Intro
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse has been bred in the hills of eastern Kentucky since before the Civil War. They are known for smooth gaits and incredible versatility.
Origins
While their exact origins are a mystery, they are similar enough to the Rocky Mountain Horse to be categorized with them as Mountain Pleasure Horses. They likely have Narragansett Pacer influence and are related to several of the American gaited breeds.
These smooth moving horses were initially developed by farmers which needed a comfortable mount that was adaptable and robust enough for light draft work. Prized for their ability to travel distances over rough terrain and a nature gentle enough for children to handle.
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) was founded in 1989 and the Spotted Mountain Horse Association (SMHA) was formed in 2002 to register animals with white patterns. The breed has a natural ambling gait, where one foot is always on the ground. It is about the same speed as trotting, but amblers don’t generally trot and this movement uses less energy.
Features
Average height at least 11 hands
Physique
Head is cob sized with a straight profile
Neck is medium in thickness and length
Chest is deep
Shoulders are sloped
Traditional Colors
KMSHA registers in any solid color, horses with excessive white are registered with the SMHA.
Temperament
Gentle and willing
Use
Riding horse
Trekking
Harness horse
Helpful Links
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Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association