Cindy Greene Clevenger always loved horses but she came to own them later in life. A true Mountain Horse enthusiast, she discusses her views and thoughts on where the best examples of Mountain Horses can be located. Clevenger concludes that there are many unregistered Mountain Horses of the finest stock up in the hollers and back-roads of Eastern…
David Shewmaker shares his first introduction and love for the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. As highly regarded breeder of Rockies, he shares what he believes to be the prize qualities of the breed: disposition and a smooth gait. He also shares his insights into some of the foundation stallions, but as a breeder acknowledges the fact that a quality…
Doug Pugh shares his extensive memories of horses, including some horse show experiences, and the important role that horses have played in the community through time, which have included, among many things, Horse Show fundraising benefits for the community. Pugh also comments extensively on the importance of preserving breeding histories, the…
Emerson Williams shares his perspective on training Rocky Mountain Horses. Due to the horses' willingness and temperament, Williams concludes that much of the "starting" of the mountain horse can be achieved in thirty days. Williams also provides sound advice to the new gaited horse owner or person who is seeking to purchase a mountain horse; come…
The Taylors discuss their more than thirty plus years of showing Mountain Horses. They also contrast the Rocky Mountain Horse and the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Associations.
Jane Collins discusses her early involvement with the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. Collins details her thoughts on and experiences with the breed, as well as some of the challenges that the RMHA has faced through time, such as management issues and changing show and judging dynamics.
Jeff Lainhart shares his experiences as a Rocky Mountain Horse breeder, advocate, and recognized examiner. He concludes, among many other points, that he strives to keep the breed as close to its original standards by only breeding his horses with the oldest known bloodlines. Lainhart also shares his view that horses should be treated as livestock…
Jeff Miller of Great House Stables in Bowling Green KY, and Jane Gean of Dream Catcher Enterprises in Lexington KY, discuss their memories of Rocky Mountain Horses and the horse loving lifestyle that they fell in love with once moving to the Appalachian region. In particular, Miller and Gean share their stories of traveling the back-roads of…
Joan Cole discusses the behaviors, temperament and up keep of Rocky Mountain Horses, and, to a lesser extent, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. Cole also comments on the historical demographics of Rocky Mountain Horse owners.
Joan Cole discusses her horse training philosophy and past friendships with both Sam Tuttle and Fonzie Graham. Cole also comments on her horse breeding program, her longtime breeding stallion Star Dust Mountain, and her decision to reduce her herd in anticipation of retirement. Cole has contributed to the international trade of Rocky Mountain…
John Fore comments on showing Rocky Mountain Horses, governance in the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, and the local horse community. Fore also details the pride he feels when he considers his time raising Rocky Mountain Horses on his family farm, which is just two miles from where the breed began. In addition, Fore also comments on the…
Larry and Noemi LeBlanc discuss their love for horses, their early involvement with various horse breeds and the eventual development of their Rocky Mountain Horse breeding program. The LeBlanc's' also comment on the modern versatility of the breed, the growing international popularity of Rocky Mountain Horses and the future of both the breed and…
Matt Blackard discusses his family history, education, and his 40 years in politics in this interview. He comments extensively on the state and local judicial systems, the Judicial Referendum, former Governor "Happy Chandler", and revenue sharing, which supports both the ambulance and patrol services. Additional interview topics cover what is…
Patti Smotherland discusses growing up with horses in Eastern Kentucky. Her father, Wendal Tracy Johnson was a well known horse trader and breeder who eventually became a prominent figure in the Rocky Mountain Horse community. She details her early interactions and love for the horses that were, in many ways, an extension of her family.
This is the third in a series of interviews with Rea Swan, founder of the Rocky Mountain Horse Association. Using the same questions as previous interviews, new details are shared and a unique perspective on the history and origins of the Rocky Mountain Horse Association is revealed.
Dr. Robert Coleman discusses the history of the mountain horse and its origins in the Narragansett Pacer bloodlines and earlier Spanish horses that were brought into North America. Dr. Coleman also shares background on the importance of the Black Squirrel (saddlebred) influence on the development of a particular "flashy" line of horse that was…
Robin Little, President of the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association, discusses the differences between Rocky Mountain and Mountain Pleasure Horses, and the horse culture that she is proud to have grown up around. Little also comments on her family's 3rd generation horse breeding program, the importance of equine education, the drill team she…
Sue Wells, trainer and owner of Prince Albert Stables near Presontsburg KY, shares many stories about renowned mountain horse breeders and trainers J.B Smith and Sam Clemmons. She comments on her relationship with the Old Timers, the knowledge they shared, and the skills and techniques she has picked up during her more than 30 years as a horse…
Theah and Mike Hall have raised, trained and showed Rocky Mountain Horses for nearly a decade. In this interview, the Halls discuss the breed, its gait and behaviors, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, and their training/stabling facilities at Hatcher's Creek Ranch near Stanton, KY.
Valerie Kleinheitz discusses her love for Mountain Horses and the work that goes into the associations that represent them. In particular, she details her volunteer work with the Kentucky Mountain Horse Association, and her role on the board of the United Mountain Horse Association. Kleinheitz also provides keen insights into the challenges of…
Vernon Stamper discusses his lifetime of experiences with Mountain Horses, beginning with his childhood and ending in present day. Stamper is a well respected farmer and horseman whose storytelling and memories shed light on the role that Mountain Horses have played in the lives of Kentuckians. Stamper's account of his family history reveals a…
In this followup interview with Vernon Stamper, many of the old mountain sayings about mountain horses are shared. Through his artful use of storytelling, Stamper also shares additional knowledge and perspective on training mountain horses.
Wendell Wells shares his experiences and perspective on being a longtime Rocky Mountain Horse breeder. With more than 30 years in the horse breeding business, Wendell concludes that mountain horses are one of the best products to come from Kentucky.
