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. Gus Cothran details his genetic research on mountain horses in this interview. Dr. Cothran comments extensively on his interactions with the mountain horse related associations and the development of the parentage and later genetic mapping programs that established a genetic narrative for the mountain horses of Eastern Kentucky and the…
Margaret Layton provides a compelling history of the Kentucky Saddle Horse of yesteryear and how these horses became the foundation of the American Saddle, Tennessee Walking, Rocky Mountain and Mountain Pleasure Horses. She also shares her memories of the early formation of the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association and the role that she and her late…
Clay Mansfield, a farrier by trade, discusses his extensive experiences with the Rocky Mountain Horse breed. Mansfield also comments on his family connections to the breed, which stretches back in time to his great, great, great Grandfather H. B. Hawkins.
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…
Robert Lawson, a horse trainer from Paris KY, discusses Rocky Mountain Horses, the show circuit, and some of the challenges that the horses and show men and women face. He also comments on his career as a horse trainer, and the resulting personal and professional changes that he has experienced since he began working with Rocky Mountain Horses.…
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.
