The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is closely linked to the Tennessee Walking Horse and other gaited breeds that were developed in the southern U.S. They have been bred for over 200 years, initially by the mountain people who needed horses for farm work and also surefooted mounts in the hilly Appalachian terrain.
Bob Langrish photo
More recently, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse have become a popular modern pleasure riding horse thanks to their smooth and comfortable four-beat gait (called the single-foot), calm temperament, intelligence, and versatility. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association was formed in 1989 by Robert Robinson Jr. to document and preserve the breed’s heritage. A related registry, the Spotted Mountain Horse Association, was formed in 2002 for mountain horses sporting white spots.
There are now more than 26,000 registered Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses, with horses in every US state, Canada, and Europe.
Characteristics
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is calm, friendly, alert, and well-tempered. They possess medium bone and substance, with an appearance of athleticism in a compact, well-muscled frame. The head is attractive, with a neck that flexes nicely at the poll and little to no wither.
These horses can be found in any solid colour including palomino, grey, cremello, perlino, chestnut, white, champagne, roan, black, grullo, dun, buckskin, and brown. They have long, thick manes and tails and stand between 13.1-16 hands.
Purposes
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is an excellent all-purpose horse for driving, farm work, showing and trail riding. They can be a trusted mount for amateur riders as well as children and seniors.
For more information, visit:
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association
Bob Langrish photo
