It had been known by various names through the years, some of them being the Kentucky Saddler, Country Saddler, Country Pleasure, Mixed Gaited Horse, and the Mountain Horse. Despite the various names, the qualities the horse exhibited throughout the years has remained the same, so the name Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse was designated to bring all these wonderful animals under the same registry.

What makes the Kentucky Natural Gaited horse so special? Most notably, is the presence of a natural four beat gait that is rhythmic and appealing to the eye. It is unique to the breed, is totally natural and normally exhibited from birth. It does not exhibit the exaggerated leg action of manmade gaits, but rather is smooth, rhythmic, purposeful, straight, balanced in flexion and synchronous front to rear. It is an evenly spaced four- beat gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular or near regular sequence at precise intervals creating a smooth unbroken rhythm. This gait should be exhibited either barefooted or with no more than a keg shoe. Executed with animation, the four hoof beats are absolutely even in both cadence and impact. It is performed at two or three forward speeds depending on the expectation, such as show ring. In all speeds of the gait the rider should appear virtually motionless in the saddle.

Combining the ability of this horse to maintain its gait over numerous miles without wear to the rider with a remarkably calm and good natured disposition made it a natural choice for trail riding. The breed's ability to concisely maneuver in all types of terrain, overall intelligence especially in intense frightening situations and exceptional loyalty to its human counterpart, spurred a popularity that continues today.

The Natural Gaited Horse is considered to be a medium sized horse, from 14 - 16.2 hands. The have medium sized bodies with nicely proportioned features. They have soulful eyes and come in all colors and patterns.

Generation after generation has taken note of the horse’s ability to be as versatile as the owner wanted. Early verbal history tells us this horse was developed out of necessity. Early settlers needed one horse that could not only provide farm/work labor but also be used for transportation and pleasure. They developed a horse to meet their needs.

During the mid 1800’s, two philosophies of thought emerged. The first focused on the need to develop a horse that could compete and endure in the show ring. The second was based on the need to maintain the farmland and log woods, as well as provide the family with a means of comfortable transportation and revenue through producing a versatile product. This resulted in two forks emerging in the breeding of the Kentucky Saddler.

It is speculated that since horse shows in Kentucky and Missouri had developed into a friendly rivalry between the two states, the need to develop a horse that could compete and endure resulted in the crossing of the early Kentucky Saddler with the Thoroughbred and the Standardbred, which were later crossed with other breeds resulting in the American Saddlebred of today.

However the need for a horse to perform everyday tasks remained. The Kentucky Saddler was crossed with work- stock then later enhanced with other breeds such as the Morgan and Tennessee Walker. It was common practice to utilize the breeding stock surrounding one's area or community. Though the physical characteristics may vary somewhat, some qualities remained the same. These qualities were, gait , disposition, intelligence, surefootedness, stamina and style. This judicious selection resulted in the horse we today call the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse.

It is to preserve the wonderful characteristics of this unique horse that the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse Association was formed.

The characteristics that the KNGHA requires for registration include the following:

Dr. Gus Cothran of the University of Kentucky has stated “DNA testing is the way of the future.” The KNGHA is at the forefront of this endeavor and realizes the unlimited potential of DNA testing for the advancement and preservation of the Natural Gaited Horse. In conjunction with the University of Kentucky’s Dr. Cothran, KNGHA is striving to provide a factual foundation for the gaited horse of Kentucky and identify specific markers that will be essential in the future of the breed. DNA testing will provide a map to the past and forecast for the future of the gaited horse. Looking ahead, the KNGHA intends to produce the quality other breeds have exhibited in the show ring. The KNGHA intends to provide an opportunity for this horse to show its true qualities.

Come join us in this endeavor and goal of ensuring this horse continues to exist for future generations. Become a part of history. Perhaps your gaited horse meets the qualities needed to continue and enhance the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse of the future!

View the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse Gallery Here