Rocky Mountain Horses for Sale

The Rocky Mountain Horse is a versatile and stunning breed that is known for its smooth gait and easy-going temperament. These horses are popular for their smooth, four-beat gait, making them perfect for riders who love long-distance trail riding or those who suffer from back or joint pain. With their stunning appearance and sweet disposition, it's no wonder why Rocky Mountain Horses are highly sought after.

The breed originated in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and was developed by local horsemen who wanted a versatile horse that could work on the farm during the week and take them on long trail rides on the weekends. To create the breed, they crossed local stock horses with Spanish horses, Thoroughbreds, and other breeds.

The result was a horse with a calm disposition, great stamina, and a unique four-beat gait known as the "Rocky Mountain gait." This gait is smooth and comfortable to ride, making the Rocky Mountain Horse a favorite among those who want to spend long hours in the saddle without experiencing discomfort. The breed's popularity continued to grow, and in 1986, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was formed to promote and protect the breed. Today, the Rocky Mountain Horse is a beloved breed in the United States and around the world.

History

The Rocky Mountain Horse was developed in the late 1800s in the eastern Kentucky region of the United States. These horses were bred to be sure-footed and reliable, making them perfect for transportation in the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. They were used for a variety of tasks, from hauling logs to carrying riders long distances. In the mid-1900s, the breed nearly became extinct, but a dedicated group of breeders worked to revive the breed, and today, Rocky Mountain Horses are enjoyed by riders all over the world.

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Specialties

One of the main specialties of the Rocky Mountain Horse is their smooth gait, which is a four-beat gait that is often compared to a gliding motion. This gait is extremely comfortable for riders, making it perfect for long-distance riding. The breed is also known for its versatility, as they can excel in a variety of disciplines, including trail riding, pleasure riding, and even dressage. Their easy-going temperament also makes them great for riders of all experience levels.

Types

There are two types of Rocky Mountain Horses: the stock type and the pleasure type. The stock type is bred for work and has a more muscular build, while the pleasure type is bred for riding and has a more refined appearance. Both types have the breed's signature smooth gait, which is highly prized by riders.

Characteristics

Rocky Mountain Horses are known for their unique appearance, which includes a medium-sized head with a straight or slightly concave profile, and large, expressive eyes. They have a muscular and well-proportioned body with a sloping shoulder and deep, broad chest. They stand at an average height of 14.2-16 hands and weigh around 900-1200 pounds. One of the most remarkable traits of the Rocky Mountain Horse is their stunning coat, which can come in a variety of colors, including chocolate, black, bay, and chestnut. The breed is also famous for its unique mane and tail, which are often flaxen or white.

Diet and Maintenance

The diet of a Rocky Mountain horse is essential for its health, energy, and overall well-being. These horses are known for their easy-keeping ability, which means that they can maintain their weight on minimal feed. However, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet to meet their nutritional requirements.

The diet of a Rocky Mountain horse should primarily consist of hay, which is a source of essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and minerals. Good quality hay should be fed at a rate of 1.5-2% of the horse's body weight. It's essential to provide clean, fresh, and mold-free hay to avoid health issues.

Apart from hay, a Rocky Mountain horse should be given access to fresh, clean water at all times. Horses require an adequate supply of clean water to maintain their bodily functions and regulate body temperature.

Grains can be fed in small quantities to meet the horse's energy requirements. However, it's essential to ensure that the grain is not the primary source of the horse's diet. Feeding large quantities of grain can cause digestive issues, such as colic and laminitis.

It's also important to provide salt to the horse, as they require sodium and chloride for proper bodily functions. A salt block or loose salt can be provided to the horse.