References:

RMHA. Sited 4/18/11 from http://www.twhbea.com/
Wikipedia. Rocky Mountain Horseessee Walker.  Sited 4/18/2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Walking_Horse
Gaited Horses
need to document anything about these horses. The people living in this region were quite unaware that one day
their utility horses would become the foundation of a special breed of horse. The existence of these horses was
practically a secret for many years to all but the inhabitants of this region.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the rural inhabitants of eastern Kentucky considered these saddle horses
to be horses for all seasons. They were sure-footed, easy-gaited, and the mount of choice for postmen, doctors,
and traveling preachers. People used them for plowing small fields, herding cattle, traveling through the steep
and rugged trails, and driving the buggy to church on Sunday. Horses were not a luxury, but a necessity. Every
horse had to earn its keep and be extremely versatile. It was not a matter of having horses around to use every
once in awhile; these horses were worked hard, every day. At the end of the day they were exhausted, but
possessed enough stamina to continue on, day after day".




Breed Characteristics
1.The horse must be of medium height from 14.2 to 16 hands. It must have a wide chest sloping 45 degrees on
the shoulder with bold eyes and well shaped ears. The breed is best-known for its characteristic coloration:
chocolate-brown body color and flaxen mane and tail, an expression of the uncommon silver dapple gene. But
Rocky Mountain Horses can be any solid coat color.
2.The horse must have a natural ambling four-beat gait (single foot or rack) with no evidence of pacing. When
the horse moves you can count four distinct hoof beats which produce a cadence of equal rhythm, just like a
walk: left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. Each individual horse has its own speed and natural way of going,
travelling 7 to 20 miles per hour. This is a naturally occurring gait, present from birth, that does not require any
training aids or action devices.
3.The horse must be of good temperament and must be easy to manage.
4.All Rocky Mountain Horses have a solid body color. Facial markings are acceptable so long as they are not
excessive. There may not be any white above the knee or hock.
5.The breed is best known for its gentleness, often being compared to the Golden Retriever dog as a means of
describing their unusual enjoyment of human company. It is an easy keeper and a wonderful riding horse with a
strong heart and lots of endurance. Today the Rocky Mountain Horse is being used as a pleasure horse, for trail
riding, in the show ring and for endurance riding.

For more information visit the RMHA.