Pat, soaring has never been a practice used for the Morgans. You can't soar a trotting breed because the horses would appear obviously lame in that gait. Soaring isn't tolerated, but unfortunately has been caught in very few gaited breeds over the years. The Morgan community is very very small and close-knit, so abuse of these animals would be noticed right away and anyone doing it would be most likely forced out of the breed. It just wouldn't be tolerated and their name as a trainer wouldn't last. The high-stepping gait seen by the Morgan is determined by breeding, conformation, and athleticism. Morgans are a very special breed, being that there is a lot of diversity! We have horses that are under 14hh to over 16hh-- some will carry themselves in a sporty manner with lower neck sets, or some that naturally arc at a steep angle, much similar to the American Saddlebred. As you watch the new generation of the foals being born in the AMHA registry, it is apparent that some look like natural-born joggers or sport horses, while others trot around proudly, with their knees almost touching to their chest. The best thing to do is allow the horse to do what he/she naturally excels at! It's a wonderful breed, and from personal experience working them, I know that these horses would NOT perform being subject to abuse. They are truly a free and fun spirit!