WHAT'S A ROCKY MOUNTAIN HORSE ?

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

The Established Characteristics For Rocky Mountain Horses Are:

The horse must be of medium height, 14.2 to 16 hands, a wide chest sloping 45 degrees on the shoulder with bold eyes and well shaped ears. The horse must have a natural four-beat gait (single foot rack) with no evidence of pacing. When the horse moves, you can count four  distinct hoof beats which produce a cadence of equal rhythm, just like a walk: left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. Each individual horse has its own speed and natural way of going, traveling 7-20 miles per hour. This is a natural occurring gait present from birth that does not require any training aids or action devices. Even though the Rocky is best known for the smooth four-beat gait, it is quite capable of peforming other gaits such as the trot, canter and gallop. These horses are very athletic and versatile. It must be of good temperament and easy to manage. All Rocky Mountain Horses must have a solid body color. Facial markings are acceptable so long as they are not excessive. There must not be any white above the knee or hock. One of the most desirable colors for a Rocky is Chocolate, however, they come in a wide range, to name a few: Black, Chestnut, Red Chocolate, Bay, Palomino, Buckskin and Roan.