The Rocky Mountain Horse is a gaited American horse breed known for their rare silver dapple colouring. Contrary to their name, this breed originated in the Appalachian Mountains from a founding stallion imported from the Western United States.

These horses can perform a distinct four-beat lateral gait called the single foot. Their smooth movement made them efficient for traversing the rough terrain of eastern Kentucky and contributes to their modern popularity as trail horses.

While Rocky Mountain Horses are considered hardy, they are also susceptible to genetic disorders arising from their small founding population and rare colouring. However, preservation efforts have led to growth in the breed’s population in recent years.

This breed profile will review the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional requirements of the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. Keep reading to learn more about feeding and caring for Rocky Mountain Horses.

Rocky Mountain Horse Conformation Picture

Rocky Mountain Horse History

Rocky Mountain Horses are one of several gaited breeds with Kentucky roots. Throughout history, these easy-gaited horses served as versatile mounts, and their enduring traits continue to attract new fan to the breed .

Origin

Rocky Mountain horses share ancestry with the American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Mountain Pleasure Horse. Some evidence suggests these breeds descend from the Narragansett Pacer, an extinct American breed with ambling gaits. [1]

The breed’s origin as a distinct type of gaited horse dates back to 1890, when a gaited stallion with a chocolate coat and flaxen mane and tail arrived in eastern Kentucky. Locals called the stallion the Rocky Mountain Horse in reference to his Western birthplace.

This stallion crossed with Appalachian saddle mares to produce a genetic line of prized horses with the Rocky Mountain name. While gaited horses declined in other parts of the United States with the advent of better roads, they remained popular in Appalachia.

Sam Tuttle was the most prominent breeder of Rocky Mountain Horses during the mid-twentieth century when he stood a stallion named Tobe. Known for his sure-footedness and gentle temperament, Tobe’s progeny solidified the breed standard of modern Rocky Mountain Horses.

Historic Use

Settlers in Appalachia used horses for plowing fields, working cattle, driving buggies, and riding. Horses were essential to everyday life, and most belonged to families of modest means who couldn’t provide special care for high-maintenance horse breeds.

Breeding programs focused on producing hardy horses that could survive the harsh winters in the Appalachian foothills with minimal shelter and limited food. Horses that lacked the constitution to survive these brutal conditions perished.

The ambling gait of the Rocky Mountain horse was smoother and more comfortable for riders spending long days in the saddle. Gaited horses also used less energy while traversing the region’s rocky terrain, allowing them to travel longer distances and require less feed. [2]

Rocky Mountain Horses are also beloved for their attractive temperament and appearance. After gaining recognition as an official breed in the late 20th century, these horses quickly spread from their Appalachian home to new owners worldwide.

Breed Registry

Founded in 1986 in the breed’s home state of Kentucky, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association (RMHA) is the official breed registry for Rocky Mountain Horses. The association owns the trademark for the Rocky Mountain Horse name, which only RMHA-registered horses can use.

The RMHA closed the books for foundation stock in 1989 to preserve the breed’s traits. Rocky Mountain Horses are among the few American breeds requiring inspections and certification of horses intended for breeding.

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Breed Characteristics

The RMHA evaluates horses based on a breed standard that defines the ideal Rocky Mountain Horse. These standards include conformation, gait, and temperament characteristics that distinguish these horses from related breeds.

Conformation

Rocky Mountain Horses stand between 14 and 16 hands tall. They have medium-sized bodies with broad chests and sloping shoulders. Their heads are well-proportioned and have a natural carriage on a gracefully arched neck.

Well-shaped ears and intelligent eyes give these horses an alert expression. Straight fore and hind legs with medium bone should be free of deformities. Feet are medium-sized and proportional to the body.

Colours

The RMHA accepts any solid coat colours in registered Rocky Mountain Horses, but silver dapple is preferable. These horses have dark brown bodies and flaxen manes and tails. The silver dapple gene is rare in most breeds but common in Rocky Mountain Horses. [3]

Excessive white markings on the face and any white leg markings above the knee and hock are unacceptable.

Temperament

A defining feature of the Rocky Mountain Horse is its friendly and willing temperament. Typical Rockies are brave, calm, easy-going, and intelligent. Many riders find that their cooperative personalities make training these horses enjoyable and straightforward.

Rocky Mountain Horses are less likely to spook than hotter breeds. Their even temperament make them a popular mount for beginner and timid riders that need safe horses. However, personalities can vary between individual horses.

Disciplines

Developed as the ultimate multipurpose horse, this versatile breed excels in several disciplines, but are commonly used for trail riding. The breed remains popular with trail riders thanks to their comfortable gaits, surefootedness, and bravery.

These horses can also find success in the competition arena. Competitive riders show Rocky Mountain Horses in both English and Western disciplines. Others use their Rockies to pull carriages in driving events.

Rocky Mountain Horse Health

Rockies are hardy horses bred to stay healthy and sound while working over challenging terrain.

Despite good breeding practices that have maintained genetic diversity from a small founding population, these horses have a high incidence of inherited eye disease.

MCOA in Rocky Mountain Horses

Multiple congenital