• Chose a saddle with care. The average Rocky has rounded-not prominent-withers, so many saddles are too narrow and will pinch at the shoulders. For training and everyday riding, we use a Canadian trooper saddle. Its tree sits on either side of the backbone (much like a cavalry saddle) with a metal arch connecting the sides. It exerts no pressure on the backbone and shoulders. Since we've been using this style saddle, we've eliminated sore backs.
One caveat: In the early-1990s, owners and breeders of the highly coveted chocolate-colored Rockies became aware of a potentially serious health problem. In a small segment of the population, there was an abnormality in the front part of the eye, sometimes accompanied by cysts. Occasionally, it limited vision. Known as Anterior Segment Dysgenesis, it's inherited, and reportedly present in all breeds that carry the Silver Dapple gene (including Shetland Pony, Morgan, Haflinger, Bashkir Curly, and Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse).
The Rocky Mountain Horse Association acted quickly and proactively. They took part in studies by outside investigators, including one at Michigan State University, to determine if this genetic abnormality was a severe defect. The conclusions were that it was not. Today, conscientious breeding practices, such as breeding black horses to those carrying the Silver Dapple gene, have significantly reduced the occurrence of ASD. When potential buyers conduct a prepurchase exam, their veterinarian should be able to determine whether the prospect has ASD by thoroughly scrutinizing the eyes.
David Ramsey, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, writes, "I commend the Rocky Mountain Horse Association for recognizing a minor abnormality in their breed, for taking the initiative to determine its cause, and for their interest and participation in this collaborative study [at MSU]. In doing so, they have established guidelines that select against propagation of undesirable traits within the breed while promoting genetic diversity within the breed. The Rocky Mountain Horse Association should serve as the model against which other breed associations should be compared."
Rocky Mountain High
It'd be hard to find someone more passionate about her Rocky Mountain Horses than Gloria Northcote. Her enthusiasm is infectious-just ask the 200 happy folks that have Rockies in their barns because of her matchmaking skills. Northcote and her husband, Barney, own Paradise Canyon Ranch in Arroyo Grande, California.
"I was 53 before I owned my first horse, a wonderful little Mustang," she says. "I had her for about a year when Barney, who hates a bouncy trot, said that he'd ride with me if I found a gaited horse.
He'd seen Rocky Mountain Horses in a magazine and loved their looks, so I called the association, and they sent me a video and a list of people in California who had them."
It was love at first ride. Twelve years later, the couple owns eight Rockies. "That's so we always have horses for our friends to ride. In the rugged hills and arroyos of central and southern California, it's hard for other breeds to keep up with us. Rockies are very strong mentally and tough physically. They have tremendous endurance and excellent bone and knees-we've never had soundness issues."
The Northcotes always ride bareback-and why not, she asks, when the ride's a glide? "And if anyone offers you a spin on a Rocky," Northcoate cautions, "don't say I didn't warn you: One ride, and you'll be spoiled for life!"
