The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse has been bred in the hills of Kentucky for over 200 years. This horse was never deemed special by its breeders, for it was bred for practical reasons only. Life was hard and families were large. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse was used for a variety of tasks and was given little attention as to its care. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse had to adapt to the environment and be a horse that was considered an easy keeper. Only the strongest and fittest survived and this served to make the breed a healthy, strong, and highly intelligent horse.

The character of the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is a "people oriented" one. These horses constantly want to be part of anything you are doing. They will walk to you in a large pasture seeking your affection and attention.

Several breeds of horses make their claim as getting their foundation by breeding to the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse. How the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse got its original start is still a great mystery, but we do know that for centuries the mountain people of Kentucky bred for a smooth even four beat gait, temperament, disposition and for a horse that could be self sufficient.

Looking back for genetic purposes, Robert Robinson Jr found this stock to be a most unusual breed and decided to start a registry to preserve and promote this horse. Careful selection and breeding have brought about a very rapidly growing registry. When the gene pool is large enough to accommodate, without compromising the original characteristics of this horse, this registry could become the breed for all reasons. There are no limits to the Kentucky Mountain Horse. Their willingness and gentleness make them easy to work with and to teach almost anything.

If you are interested in learning more about the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, please contact The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association, P.O. Box 505, Irvine, KY 40336, Phone (606) 723-6551.