The earliest documented history of the Rocky Mountain Horse all rests on one foundation stallion by the name of "Old Tobe". Old Tobe was descended from the horses bred by farmers and ranchers in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. These horses were naturally gaited, and were bred to be excellent all round horses that could safely and comfortably carry their riders long distances across challenging terrain. The late 1800s and the early 1900s was a period of time when the Appalachian area was largely isolated, so the horses were relatively free from any outbreeding with other horses. The breed, not then even given a name, gradually became the major utility horse in the area, ideally suited to the terrain and riding needs of the people.
The first Rocky Mountain Horse that was credited with the start of the breed was a silver dapple, having the chocolate body and the flaxen mane and tail. This stallion was to produce a large number of gaited foals, many which were bought by a local horseman by the name of Sam Tuttle. Tuttle continued to raise these medium sized gaited horses and refine the breed. Sam Tuttle is the man that owned Tobe, and his legendary gait and even temperament made him an ideal sire for the breed. Tobe was used as a riding horse and trail horse through the mountains well into his late twenties and lived to be over 35, leaving a lasting legacy in the breed. Since Sam Tuttle had a trail riding service through Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky many people from outside of the area had the chance to ride these smooth gaited horses. Often people asked to buy foals, and Sam Tuttle had little trouble in selling all of the offspring from his ranch, many that went to other states across the United States and even into Canada.
This history of actually being bred as a trail riding and mountain horse has continued through the lines in the breed. Not developed for the show ring or for display, the Rocky Mountain Horse is a true working horse that can also shine in the ring. The current Rocky Mountain Horse is in high demand as a competitive trail riding horse as well as a pleasure riding horse that is strong, tough and able to pick its way safely over even the most difficult terrain.
In more modern times the Rocky Mountain Horse is still considered a premier trail horse because of its natural gaited ride, its intelligence on the trail and it sturdy and sure-footed performance. The gentle temperament of the Rocky Mountain Horse also contributes to its effectiveness and appeal as a trail horse since it is not aggressive towards other horses and also is easy for even first time riders to manage, even on long trips. The Rocky Mountain Horse continues to be a popular horse throughout the southern United States and the market and demand for this breed continues to increase.
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