The definition of gaits is something that even the experts sometimes disagree on. Gait is a continuous spectrum,

on one end is trot, on the other is pace and in the middle are the rack and running walk. Between trot and

rack/running walk is the foxtrot and on the other side (between pace and rack/running walk) is the stepping pace.

The Rocky Mountain Horse gait is an even 4 beat lateral gait where the stride of each hoof is equal, with a footfall

pattern similar to a walk which is very comfortable to ride because there is no bounce at all. Each foot leaves the

ground independently; the rear hoof is one-half stride ahead of the front foot on the same side.

 The Rocky Mountain Horse® was granted a Certification Mark (®) by the United States Trademark and Patent Office and is the only breed

to be able to use such a mark. “THE CERTIFICATION MARK, AS USED BY PERSONS AUTHORIZED BY THE CERTIFIER, CERTIFIES

THAT THE HORSES HAVE BEEN EXAMINED BY THE CERTIFIER AND MEET THE CERTIFIER'S STANDARDS REGARDING HEIGHT,

BODY, GAIT, TEMPERAMENT AND COLOR”.

Examiners approved by The Rocky Mountain Horse Association must certify that each horse meets all the eligibility requirements for the

Rocky Mountain Horse Association prior to the Gold Certification Seal being placed on the horse's registration papers.  

lateral gait in which one can count four distinct hoof-beats that produce a cadence of near equal rhythm. The speed may vary

but the four beat rhythm remains constant. The gait may technically be described as the simultaneous but asynchronous motion

of the legs of the same side of the body followed by the movement of the legs on the opposite side. The gait is initiated by the

hind leg. The length of stride for both hind and foreleg should be nearly equal. The Rocky Mountain Horse moves his feet with

minimal ground clearance and minimal knee and hock action. Because this gait does not waste motion it enables the horse to travel long distances with minimal tiring.

The conformation of the Rocky Mountain Horse will be as follows. The height of the horse will be no less than 58 inches (14.2 hands)

and no more than 64 inches (16 hands). They should have, medium-sized bones; with medium-sized feet in proportion to the body;

a wide and deep chest with a span between the forelegs. The fore and hind legs should be free of noticeable deformity. The horse

should have sloping shoulders (ideally with an angle of 45 degrees), bold eyes, and well-shaped ears, and a face which is neither

dished nor protruding. The head should be medium sized in proportion to the body with medium jaws. The neck should be gracefully

arched, medium in length and set on an angle to allow a natural carriage with a break at the poll. The horse must have a solid body color. T

here shall be no white above the knee or hock except on the face where modest amounts of white markings are acceptable.

Excessive facial markings such as in a “bald-faced’ horse are not acceptable.