Developing a Dual-Purpose Breed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOrigin and Ancestors: With roots firmly anchored in eastern Kentucky, KMSH likely shares its DNA with horses from other southeastern US breeding programs such as Narragansett Pacers that have since gone extinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Farmer’s Vision: Bred for their rugged yet comfortable nature, these horses were originally intended to fulfill two functions – workhorse capabilities as well as riding companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parallel stories reveal that Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses and Rocky Mountain Horses often share a collective identity under the label of “Mountain Pleasure Horses,” while each has distinct, yet parallel histories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Formative Years and Modern-Day Presence:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMulti-Terrain Usage: Initially intended for traversing rough terrains and long distances, this breed features a gentle temperament suitable for handling by young family members<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contemporary Usage: Their legacy lives on today as beloved riding horses that excel as trail mounts over challenging terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moving towards formal associations, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) was launched in 1989 as an inclusive platform for breed enthusiasts and breeders alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Associations and Global Presence:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Spotted Mountain Horse Association was Established: To accommodate horses with extensive white markings, KMSHA established the Spotted Mountain Horse Association in 2002 as an arm of their organization. Eventually this association would come to be known as Spotted Mountain Horse Association or simply SMHA for short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of 2011, the KMSHA proudly recognized over 3,200 members and registered over 24,000 horses with their association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though most horses can be found gracing the fields of Kentucky, their presence can also be felt across America and even into Canada and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annual Celebrations and Competitions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA Unified Championship Show: Each year, the Kentucky and Southern Morgan Horse Associations hold an unified championship show, showcasing the beauty and majesty of these horses at Kentucky Horse Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses continue their legacy of strength, gentleness, and an effortless smooth ride, winning hearts worldwide as beloved companions for equestrian enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/span>Characteristics:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nJourney across Kentucky’s rolling hills and you will encounter a breed renowned for both elegance and durability: the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse (KMSH). These medium-sized horses with their intriguing, well-muscled compact bodies hold a revered place among equestrian enthusiasts for their distinct stature, remarkable disposition, and captivating color patterns – hallmarks of excellence that distinguish the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse as one of its breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stature in Spotlight:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn order to be recognized by the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA), horses must exceed 11 hands in height. Furthermore, they are categorized based on height as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Class A: Majestic beings towering above 14.2 hands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nClass B: Compact and sturdy, standing between 11 and 14.1 hands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nA Palette of Elegant Coats:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKMSH horses may feature any solid color with touches of white on their faces, legs and bellies; but when white draping gracefully above knees or hocks or pinto patterns is used as an expressive means, such horses fall under the purview of Spotted Mountain Horse Association (SMHA), under KMSHA umbrella. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, foals from SMHA-bred lines typically register with both organizations whereas similar geldings may elect to reside with one alone to avoid dual registration issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sculpted with Perfection:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThese horses were carefully sculpted to be perfect, boasting flat facial profiles, gracefully arched mid-length necks, robust deep chests and shapely shoulders. Renowned as easy keepers and known for being resilient mountain residents themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Emblem of Temperament:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRegistration with KMSHA necessitates a display of a “gentle temperament and willing disposition,” embodying the affable and cooperative spirit the breed is cherished for.<\/p>\n\n\n
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