rocky mountain horse horse breed developed state kentucky united_states despite originated rocky_mountains instead foundation stallion brought western united_states eastern kentucky began rocky mountain type late 19th century mid-20th century stallion named owned prominent develop modern type today trace stallion formed registered horses breed known preferred chocolate coat color tail result relatively rare silver gene acting black coat seen population exhibits beat known single foot originally developed multi purpose riding driving light draft horse today mainly trail riding working cattle breed characteristics stand hands inches high solid color accepted registry dark brown color called chocolate pale tail preferred coloration result relatively rare silver gene acting black base coat uncommon gene found dozen breeds including minimal white markings accepted registry leg markings extend knee physical characteristics somewhat variable disparate breeds created known enthusiasts ability withstand winters mountains praised good nature affinity humans highest risk breed genetic syndrome multiple originally called anterior segment characterized abnormal development tissues causes compromised vision generally mild form disease non progressive genetic studies shown disorder tied silver gene horses diagnosed carry gene breed exhibits natural called single foot replaces seen majority horse breeds intermediate speed walk beat beat extra provide additional rider horse foot ground movement horse removes bounce beat caused moment suspension followed feet hitting ground horse shifts pair legs value intermediate speed horse energy thirty horse breeds able perform beat rocky mountain horse rider use single foot cover rough ground miles hour short stretches smooth ground miles hour faster speed known rack comparison average medium speed miles hour history known breeds created mixture spanish horses southern united_states english horses north american tennessee walking horses originated general geographic area mixing spanish english blood similar history called mountain pleasure horses originated eastern kentucky foundation stallion brought rocky_mountains brought area oral histories state rocky mountain horse known possessed preferred chocolate color tail found breed today single foot breed local saddle small area bred local strain horse originated foundation stallion produced named modern father breed old owned resident kentucky named 20th century prominent helped strain alive great depression world war world war despite declining horse populations kept herd continued use breeding stallion held concession horseback riding old trail rides park additional trail horses stallion years old died age presence single foot makes possible breed descended breed known passing ability american breeds created increase population numbers promote breed horses batch association life registry registered horses breed spread states countries order accepted registry verified dna testing horses reaching months age inspected ensure meet physical characteristic requirements registry listed watch status meaning estimated global population breed fewer fewer annually breed originally developed general use farms foothills found pulling working cattle ridden adults children today working cattle endurance riding pleasure riding breed disposition sought elderly disabled riders september kentucky horse park hosts
Rocky Mountain Horse