Publisher's Synopsis
The name "Rocky Mountain Horse" is commonly used to describe a certain breed of horse that hails from the Rocky Mountains. This breed was developed in Kentucky, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, in the Appalachian region of the United States.
Some distinguishing features of the Rocky Mountain Horse are:
- The breed's smooth, four-beat gait is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Incredibly comfortable for riders, this gait resembles an ambling or running walk. It's one of the characteristics that sets the Rocky Mountain Horse apart.
- Most Rocky Mountain Horses have a chocolate-colored coat with a flaxen mane and tail, giving them a unique appearance. The breed standard permits other coat colors but the chocolate coat is the most traditional and recognized.
- These horses are typically considered medium in size, with a typical height at the withers ranging from 14.2 to 16 hands (roughly 58 to 64 inches). They look strong and muscular, with a sturdy build.
- Rocky Mountain Horses are well-known for their friendly and gentle nature. They're popular among new riders due to their manageability and low learning curve.
- Versatility: While these horses are known for their smooth gait, they are also versatile and can be used for a variety of equestrian disciplines, including trail riding, pleasure riding, and even driving.
Because of its smooth gait and gentle nature, this breed is most commonly associated with leisure riding and trail riding, and it has a devoted and passionate community of enthusiasts. Because of their stamina and agility, Rocky Mountain Horses are ideally suited to traverse rough terrain.
