Resources and Education
What makes Mountain Pleasure Horses different?
Mountain Pleasure Horses have an extraordinary ability to reflect human emotion, providing honest and immediate feedback without judgement and fulfill the equine needs of the whole family. Pull a buggy, dominate in trail obstacles, safely tote children around; if you can think of it they can do it.
These historic ‘easy keepers’ that aim to please their owners build trust, fosters self-awareness and allows humans to experience a deep calm connection all while in the presence of these powerful animals. Their natural gait makes them comfortable, sure footed and able to meet the rider at whichever level they are at and grow with them in their equine journey.
If you are looking for emotional growth or physical well-being, MPH with their steady, grounded and willing dispositions can be your partner in transformation helping individuals move forward with balance, confidence and renewed strength. That is why they are such incredible therapy horses.
What is a “gaited horse?”
‘A gaited horse is a horse that moves each leg independently. This means that one hoof is always on the ground. If you close your eyes and listen; you can hear the cadence.
With this method of travel, the horse can conserve more energy than they would while trotting. Gaited horses are ideal for traveling long distances as they have incredible natural stamina and endurance.
Gaited horses move noticeably different than non-gaited horses. A gaited horse should have a four-beat gait. When walking, each foot will fall individually, following a precise pattern. Most gaited horses travel in this pattern: right hind, right front, left hind, left front or right front, left hind, left front, right hind. You’ll also notice that both legs on one side will move forward simultaneously. The rear foot will always fall before the front foot.’
Are there organizations focused on helping preserve the MPH?
The Equus Survival Trust is an educational nonprofit dedicated to protecting historic equine breeds that are at risk of extinction. Their goal is to preserve genetic diversity, traditional breed traits, and pure bloodlines. The Trust assists in connecting breeders and organizations, promotes responsible breeding practice, and raises public awareness through events and education.
For more information please visit: https://www.equus-survival-trust.org/
Is there a formal Mountain Pleasure Horse Registry?
The Mountain Pleasure Horse Association website hosts an extensive hub of resources regarding the breed. There is an updated MPH Database, Registration portal, and Forms and Payment section for current owners.
There is also an active listing area for current MPH horses for sale, an articles library, and an educational material for those who want to learn more about the breed.
To learn more please visit: https://www.mpha-oldkentuckysaddler.com/
What makes Mountain Pleasure Horses different?
Mountain Pleasure Horses have an extraordinary ability to reflect human emotion, providing honest and immediate feedback without judgement and fulfill the equine needs of the whole family. Pull a buggy, dominate in trail obstacles, safely tote children around; if you can think of it they can do it.
These historic ‘easy keepers’ that aim to please their owners build trust, fosters self-awareness and allows humans to experience a deep calm connection all while in the presence of these powerful animals. Their natural gait makes them comfortable, sure footed and able to meet the rider at whichever level they are at and grow with them in their equine journey.
If you are looking for emotional growth or physical well-being, MPH with their steady, grounded and willing dispositions can be your partner in transformation helping individuals move forward with balance, confidence and renewed strength. That is why they are such incredible therapy horses.
Are there trainers focused on gaited horses?
Ivy’s approach to training gaited horses goes far beyond gait development. She teaches ridershow to create communication, balance and connection needed for your equine partner to softeninto their natural gait.We have had the opportunity to work with Ivy both individually and through a personalizedclinic experience, and we cannot recommend her method more highly. Her focus on developingthe partnership between horse and rider creates lasting understanding, confidence and results. https://ivyshorses.com/
Additional Resources
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Heritage Gate Foundation
501.c(3)
The mission of the Heritage Gate Foundation is to maintain and expand continuous conservation of Mountain Pleasure Horse breed through education and Equine Assisted Learning programs.
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Mountain Pleasure Horse Association
Breed Association
Formal breed association, registry, membership and sale ads. -
Equus Survival Trust
501.c(3)
The Equus Survival Trust is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the traditional traits and the genetic diversity and purity of historical equine breeds (horses, ponies and donkeys) threatened with extinction. The Trust supports these breeds by engaging in collective conservation efforts, educational promotions, and by supporting the network of endangered breed equine associations, and enthusiasts around the globe, with special emphasis on North America and breeds unique to North America. -
The Livestock Conservancy
501.c(3)
Protecting America’s endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. -
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