Rocky Mountain Horse

The Rocky Mountain horse is an American gaited saddle breed developed in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky, despite its western-sounding name. The breed traces much of its modern identity to the stallion Old Tobe and to mountain families who valued a sure-footed horse that could carry a rider over rough country. Rocky Mountain horses are medium-sized, solid-colored horses with a natural four-beat ambling gait. Many people picture the chocolate coat with a flaxen mane and tail, caused by the silver dilution on a black base, but the registry accepts other solid colors as well.

Most are kept for trail riding, pleasure, versatility classes, and distance work where a calm mind and comfortable gait are useful. Good shoeing or trimming helps maintain an even gait without creating strain, and ethical breeders avoid training shortcuts that exaggerate action at the expense of soundness. Because the silver dilution is associated with multiple congenital ocular anomalies, responsible breeding programs use genetic testing and eye awareness when planning matings. Buyers should watch the horse gait naturally, check registration requirements, and choose an individual whose size, stamina, and temperament fit their riding plans.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Brown with Flaxen or Silver Mane and Tail, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Chocolate, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White