The Rocky Mountain Horse breed actually hails from the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, and it was one of the foundations of the family of breeds which developed there.  Kentucky was geographically significant, as its central location meant that Spanish horses from the South and Southeast could easily be crossed with English horses from the East.  From this genetic combination would come all of the gaited breeds developed in America.

    The Rocky Mountain breed was also shaped by its early uses in the limestone plateau and mountains of eastern Kentucky.  Horses were expected to be adaptable and versatile, rugged and sure-footed, also willing in disposition, and easy keepers.  The Rocky Mountain breed reflects the primitive gaited horse type and may be ancestral to the modern breeds developed later.

    The breed name distinguishes a specific strain of gaited horses that descended from a stallion brought into eastern Kentucky from the West around the turn of the century.  The stallion was bred to native mares, and the most famous of the offspring was Old Tobe, considered to be the foundation sire of the breed.  Old Tobe was owned by Sam Tuttle, who for many years operated the concession for horseback riding in the Natural Bridge State Park in eastern Kentucky.  Tuttle would put the most timid and inexperienced people on his most treasured stallion "Old Tobe" who fathered fine horses until 37 years of age, he was as sure footed and gentle a horse as could be found.  He had the perfect gait and temperament, many of the present Mountain Horses carry his bloodline.  The breed is best known for it's gentleness, an easy keeper, and a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and endurance.

    As a landrace breed, the Rocky Mountain Horse is somewhat variable in type.  Some horses have very Spanish features while others appear more like the larger, modern breeds.  Consistent among all is a smooth four-beat gait that replaces the trot, and a calm friendly disposition.  Most of the solid colors known in horses occur in the breed, including gray and roan, though chocolate of varying shades with a flaxen mane and tail is the most popular.  Spotted individuals occur occasionally, but they are not accepted by the registry.

    It is obvious that a haphazard and unorganized maintenance of this breed would eventually result in its dissipation and loss.  The Rocky Mountain Horse Association was formed in the summer of 1986 by those who were interested in maintaining the breed and increase the numbers of this breed, also to expand the area which has knowledge of this fine horse.  The Rocky Mountain breed has grown quickly, as it fits the current market for easy riding, gentle family pleasure horses, and now numbers about 3,000.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Rocky Mountain Horses - www.imh.org/imh/bw/rocky.html   

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