Rocky Mountain Horses

As a breed, Rocky Mountain horses date back to the 1890’s. Legend has it that a Rocky Mountain man traveled east on horseback to the Appalachians where his stallion bred a local mare. Their union delivered a beautiful colt and the breed was born.

Rockies became a favored breed among the mountain folk—desirable for their calm, friendly dispositions and versatility. Mountain families often had just one horse. That horse had to pull the family wagon to church, pull a plow, or carry a bunch of kids to the swimming hole. And Rockies could do it all.

Neal started riding a few years ago. She needed a sweet horse—one that’d put up with a novice baby boomer rider. Having a horse that wouldn’t buck, bite, rear up or run off with her was a big plus. Rocky Mountain horses are beautiful, gentle and loving. If you’re thinking about buying a horse, talk to Neal before you jump. You may find that one of her Rockies is the horse for you.

Sammie is a 6-year old gelding and is “Neal’s horse.” You can see his picture at the top-right. He waits for her at his stall gate every morning, looking forward to an early-morning ride across the grasslands or through the woods along the river.

B is Neal’s brood mare. She’s very gentle and loves for Neal to groom her. B delivered a beautiful chocolate-colored filly in May 2008. Her name is Bliss. She’s now a farm horse with a good family in Montana. B and Bliss’ picture is at the middle-right.

And then there’s Bo, Sam’s horse. He’s our “rescue” horse—a 22-year old sorrel thoroughbred and ex-barrel racer who got too old to race and was put out to pasture. His owner couldn’t care for him, so we took him in and haven’t regretted the decision for a minute. Bo greets Sam every morning—laying his head on Sam’s shoulder while Sam scratches his ears. Bo’s picture is at the bottom-right.