Pre-Purchase

When thinking of buying a RMH we suggest the following as things to discuss and/or ask the seller or trainer about gait, and we outline some possible procedures to undertake.

NB: This list is not exhaustive and is only supplemental to all the usual and standard horse buying procedures and questions, which are not dealt with here but of which all prospective owners should make themselves aware. The information below is provided in good faith for educational and reference purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for appropriate professional, legal, veterinary, or regulatory advice.

Things to Check

• Always ask and confirm that the horse is RMHA registered and view the registration certificate. If the horse is not registered it is NOT on the RMHA studbook and so under the RMHA International trademark is NOT entitled to use the breed name Rocky Mountain Horse not even on its passport. Simply put it is NOT a Rocky Mountain Horse! A horse might be eligible for registration but but be aware late registration with RMHA will incur additional costs.

• If buying from the breeder check their name is the same as listed on the front of the certificate. If buying from other than the horse's breeder check the owner’s name and signature is on the back of the registration certificate. If the seller is not listed as the owner ask why not. [When you apply to register your change of ownership with RMHA you will have difficulty if the previous owner (including the original breeder) has not signed the back of the certificate. The current owner has to sign the back of the certificate to agree to the transfer of ownership to you. If you go ahead and buy make sure to get this done.

• If you are planning to breed your RMH then check if it is certified, or when buying youngstock then check that BOTH sire and dam are certified. If told they are there will be a gold seal on the front of the registration certificate and they will be listed on the RMHA database - easy to check. If they weren't certified this might be a reason the young horse is not RMHA registered. This would make breeding your horse as a purebred very complicated. Seek advice.

• Understand the horse’s colour genetics, especially if thinking of breeding. If the horse has the silver dilution it will have MCOA to a greater or lesser degree. Is it homozygous or heterozygous? Has an eye exam been carried out including a slit lamp exam by an ophthalmic vet? [See MCOA advice section.] Do you know about the recommendation for not breeding silver to silver or grullo to grullo?

• If the horse is backed and under saddle, before making a trip to view the horse perhaps ask if they have a video with the seller riding the horse. If they do, is the horse gaiting or not? Reputable sellers and trainers may well have videos of their horses in gait. If certified, there might be a video of gait under saddle. Ask to see any videos available.

• If you need it, ask for help and advice, take someone with you if necessary when viewing the horse or videos, and make sure the horse is well gaited. If they are pacey or trotty then the horse may need some gait help or the rider might not have been able to get a good gait.

• It might be helpful to know what bit and saddle have been used and how to ask the horse to gait and what speed they needed to go. If possible, take a lesson and video it so you remember.

General Advice

• Discuss with the seller your set up at home, your aims, what you want to do with your horse. Be upfront about your level of knowledge. Be open and honest when they ask you questions.

• If you do not ask the right questions and/or do not have the experience to keep gait, after just a short time it might be difficult to achieve. Will you know what happened? It can be because you are riding it differently or have changed tack or changed the horse’s balance, e.g., removing shoes. Will you be able to do the work needed to help the horse? Do you have the support for this?

• Think carefully and be prepared.

Make sure you get some guidance to go with your new RMH. There’s no point in buying a Rocky Mountain Horse if you’re not going to learn how to ride its gait correctly. Getting that guidance can help ensure maximum enjoyment from your new partner and the ability to enjoy the main feature of this breed - their gait!”