Rocky Mountain Breed Gaited Horse Information, Rocky Mountains For Sale in Las Vegas, Nevada
Rocky Mountain Gaited Horse Breed Information
In appearance, Rocky Mountain horses are solid in color and medium sized with a straight or barely convex nose. Their eyes are widely spaced, and they have short, well formed ears and smaller heads. To qualify as a Rocky Mountain horse, a stallion must be at least 14.2 hands and a mare 14.0 hands. A mountain horse has a wide chest with a 45 degree shoulder slope.
Apart from its physical characteristics, the Rocky Mountain gaited horse is a breed that is highly sought after for many of its remarkable qualities. These horses possess a characteristic four beat gait, which provides an ideally smooth, steady ride, with very little or no sway. This makes them perfect for recreational trail riding as well as other activities that require sure footing, endurance, and pleasant riding. They also are a well loved breed because of their extremely agreeable and gentle natures, high endurance, alertness, intelligence, and longevity.
Before purchasing a Rocky Mountain gaited horse, it is important to verify the authenticity of its breed. If the horse is of the authentic Rocky Mountain breed, its pedigree or registration papers will be marked registered and certified through the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. It is important to note that certain traits, characteristics, pedigrees, and DNA must be verified to register a horse through the RMHA. Registration and certification processes will verify natural gait, temperament, solid color, size, and other traits that are characteristic of the breed.
Today, Rocky Mountain gaited horses are valued for their enjoyable riding qualities and gentle natures. They are predominantly used as all-purpose riding horses, especially for trails and recreation. Because of their endurance, they are increasingly involved in competitive arenas and for show. Their calm temperaments make them ideal for riders of varying experience levels, from beginner to expert. A well loved American breed, mountain horses will continue to be cherished by riders of all ages for years to come.
Rocky Mountain Horses For Sale
Rocky
Rocky is a rare find. Not only is he a registered Rocky Mountain horse, he is a true babysitter. I purchased him from an 80+ year old man who rode him daily until he got too ill with cancer. Rocky is the herd boss but under saddle with a child or elderly, he is all business. He may give me an attitude at times, but not them. He has a great comfortable 4 beat gait. Whenever we have friends who want to ride with little experience, we put them on Rocky. Pictures do not do him justice.
My daughter will be SO sad when I sell this horse. He is the best I have.
| Breed: | Rocky Mountain |
| Registered: | Pedigree Available |
| Temperament: 1 Calm, 10 Spirited |
2 |
| Level of Rider: | Beginner |
| Color: | Brown |
| Age: | 14 years-old |
| Sex: | Gelding |
| Height: | 15 hh |
| Price: | $6900 |
Rocky Mountain Horse Breed History
The Rocky Mountain gaited horse, sometimes known as the "mountain horse," is a breed that began in the late 1800s. Although their history was not initially recorded, we know something of their beginnings from oral tradition passed down from generation to generation.
In colonial times, gaited horses were valued for their smooth, four beat gait, which was essential for pleasant riding. However, as trains and roads became prominent, these horses became virtually obsolete, except in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian foothills. Here, the people still needed sure-footed transportation through rocky paths as well as labor to pull carriages, plow fields, and perform varying everyday tasks.
The people in this region found these horses invaluable because they could work hard and were extremely hardy. They could withstand the harsh winters with less than ideal shelter and coarse food. The weaker horses of the breed died off, leaving the stronger ones to pass on their healthy genetic qualities to later generations.
But why are these called Rocky Mountain gaited horses if they lived by the Appalachians? It is said that at one time, a gaited horse was brought to the Kentucky region. From this colt were bred many of the mountain horses, including Sam Tuttle's stud stallion Tobe. Known for his gentle nature and admirable gait, Tobe wall well loved by all, and was bred with many of the Appalachian mares to form a close knit group of admirable horses who possessed his gaited qualities, gentle temperament, and longevity. Sam Tuttle is known for keeping the breed going for a good part of the twentieth century.