Though there are debates on either side of the Atlantic over whether or not the Rocky Mountain Horse is technically a “breed” yet, this proud and agile horse continues to assert itself as the newest kid on the scene, and one with a conformational breed standard at that! The Rocky Mountain Horse has a wide chest that slopes 45 degrees on the shoulder. The horse should have well shaped ears and bold eyes. The common solid chocolate body color and flaxen mane and tail are not breed requirements, but they are prized. The horse should have no white above the hock or knee. Above all else, a good Rocky Mountain Horse must possess an ambling four-beat gait showing no evidence of pacing. This is an inborn gait that should come naturally to the horse.

The Rocky Mountain Horse is used as a pleasure horse and is an exceptional trail mount. He performs well in the show ring and is well equipped for endurance riding. The trademark gait offers a comfortable seat to riders, especially when traversing rocky mountain terrain. The horse can maintain a very steady 7 mph over rocky ground and is both surefooted and confident.

Though the Rocky Mountain Horse Association wasn't formed until 1986, the breed's history goes back further. Around the turn of the century in Kentucky, there lived a young horse named Old Tobe who would give rise to the Rocky Mountain Horse. He was owned by Sam Tuttle, a farmer from Spout Springs, Kentucky. Although he was a stallion, he could still be trusted to carry a variety of riders over the mountainous trails of the Natural Bridge State Park. It was here that Mr. Tuttle had his horseback riding concession stand. Old Tobe was the sired many fine horses up to the age of 37, and it's his descendants that carry the Rocky Mountain Horses bloodline today.

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Rocky Mountain - Horses for Sale