Rocky Mountain, Kentucky Mountain, Mountain Pleasure, What's the difference?

A mountain horse is a horse that is registered in any of these associations; Rocky Mountain Horse Association, Mountain Pleasure Horse Association, or Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association.

The Mountain Pleasure Horse breed existed some 100 years before the existence of the R.M.H. Over 45 years ago, a man named Sam Tuttle, tapped into the Mountain Horse Heritage. He crossed the native Mountain Pleasure stock with "Tobe", a stallion, carrying the unusual, yet beautiful chocolate and white coloring. In 1986, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was formed.

Horses registered with the Kentucky Mountain Association include several gaited breeds. The Mountain Pleasure and the Rocky Mountain Horse are "breeds of horses, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse normally refers to the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association Registry. Many of the Mountain Horses can be triple registered.

The main difference between the two registries (MPA & RMHA), is genetic foundation. Less than 17% of the foundation horses of M.P.H.A. carry the "Tobe" bloodlines.

The Gait

The gait, or "The Amble", is a four beat lateral gait. When the horse moves out, you can count four distinct hoof beats, which produce a cadence of equal rhythm. A variety of speed can be learned. The faster gait is known as the "rack". The smoothness of the gait is determined by the timing, suspension, and footfall patterns.

This is a natural gait occurring from birth. It is bred into the  horses through generations of proper breeding. No training aids or action devices are allowed or required.

The motion of the gait causes the human pelvis to move in the same rhythm as when we walk. Because of the rhythm of the horses, many people with back problems and knee injuries often find riding gaited horses therapeutic.

 Breed Characteristics

Horses must be of medium height. Ranging from 14.2 to 16 hands. (although MP horses tend to be a bit larger). They have a wide chest sloping 45 degrees on the shoulder, with a medium size head, bold eyes, and are stocky in build.

They can come in many colors; roans, palominos, bays, grullos, chestnuts, blacks, greys, buckskins, chocolates, etc.. Facial markings are acceptable, although there may not be any white marks above the knee or hock.

Disposition