A Mountain Horse is a gaited breed(s) of horse originating in the
Appalachian Foothills of Eastern Kentucky. They perform a smooth
lateral 4-beat gait and are known for their exceptionally mild
temperaments. Mountain Horse Types can differ with differing
registries, but as a whole they are a unique American Gaited Breed that is rapidly growing in popularity.
The Rocky Mountain Horse Association was established in the 1980's to preserve and promote the unique chocolate smooth going horses bred by Sam Tuttle, specifically those horses originating from his renowned stallion, Tobe. These horses can be of any solid body color, must be examined by 3 qualified examiners to be entered into the breeding and show stock, and must be between 14.2h and 16h in height. The main purpose of the RMHA is to produce a consistent quality group of horses reflecting the original all purpose family trail horse desired for the foundation and creation of the breed standard.
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association was formed not long after the RMHA, with slightly different rules and breed standard. This registry allows horses to be as short as 11.2 hands or taller than 16 hands. Since the KMSHA has allowed its registry books to be open for a longer period of time, there is a larger group of this particular breed as well as a wider variety in type and bloodlines. The KMSHA also allows for showier animated horses to be featured in their show circuit. Even with the main emphasis still on pleasure and family horses, the KMSHA encourages and encompasses all sorts of lateral 4-beat gaits from slow going to speed racking.
Other Mountain Horse Registries are the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association, The Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse Association, The Spotted Mountain Horse Association and for show purposes only, The American Gaited Mountain Horse Association created by the United Mountain Horse Association to promote ALL Mountain Horses within a unified show circuit.
All Mountain Horse Breeds are naturally gaited. Many of these horses are shown barefoot, and successfully! The gait of the horse is attained through careful breeding and training...not soreing! There are no chains or padded packages to be seen at a Mountain Horse Show. The majority of Mountain Horse Breeders breed simply for a good smooth trail riding animal.
A natural gait is a gait that is inherited from consistent breeding, but even inherited gaiting ability often needs assistance. We love these breeds for their natural abilities and smooth rides, however, we also know that sometimes perfection in gait is created through muscle training and time under saddle, just like any good dressage or western horse needs to be trained for collection to use their bodies properly, so do our gaited horses need to be trained for proper footfall and containment.
Alliance Mountain Horses Chris and Tara Stone Bushnell, Florida 352-270-1662 or 352-270-1663 email: alliancemountainhorses@yahoo.com copyright 2002-2009
