Versatility Plus
When Vernon Stamper looks over the 28 broodmares in his pastures, he sees Mountain Horses with some of the same bloodlines his great-grandfather used in his herd more than 100 years ago. The fifth-generation horseman, owner of Overlook Stables in Sharpsburg, Kentucky, is an eloquent spokesman for the breed, full of fun and folk wisdom.
"I breed selectively, keeping the old bloodlines alive, because they are a treasure," he says. "The Mountain Horse has the sweet temperament of a puppy dog and the physical abilities of the best all-around horse you can imagine. They have the smoothest gait you can find, a deep reservoir of stamina, and are surefooted and quiet."
Stamper starts all his colts on trails. "What better way to exercise youngsters and muscle them up?" he asks. "They're exposed to trail obstacles and wildlife, and we never ride the same trail twice. We take our time, and give them a solid foundation that lasts a lifetime. And we always have some trail savvy horses available for sale."
Distinctive Personalities
Two sorrel half-sister mares from Vernon and Joyce Stamper's farm are part of Sarah Bushong-Weeks' foundation herd at 8th Heaven Gaited Horses in Castle Rock, Colorado. They're both out of his mare, memorably named Stampers Peaches.
"Miss Butterfinger and Mountain Marriage (known as M&M) each have distinctive personalities, but both make the cutest babies and are super mothers," Bushong-Weeks says.
Just a few short years ago, she decided to follow her lifelong passion for horses and create an equestrian haven; a calm, safe environment where horses and humans had the opportunity to develop lasting partnerships.
"Quick-fix techniques, like harsh bits, chains, or chemicals, are just not acceptable," Bushong-Weeks says. "We're not wedded to any one training method, but we use those taught by Pat Parelli, John Lyons, and Mark Rashid, among others, as well as Roger Kyle, our talented trainer.
"Each horse is unique, and we tailor the training to enhance their special talents. Rigid, uncompromising training doesn't allow for the uniqueness of the horse and limits a rider's ability to use the horse for different activities. We train for the well-rounded horse."
Bushong-Weeks' pride and joy is Tomas T, her 8-year-old Rocky Mountain Horse stallion. "He's athletic and self-assured, with a beautiful, baroque arch to his neck," she says. "He's been recognized as the 'epitome of the Rocky Mountain Horse' by the United Mountain Horse Association. My biggest challenge is taking his photograph; his nose is always all over the lens! I'm pretty sure that if he could, he'd make himself comfy in my living room."
Shopping Savvy
Derickson offers terrific advice for anyone contemplating purchasing a Mountain Horse:
• Learn the cues. Take time to learn where your horse's "control buttons" are located. Each animal is individual, so learn what specific cues your horse answers to.
• Learn the gaits. Particularly if you're new to gaited horses, learn how to ask for the appropriate gait, how to recognize it, and how to maintain proper form in the gait.
• Find a good farrier. Contact owners of gaited horses in your area to find a farrier who works with gaited horses. Like any specialty, experience and common sense are valuable.
• Choose a kind bit. Select your bit deliberately, and use it wisely. A bit is as severe as the hands it's in; even D-ring snaffles can injure sensitive mouth tissue. If you're unsure which bit to use, consult a qualified trainer or certified riding instructor.
• Choose a saddle with care. The average Mountain Horse has rounded, not prominent, withers, so many saddles are too narrow and will pinch at the shoulders. Derickson uses a Canadian trooper saddle. Its tree sits on either side of the backbone (like a cavalry saddle) with a metal arch connecting the sides. It exerts no pressure on the backbone and shoulders. The savvy Derickson says this saddle type has eliminated sore backs.
• Enjoy! Then enjoy one of the best friends a trail rider can have: the Mountain Horse!
