Horses : ROCKY MOUNTAIN HORSE

Origin: Kentucky, America

Australian Status:

International Status: Recovering/Safe

Arrived in Australia: 2008

Australian Population: 26 mares, 5 stallion and 6 geldings. - 2020

History: Developed in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, North America. Originally used as an all-rounder, a farm horse, riding horse and family carriage horse. prized for their comfortable ambling gait which made travelling comfortable, their good trustworthy temperament, and the lovely range of colour genes. It was not a wealthy area and the horses needed to work hard and survive with minimum care.

Thought to have been bred from an ambling Rocky Mountain horse brought to the Appalachian's in the early 1890's and bred to local mares - the stallion had the rare colour genes being chocolate colour with lighter mane and tail. Despite being developed in the Appalachian's the Rocky Mountain name stuck. Sam Tuttle became the major breeder for the first part of the twentieth century into the 1960's and really put the breed on a good footing. His stallion Tobe was famous and attracted many mares for his good nature, gait and good looks. It was fortunate that while other breeds went into decline due to good roads and mechanisation, the Appalachians remained neglected, so the horses held their own, much needed for work and travel.

Breed traits: Gaited, a four beat amble, making a super comfortable riding horse. The gait is lateral (legs on one side moving forward at much the same time like a pacer), and the four beats can be distinctly heard in an almost even beat. The hind leg comes down first on the same side. They have a good length of stride. The action is low at both fetlock and knee level, so they can get along at a good rate without wasting time with high action, however, is not so low to make them stumble - they are very surefooted. They get along at a moderate speed without disturbing the rider, and without exaggerated action. Also come in a wide range of colours including some stunning rare colours - all solid colours. Bred in the mountains and kept outdoors all year round, they have a hardy constitution and tolerance to cold, growing a good winter coat. Very good nature. Good doers. The nose should not be dished. Minimal white, little on head (no baldies) and below leg joints only. Full mane and tail. Height 14.2hh to 16hh. Upright stance with head held well up, arched neck. Good wide chest.

Uses: Riding, harness

Breed Organisation: None in Australia, and at present only one stud which is Canalbyn http://www.rmhorse.com.au/about-rockys.html who are very helpful. In their country of origin there are breed organisations, links on the Canalbyn site.

Additional Notes:

Photo : Rachel Meek on Canalbyn Glowing Elle and Karen Casey on Special Miss Kitty taken by Animal Focus photography.

Page by Janet Lane
(population updated 10 /03/2020 & photo updated 10/08/2020 by A.Y.)

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