A Rocky Mountain mare showing the typical chocolate color
The Rocky Mountain Horse was naturally selected from the mountain region of Kentucky State about two centuries ago. These horses gained importance in the early 1900s, considered the favorite saddle horse, due to the smoothness of their four beat gait. In fact, they were considered irreplaceable for transportation and field work in that hilly region. The environment developed a strong endurance in the Rocky Mountain Horse. Weak horses did not survive. Natural selection kept the outstanding specimens. It must be emphasized that the eastern part of Kentucky, where the breed originated, does not present mountainous topography. But the foundation sire came from the rocky mountain part of Kentucky State, justifying the name given to this breed.
Sam Tuttle was the main breeder at the time. Even during the hard times the equine industry went through, due to all the farm machinery available, Sam maintained his selection. His most famous stallion was “Tobe”. The admirable ability of these horses to keep balanced gaits on rough terrain and carry riders smoothly, their intelligence, docility and stamina are strong reasons to recognize the Rocky Mountain Horse as one of the best for trail riding. They have strong feet, require little feeding and usually “do not like Veterinarians”.
One of the most beautiful characteristics of this breed is their chocolate color and flaxen or white mane and tail. Height varies from 14 to 16 hands. But the most important genetic trait is the natural four beat lateral gait, and the walk. There is no need for the use of bad training devices, such as chains or shoes. Pace, trot or the diagonal four beat gait are disqualifying factors for registry.
In 1986 a group of breeders, worried about the future of the breed, formed the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. Since then the breed has increased in number and specialized breeders, present in most of the American states and in Canada. An official Breed Standard was established to direct register and represent the genetic improvement.
The basic characteristics of the Rocky Mountain horse are the medium height, the straight head profile, bold eyes, well shaped ears, lean neck, wide and deep chest, well proportioned body, strong croup and limbs and solid hooves. According to the Breed Standard, the desirable angle for shoulders is 45 degrees. But this standard should be revised, since it makes for excessively inclined shoulders. This measurement can result in an unbalanced horse, and possibly a broken forearm, since the pasterns should present this same angle, or almost the same. A pastern with 45 degrees inclination will not support the weight of the horse and the stress on medium to fast gaits. The fetlocks and tendons would break.
Temperament must be docile, like in any pleasure horse. The gait is natural from birth. An easy ambling four beat lateral. On solid ground you can count four beats, evenly spaced. The speed varies between 8 to 18mph. Trotting or pacing are disqualifying gaits.
Standards for registration are strict. The horse must be presented on a “certification day” to be approved by three official examiners from the RMHA or videotaped to be approved by three official judges. Even so, all horses must be DNA typed prior to registration, for proof of parentage.
