Special Sub-Topic: The Rocky Mountain Horse Click Here To Play: The Rocky Mountain Horse

Which state did the Rocky Mountain horse (otherwise referred to as RMH) originate from?

Kentucky. The RMH originated in Kentucky around the early 20th century. A man names Sam Tuttle, who was an avid horseman, owned a stallion which is now in the bloodlines of many RMH's today. The breed is named the "Rocky Mountain Horse" because the original stallion came from the Rockies to Kentucky.

Does the RMH usually have a flaxen mane and tail while the body is a chocolate color?

yes. Most RMH's have a chocolate body with a flaxen mane and tail. This color variation is also called the silver dapple. The RMH must have a solid body color, but they can have limited white markings, such as on the head and below the hocks.

How many gaits does the RMH have?

5. They must have five gaits, with the fifth gait being a racking gait. Since this is a naturally occuring gait, each horse much have it.

Which of these is the RMH used for?

All of these (Trail Riding, Endurance Riding, Ranch Work). The RMH is a versatile horse, much like the Icelandic horse. Its showy looks are wonderful in a parade, while the quick but smooth racking gait (which can be anywhere from 7 to 20 miles an hour) is wonderful for endurance riding.

What is the RMH best known for?

Its gentleness.. It's known for its gentleness and calm temperment, which makes it an ideal horse for a 4-H horse.

Which of these colors can the RMH horse be?

Chestnut. Again the RMH can only be a solid color. The facial and leg markings are limited. The leg markings can only be up until the hocks, and the facial markings can't cover too much of the face.

To be registered with the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, must each horse be examined for the proper breed characteristics?

Yes. Because the breed standard is relatively new (the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was created in 1986) the number of registered horses is still quite low, compared to several other breeds. In order to breed the wanted characteristics into future RMH's, each horse is examined so as to determine if they are what the breed should be in 10, 20, 30 years into the future.

What is the name of the sire that almost all RMH's carry in their bloodline?

Old Tobe. Old Tobe was owned by Sam Tuttle. According to the Rocky Mountain Home Page, "He had the perfect gait and temperament." He died at age 37, still a stallion.

About how big is the RMH?

Medium sized-from 14.2 to 16 hands. The RMH is a medium sized horse, but there are exceptions. To be a registered, certified RMH, they have to be between 14.2 and 16 hands

What mountain ranges does the RMH originate from/around?

The Appalachians. Since they're from Kentucky, which is in/near the Appalachians, they are considered a cold blooded breed (according to the Rocky Mountain Horse Association.) All of my info came from several different places. It came from the Rocky Mountain Horse Home Page (http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/rocky.html) and the Gaited Horse Book and Gifts Catalog (http://www.gaitedhorse.com/history_of_the_breed_rocky_mount.htm). Those two sites used information that was given from the Rocky Mountain Horse Association.