History

In the 1890's, a family from Virginia returned after an unsuccessful venture in the Rocky Mountains. During an overnight stop in Log Lick, Kentucky, they sold or traded a stud colt for provisions to continue their journey home. That stud colt was the beginning of the remarkable Rocky Mountain Horse. These horses have been carefully bred in the isolated, remote Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky since that time.

Sam Tuttle, who is known as the "father of the breed", bought his first mare, a descendent of the young stud colt, in 1918 and established his own line of "Rockies" in Stout Springs, Kentucky. From his line, came a chocolate colored stud named Tobe, who is the foundation stallion of the Rocky Mountain Horse.

Sam Tuttle owned the horseback riding concession Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Park. Tobe was the sure footed and gentle horse who carried the unsure on the mountain trails, even though he was a breeding stallion until his death at age 37

The breed was almost extinct when in 1986, 26 people and 45 horses started the registry with the mission of locating any remaining "Rockies". Thru genetic testing in 1986, U.K.'s Gluck Research Center in Lexington, Ky. classified the horses as a breed. American Livestock Breeds Conserverancy (ALBC) listed them as "rare" and "unique to North America".

One of the fastest growing breeds, the Rocky Mountain Horse "falls between the Spanish Horse and the other common gaited horses in North America. This is consistent with their history,...conformation, mentality, and ability".

If you have a desire to learn more about Rocky Mountain Horses you can try these links below:

http://www.centralstatesrmh.com

http://www.rmhforum.com

http://www.rmhorse.com