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Well,Hiya'll! (and Good Morning PNAMBC, I know it's been awhile!) Thought I'd post a general query to the thread. Wife & I occ. talk @ getting a horse. On another thread, FReeper "racehorse" mentioned the Kentucky Mountain Pleasure breed, some can go for upwards of 150K (expensive!). I had been considering a Paso Fino, having gone to school in the old days with a breeder. He told me a story that stuck with me; about how he "picks up" the young horse after birth, so that "human larger than horse" is imprinted....

Anyway, is the gait of the Kentucky Mountain similar to the Paso? (We wanted an 'easy ride', and nice temperment). What a cursory search of the Kentucky's temperment revealed is that they're a mighty good-natured & intelligent breed. I don't know, maybe that's breeders talking/selling? How do the two breeds' temperment compare. I 'assume' there's variations within each breed....

Thanks in advance! FReepers are the best.

Well, hello to you too:)

Your really asking the wrong person about gaited horses. I'm pretty much an exclusive Quarter Horse person:)

Frog rides gaited horses, she may know the answer to your questions.

Have you ever rode at all?

Becky

Pasos are very good tempered, and hearty, and smart. They can be smaller, though, about 13 to 15 hands. The average height is about 14.2, which is about pony size. The ones that I have seen advertised are from 14 to 15 hands. Have you ever ridden before or owned a horse?

REad your post again, and I have a few comments:), imagine that...LOL

What a cursory search of the Kentucky's temperment revealed is that they're a mighty good-natured & intelligent breed.

I do think this is just a salesmans remark. No offense to the breed, but most people who have a favorite breed will say this. And in fact I think this fact can be said about all breeds truthfully. That does not tho, translate into this breed is for everyone or beginners.

My very limited experience/first hand observation with Paso Finos is they're wound pretty tight. The few I have seen would not make it for beginners. I've never seen the Mountain Horse breed you've refered too, but I think someone on this thread has.

When looking for a horse, if you are a beginner, look for an older gelding. At least 10, that has had lots of miles undersaddle.

IMO, you can't beat a Quarter HOrse for a calm dispostion:). I know gaited horses are said to be the smoothest for trails, but a beginner really needs to learn to ride first, lots of slow slow work, and for that any breed will do.

Becky

I would think twice about a Peruvian Paso or a Paso Fino. All pacing horse breeds are fairly good tempered. Missouri Fox-trotters are also considered gnetle and amiable.

Here's the problem; if you are riding with other horses that don't pace, you are going to constantly be ahead of them, or they are going to have to constantly trot to keep up with you. People who ride non-pacing horses on trail call it "getting dragged".

Usually pacers ride with pacers, and the horses who just have ordinary gaits ride with others the same so your trail speeds are the same.

All horses who have that special, comfortable gait move the smae. It's called various names --- running walk, amble, etc. --- but essnetially the Peruvian, the Tennessse Walker, the Missouri Fox-trotter, Kentucky horse etc --- all have a special fast flatfooted walk.

Don't get it confused with a true 'pace', which is a horrible gait.

Anyway, consider what you're going to do with the horse. If you trail ride, ordinary horses and their owners probably won't ride with you.

I am sure that's all clear as mud!

Hi there, and welcome to the thread! The Kentucky Mountain Horse is a nice gaited breed. I think their gait is more similar to that of the Tennessee Walking Horse, Racking Horse, and Rocky Mountain Horse than to either of the Paso breeds. The Paso's temperament is known for it's "brio", or pride, but I'm sure some of them are less spirited than others. I would recommend any of the gaited breeds if your main focus will be trail riding. They are suitable for young or old. I recently went on a large trail ride with a 97 year old man who was riding a TWH. The gait is easy on the joints. But whatever the breed you choose, choose an older, more experienced horse to start of with. I wouldn't recommend anything under 5 years old. Just make sure it has been ridden, A LOT, and recently, and under similar circumstances that you plan to be riding in. Some older horses who have never seen the outside of an arena are more dangerous than a younger horse who has been trail ridden every weekend of his adult life. Make sure that you get a trial period of at least a week or two where you can return the horse if it doesn't work out. I'd have him checked out by your vet during this time to make sure there aren't any hidden health issues. It will cost you, but as some here can tell you, it may save you some heartache down the road. Since you're in Texas, I know you should be able to find TWH, Racking Horses and Pasos but I'm not sure how readily available the Mountain Pleasure breeds are out your way. You might check out AgDirect.com and do a search for the breeds you're interested in that are within reasonable driving distance of where you live. It will give you some idea about prices but you might get a better deal from a local breeder. Good luck, have fun, and please keep us updated on your progress. Feel free to drop in and ask questions as often as you like! :o)