Rocky Mountain
Much credit for the development of the Rocky Mountain Horse goes to Sam Tuttle, who operated a riding stable at a state park in Kentucky. Among the trustworthy horses in Tuttle’s barn was a stallion named Old Tobe, popular because of his comfortable ambling gait and genial disposition. When bred to a variety of mares, he passed on the unique gait, which is similar to a rack and can reach speeds of 7 to 20 miles an hour. Many of today’s Rocky Mountain Horses have the bloodlines of Old Tobe in their pedigrees. Blessed with endurance, they are very sure-footed and make excellent trail horses in rough terrain. The Rocky Mountain Horse likely has Spanish and Narragansett Pacer bloodlines as its foundation stock.
Conformation:
Attractive, finely-made head. Medium build. Nice sloping shoulder. Wide chest. Slender, but strong legs. Sturdy hooves.
Characteristics:
Always solid-colored. Often a “chocolate” chestnut color with flaxen mane and tail. Known for their four-beat ambling gait.
Temperament:
Calm and easy-going. Gentle and pleasant-natured.
How tall is it?
14 to 16 hands
What can I use it for?
Trail and pleasure riding, showing and working cattle.
Where does it come from?
United States, North America
