin Morgan.^[1]

Life

Black Hawk was foaled in April 1833. He was sired by Sherman Morgan and out of Queen of the Neck^[2] who was reputed to be half Thoroughbred. He was a solid black stallion with no white markings, standing 15 hands (60 inches, 152 cm) high. Black Hawk was bred by Benjamin Kelly, and owned by Ezekiel Twombly, both of Durham, New Hampshire.^[1][3] Black Hawk was sold multiple times during his early years, and in 1844 he was sold for $800 to his final owner, David Hill of Bridport, Vermont. During his years with Hill, he sired 1,772 foals, one of which, Ethan Allen, himself became well known as a sire.^[4] Black Hawk was trained to harness and according to his various owners, often driven 50 miles in one day. Black Hawk died December 1, 1856.^[5]

Race career

His early race records were not preserved. In 1842, he won $1,000 by trotting 5 miles in 16 minutes at Cambridge Park Course. In 1843 he won three two-mile races in 5 minutes 43 seconds, 5 minutes 48 seconds, and 5 minutes 47 seconds. He also won a one-mile race in 2 minutes 42 seconds. In 1847, he competed in a best of three series against the Morse Horse, winning two races in the following times: 2:50 1/2 and 2:43 1/2. It was the last regular race he competed in.^[1][3]

Stud record

Black Hawk began his stud career as early as age two. During the period from 1844 through 1856, he covered 1,772 mares. At the 1859 St. Louis World’s Fair, five of the six leading roadster stallions were sons of Black Hawk.^[1]

Some of his best progeny as runners included Ethan Allen, Black Ralph, Lancet, Belle of Saratoga, Black Hawk Maid, and Flying Cloud. His sire line survives today primarily through three sons: Ethan Allen, Sherman Black Hawk, and Benedict’s Pathfinder.^[1]

Sire line tree

Pedigree

* Black Hawk is inbred 4D × 4D to the stallion Wildair (Saunders), meaning that he appears twice fourth generation on the dam side of his pedigree.

* Black Hawk is inbred 4D × 4D to the mare Old Doll, meaning that she appears twice fourth generation on the dam side of his pedigree.

References