The Rocky Mountain Horse
Around the turn of the century, a young horse soon to be called the Rocky Mountain Horse
appeared in eastern Kentucky that gave rise to a line of horses prized by North American
and European owners. On the farm of Sam Tuttle in Spout Springs Kentucky, there stood
astallion "Old Tobe". This sure footed, gentle horse carried young, old, and
inexperienced riders over the rugged mountain trails of Natural Bridge State Park where
Sam held the concession for horse-back riding. Even though Old Tobe was a breeding
stallion, he carried riders without faltering. He fathered many fine horses up until
the age of 37, and many of the present Rocky Mountain Horses carry his bloodline.
History
The basic characteristics of the breed are a medium sized horse of gentle temperament
with an easy-ambling four-beat gait. This gait made it the horse of choice on the farms
and rugged foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It was a horse for all seasons. It
could pull the plows in the small fields, work cattle, be ridden bareback, or be hitched
up to a buggy. Because of its rugged upbringing it tolerated the winters in Kentucky with
a minimum of shelter. Naturally, outcrossing with local horses did occur, but the basic
characteristics of a strong genetic line have continued.
Characteristics
The established characteristics of the breed are:
The horse must be of medium height from 14.2 to 16 hands. It must have a wide chest sloping
45 degrees on the shoulder with bold eyes and well shaped ears.
The horse must have a natural ambling four-beat gait (single foot or rack) with no
evidence of pacing. When the horse moves you can count four distinct hoof beats which
produce a cadence of equal rhythm, just like a walk: left hind, left fore, right hind,
right fore. Each individual horse has its own speed and natural way of going, travelling
7 to 20 miles per hour. This is a naturally occurring gait, present from birth, that
does not require any training aids or action devices.
The horse must be of good temperament and must be easy to manage.
All Rocky Mountain Horses have a solid body color. Facial markings are acceptable so long
as they are not excessive. There may not be any white above the knee or hock.
The breed is best known for its gentleness, often being compared to the Labrador dog as
a means of describing their unusual enjoyment of human company. It is an easy keeper and
a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and lots of endurance.
Today the Rocky Mountain Horse is being used as a pleasure horse, for trail riding, in the
show ring and for endurance riding.
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