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| The Storied History and Rising Popularity of the Rocky Mountain Horse |
The Rocky Mountain Horse has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the late 1800s. Originally developed in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky as an all-around riding and work horse for families living in rural areas, this breed is now beloved by trail riders and pleasure riders across the United States for its character and gait.
Though still considered “threatened” in terms of population numbers, the future is looking brighter for this hardworking horse thanks to a passionate community and breed registry dedicated to its preservation and promotion.
A Perfect Horse for the Rocky Mountains? Not Quite...
The Appalachian Origins
The ancestors of today's Rocky Mountain Horse did not actually come from the Rocky Mountains, which may come as a surprise! Instead, this breed developed in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky in the late 1800s.
Settlers in this region needed a horse that could withstand the challenging mountain terrain while remaining smooth to ride. Through selective breeding of local Appalachian horses, they developed a hardy new breed with an easy-to-ride four-beat ambling gait.
This gait, along with the breed's kind temperament and athleticism, made them an ideal Utility horse for rural families. The horses were used for riding, driving, and work around the farm. Their endurance and surefootedness allowed them to traverse the steep Appalachian hills with ease while their mild nature made them a trusty family horse.
So Where Did the Name Come From?
The breed came to be known as the Rocky Mountain Horse when an influential chocolate-colored stallion with a flaxen mane and tail was brought from the Rocky Mountain region of the Western U.S. to Kentucky in the early 1900s.
Breeders took note of this stallion and named him the "Rocky Mountain Horse." From then on, his descendants in Appalachia would be distinguished by this iconic name, honoring the horse’s Western roots.
The Making of an American Breed
Founding Stallions Define the Breed
While the original Rocky Mountain Horse stallion lent his name to the developing breed, two other foundation sires from the Appalachian Mountains proved most influential in cementing the distinctive traits of today’s Rocky Mountain Horse:
- Old Tobe: Added in the desirable chocolate coat color with the flaxen mane and tail in the 1900s, which would become the most popular color pattern. He also passed on his smooth four-beat ambling gait.
- Dock: Solidified the breed's kind temperament and level head.
These two stallions set the standard for the ideal Rocky Mountain Horse: a chocolate or "silver dapple" horse with flaxen mane and tail, exhibiting a calm disposition and naturally smooth ambling gait.
Defining Physical Characteristics
While the silver dapple color is considered the trademark, Rocky Mountain Horses actually come in a spectrum of base colors like chestnut, bay, black, and roan. However, minimal white markings are preferred.
In terms of size, most stand between 14 and 16 hands and weigh around 1,000 pounds on average.
The breed is compact yet powerful with good bone density and well-defined withers and hindquarters. Their hooves are strong enough to traverse rough terrain without shoes.
Conserving a Threatened Breed
Due to their small population size, the Rocky Mountain Horse is listed as "threatened" by The Livestock Conservancy. As of 2022, there are estimated to be less than 5,000 total horses worldwide.
To preserve and promote the breed, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association (RMHA) was founded in 1986. With programs focused on breed conservation, youth education, trail riding and more, the RMHA serves as the official breed registry.
Some highlights include:
- Pedigree database with lineage information on over 25,000 Rocky Mountain Horses
- Youth programs like the annual youth camp and Trail Mileage program to engage the next generation with the breed
- Certification mark to verify and track purebred breeding
Thanks to these efforts, the Rocky Mountain Horse community continues to grow. And the exceptional temperament and smooth ride of the Rocky Mountain Horse promises to win over many fans in the years ahea
Fun Fact: Famous Silver Dapple Rocky Mountain Horse
One of the most famous Rocky Mountain Horses was a silver dapple stallion named Chocolate Sundown, ridden by "The Singing Cowgirl" Dale Evans (wife of famous singer Roy Rogers). Evans rode Chocolate Sundown in parades, exhibitions, and even on their popular television show!
Capturing Hearts With Their Beauty and Talent
The stunning yet gentle Rocky Mountain Horse has plenty of talents beyond its eye-catching looks. This breed excels in a variety of disciplines thanks to its willing attitude and athletic ability.
Show Ring Success
With their lovely conformation and flashy movement, Rocky Mountain Horses make an impression in the show ring. Classes for this breed showcase their ambling gaits through rail work and pattern classes.
Competition helps promote and preserve rare breeds like the Rocky Mountain Horse by highlighting their talents. It also allows dedicated owners and breeders to come together to share knowledge and passion for the breed.
A young girl rides her Rocky Mountain Horse in a judged competition Young riders can get involved showing Rocky Mountain Horses in-hand or undersaddle to promote the breed. Photo credit: Ron Schwane Photography, used with permission
Trail Blazers
However, Rocky Mountain Horses are arguably most popular as trail horses. Their steady temperament, smooth gait, and stamina perfectly suit them to adventures out on the trail.
The RMHA recognizes outstanding achievement in trail riding through their Trail Mileage Program. Youth and adult riders alike can log hours and earn awards riding Rocky Mountain Horses along scenic trails.
Hitting the trail on a Rocky Mountain Horse checking out fall leaves Rocky Mountain Horses thrive as pleasure and trail mounts thanks to their willing attitude and athleticism. Photo credit: Ron Schwane Photography, used with permission
Whether ambling through the Appalachian Mountains where the breed began or taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains that inspired their name, the Rocky Mountain Horse proved itself the ultimate trail partner.
All-Around Athlete
Beyond trails and shows, Rocky Mountain Horses also shine in disciplines like:
- Driving - Their strong build allows them to pull carriages or wagons.
- Parades - With beauty and poise, they are parade naturals.
- Drill teams - Their athletic talent lends well to choreographed riding.
- Ranch work - Hardy and willing ranch hands.
Truly an all-around breed, these horses enjoy staying active and interacting with people. Their versatility coupled with pleasant demeanor makes them the complete family horse.
Preserving a Piece of American History
The Rocky Mountain Horse ambles into the future carrying forward decades of American breed history. In their bloodlines is the story of hardworking pioneer settlers striving to develop a Utility horse for rural life in Appalachia’s rugged mountains. Their grit and beauty is America’s equestrian heritage incarnate.
We owe it to those innovative breeders who created the Rocky Mountain Horse to protect it. Thanks to a dedicated registry, breeding programs, and a growing community of fans, the outlook is hopeful.
By sharing the incredible qualities of this threatened treasure of a breed, more people can contribute to ensuring the Rocky Mountain Horse’s legacy and continuation as a cherished piece of history. Let’s come together and secure the spot of this all-American breed in equine barns—and books—for years to come!
Getting to Know the Rocky Mountain Horse: 10 Common Questions
The Rocky Mountain Horse may not be a household name like the Arabian or Quarter Horse, but this handsome American breed has a loyal following that’s growing by the day.
Where did they come from? What are they like? If the Rocky Mountain Horse has piqued your interest, read on to have your top 10 questions answered.
Where Did Rocky Mountain Horses Originate?
Despite their name, Rocky Mountain Horses originated not in the Rocky Mountains but in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. They developed out of native horses in the late 1800s as hardy riding horses for settlers in the rugged hill country.
The breed later became associated with the Rocky Mountains when an influential chocolate-colored stallion came from that region to Kentucky, lending his name to the developing Appalachian breed. So while named after the Rockies, the breed itself traces back to the Appalachians.
What Colors Do They Come In?
The classic and most popular Rocky Mountain Horse sports a rich chocolate coat with a creamy white or blond mane and tail. This striking color pattern is properly called “silver dapple.”
However, Rocky Mountain Horses come in other base colors too like chestnut, bay, black, and roan. But extensive white markings are discouraged in order to preserve their trademark minimal white patterns.
What Makes Their Gait So Special?
A hallmark of the Rocky Mountain Horse is its naturally smooth ambling four-beat gait. Called the “singlefoot” gait, each hoof hits the ground individually in an even 1-2-3-4 count.
This pleasurable riding rhythm has just enough concussion to cover ground yet not enough bounce to jostle a rider. Riders often liken the gait’s smoothness to floating on air. Even novice riders can relax and enjoy the sublime ride.
What Are Rocky Mountain Horses Used For?
Rocky Mountain Horses excel at a variety of disciplines thanks to their willing attitude and athletic versatility. Most popularly they work as surefooted trail mounts, pleasurable pleasure horses, and flashy show horses performing their specialty gaits.
But they also drive wagons, serve as trusty ranch workhorses, parade mounts, drill team partners...you name it! Their steady disposition makes them fantastic family horses as well.
Are Rocky Mountain Horses Good for Kids?
Absolutely! With their gentle temperament and smooth way of going, Rocky Mountain Horses are wonderful children’s mounts. Their medium size and strength can comfortably carry young riders while tolerant personalities instill confidence.
Many youth riders show Rocky Mountain Horses to help promote the threatened breed or compete in trail classes to rack up miles through RMHA’s Mileage Program. They make both obedient lesson horses and loyal lifelong riding companions.
Why Are They Called a “Threatened” Breed?
Sadly, there are estimated to be fewer than 5,000 Rocky Mountain Horses worldwide. Due to such a small population size, the Livestock Conservancy classifies them as “threatened.”
Without concerted efforts to preserve and promote the breed, they are in danger of fading away. That’s why organizations like the Rocky Mountain Horse Association provide registries, youth programs, shows, and breeding support to bolster the breed.
Where Can I Buy a Rocky Mountain Horse?
Prospective Rocky Mountain Horse owners should contact the RMHA for breeder referrals. Most breeders reside in the southeast U.S., primarily Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina where the breed originated.
Vetting breeders carefully helps ensure horses registered have pedigrees documenting pure Rocky Mountain Horse lineage, not just lookalikes. Supporting preservation efforts is key with rare breeds!
How Much Does a Rocky Mountain Horse Cost?
Price varies greatly depending on age, training, pedigree, breeder reputation, color, and more. On average, plan to budget $3,500-$15,000 to invest in your dream Rocky.
Show and breeding prospects out of champion bloodlines fetch higher prices than trail horses. And silver dapples out of popular sires tend to demand bigger price tags than other colors.
What Are Some Rocky Mountain Horse Health Issues?
Luckily, Rocky Mountain Horses are relatively hearty thanks to the breed’s rugged origins. Being mountain horses, they have tough hooves that often don’t require shoes. They possess good endurance and stand up well to hard work.
Some potential issues to be aware of include sensitivity reactions to vaccines/medications, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), and metabolic issues like insulin resistance if overfed rich feeds.
How Do I Learn More About Rocky Mountain Horses?
Start your education at rmhorse.com—the official Rocky Mountain Horse Association site. Browse breed history, characteristics, breeder and sale listings, events, youth programs, and more about America’s smoothest riding horse.
Connect on RMHA’s Facebook page with other “Rocky” lovers too. Immerse yourself in the friendly Rocky Mountain Horse community and you’ll be hooked!
Hopefully these answers shed some light on this delightful breed. If you have any other questions about the awesome Rocky Mountain Horse, leave a comment below!
Sources: rmhorse.com, equusmagazine.com, americashorsedaily.com
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