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Rocky Mountain Horse Horse, thou art truly a
creature without equal, for thou fliest without
wings and conquerest without sword. - The Koran
There is a legend in Eastern
Kentucky of a young horse appearing, who was the predecessor of a prized
line of horses. Gentle of character and strong of heart, these horses have
been treasured ever since, and much sought after in the horse world.
The breed best known for their gentleness had an equally gentle, ambling
four beat gait that was very
comfortable, quickly making them the horse of choice of many riders in the
rugged foothills of the Appalachians. Their versatility was also very
welcome, and in addition to making great riding companions, they also
willing pulled plows, worked cattle, and on Sundays were hitched to a cart
to transport the family to church. Cold-blooded by nature, the Rocky
Mountain Horse easily tolerated the cold Kentucky winters. They were the
mount of choice for doctors, postmen, and preachers.
The Rocky Mountain Horse Association claims there was a colt bought from the
Rocky Mountains to the Appalachian mountains in the 1890's who was referred
to as the “Rocky Mountain Horse.” This same colt is credited as the breeds’
foundation stallion. Oral history indicates he was chocolate brown with a
flaxen mane and tail, and that he possessed a superior gait. He was bred to
most of the local Appalachian saddle mares in a small area (Kentucky) which
resulted in a strong genetic line.
The Rocky Mountain horse stands between 14.2 and 16 hands high, with a wide
chest that slopes 45 degrees at the shoulder. They have dark, bold eyes and
well shaped ears. The most distinguishing characteristic of this breed is
their natural ambling four-beat gait, that shows no evidence of pacing.
There are four distinct hoof beats of equal rhythm: left hind, left fore,
right hind, right fore. This naturally occurring gait is present at birth
and does not require and artificial aids or devices. At this gait, a Rocky
mountain horse can travel up to 20 miles per hour.
All Rocky Mountain horses have a solid body color, with no white above the
knee or hock. While facial markings are acceptable, they are not excessive.
Each of these horses has a remarkable pleasant temperament. Easy keepers,
they are known for gentleness,
a
strong heart, and their inexhaustible endurance. In Kentucky, Sam Tuttle
used them at his horseback riding business to take inexperienced riders on
expeditions through Natural Bridge State Park. His horse, Old Tobe, who was
the sire of many Rockies, was said to be of the perfect gait and
temperament. There is a saying that many of his offspring traveled in his
“perfectly timed hoof prints.” He is also credited with passing on his
ability to endure through many years- indeed, Tobe lived to be 37 years old,
passing all his traits on for many years.
Today the Rocky Mountain Horse is being used as a pleasure horse. In trail,
competitive, and endurance riding these horses always excel. As show horses
they are rapidly becoming popular due to a unique way of moving, willingness
to comply with rider requests, and extreme beauty. They are also incredibly
popular with 4H Groups and Pony Clubs, who admire the breed because of its
calm disposition and trustworthiness with children.
In the summer of 1986, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was formed to
protect the breed and maintain
the true bloodlines. Their main goal is to increase the number of Rocky
Mountain Horses in Kentucky. Since their inception there has been a steady
incline in the number of true bred horses. Each horse must be examined
before being admitted to the registry. Through combined efforts of many who
still hold an interest in the breed, they hope to breed the most favorable
characteristics into the genetic line and maintain the level of standards
that Tobe set many years ago.
-By Kelly
Denine