Intro
The Montana Travler comes from Montana and is a relatively new saddle horse breed developed by Tom Eaton during the second half of the 20th century.
Origins
Initially developed using a Hamiltonian half-bred mare and a Standardbred called Muggs of good lineage. Just before WWII the same mare and some of her daughters were crossed with Saddlebred and Morgan-Saddlebred stallions.
After his service in the war, Eaton came home to his breeding business and finances in disarray. To make ends meet he worked as a mountain guide in Yellowstone Park, guiding inexperienced riders. This further inspired him to continue breeding a reliable mount.
By mid 19th century Eaton had purchased a Morgan stallion who produced many foals, also adding Tennessee Walking and Thoroughbred influence. His strict breeding practices and quality control meant that each foal was inspected and only the most promising kept for breeding.
By the 1970s he hit the jackpot with a Tennessee Walker stallion called Coldwell’s Pat which combined all of the qualities Eaton was looking for. This is considered the foundation stud of the breed. He continued breeding this type and established the Montana Travler Horse Association and studbook in 1983.
Features
Average height 15.7 hands
Mane and tail are thick
Physique
Head is small with a straight profile
Neck is long and thin
Chest is narrow and deep
Withers are marked
Croup is muscular
Hooves are solid
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut, bay, brown and black
Temperaments
Brave and gentle
Use
Riding
Cattle horse
Endurance
Show horse