Rocky Mountain Horse

The Rocky Mountain Horse is a new American breed that developed in the early 20th century, but did not form a breed association or studbook until 1986. The breed was developed by Sam Tuttle, of Kentucky, using his prolific stallion Old Tobe, Tuttle has the riding rights to Natural Bridge State Park and used his horses for all levels of riders, including total novices. Old Tobe was regularly used in this capacity, as were his progeny, and one of the excellent traits of the Rocky Mountain Horse is its very calm and kind temperament. Old Tobe passed on his conformation, temperament, and smooth lateral gait to all his progeny, hence founding a distinctive group of horses.

The Rocky Mountain Horse also clearly exhibits Spanish characteristics, especially in its overall outline and conformation, as well as in its gait and coloring. They are likely to be related to both the Tennessee Walking Horse, and the Saddlebred, both of which are descended from Spanish horses. Typically they have a very smooth gait, which was very popular, when people were having to travel long distances over rough terrain, and also now for leisure riding. Traditionally, the Rocky Mountain would be used for riding, and also in light harness, making attractive and functional horses for pulling buggies and carriages. As a breed they have great stamina and endurance and are able to travel at 7-16 mph over long distances. They have become increasing popular throughout America due to their versatility, temperament, and unusual coloring, and are becoming increasingly popular in Canada. They are also tough and hardy, resistant to cold and particularly kind and gentle in disposition.

In appearance they are highly attractive, with fine intelligent heads and long, graceful necks set to muscular shoulders. They are deep and wide through the chest, have quite low withers, a nicely proportioned back, well-made quarters and strong, tough legs,. Conformation of the shoulders is generally good and this accounts for their smooth, free-flowing action. The ideal coat coloring is an unusual and attractive chocolate brown with flaxen mane and tail, although they can be any solid color, and they stand at between 14.2 and 16 hh.

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