Emdee Rocky Mountain horses, Mountain Gaited, Kentucky Mountain Horses

When we first decided to purchase pleasure horses in 2001, we believed we would only have two, for trail riding. We became interested in showing and breeding after watching United Mountain Horse (UMH), Kentucky Mountain Horse (KMSHA), Rocky Mountain Horse Association (RMHA) and Mountain Pleasure Horse (MPHA) shows. We had been to the Kentucky Horse Park in the past as tourists, but never dreamed that someday we would be showing our own horses there. Every year in September, we return there with hundreds of Rocky Mountain Horse lovers at the RMHA International. This year we enjoyed our first UMH World Show at the new Kentucky Equestrian Center. What a beautiful facility, in the heart of mountain horse country.

While searching for “our horses”, we met talented trainers and new friends at every mountain horse farm we visited. We learned about all the ways to enjoy gaited horses. We still enjoy “just riding” our trail horses, but Judy was drawn to showing, and has been competing for several years in the show arena (in-hand, saddle seat, western, trail obstacle, pleasure driving, dressage, and equitation). Michael, a novice horse owner but experienced cattle breeder, focused on our breeding program and has just started showing off “his babies“ in-hand in the show ring. This adventure has turned out to be not only fun (with some hard work thrown in) but, as you will see on these pages, we have had success both in the show ring and with our breeding program.

HOME OF GRAND CHAMPIONS

Fair Silk

1998 RMHA International Grand Champion Under Saddle

Fairwinds Hurricane Warning

2005 Charles Kilburn Award

Legendary Lady

2006 Sam Tuttle Award

2007 Sam Tuttle Award

2007 Charles Kilburn Award

2007 RMHA International Grand Champion Trail Pleasure

2007 RMHA International Grand Champion AO&T Trail Pleasure

Venture's Black Fury

2008 Rea Swann Versatility Award

eMDee's Sugar N Spice

2008 Junior Robinson Memorial Award

We were won over to this breed by stallions standing in fields with mares and foals, allowing owners and visitors to move among their herd. We were amazed by the regal, but gentle, sires and dams with their curious off-spring. We were fascinated to see day old babies, exhibiting the 4 beat gait the mountain horse is known for, proving once and for all that they are “born with it.” We daydreamed about walking through our own pastures in Illinois with these animals.

We have established a small herd of quality Rocky Mountain Horses in Illinois. In 2006, we found Venture’s Black Fury, and decided he was “the stallion”. Our brood mares' first foals by him were born in 2008. Our 2001 daydreams have become a reality. Our champion mares and our stallion are respected examples of this beautiful and trustworthy breed. Our breeding program focuses on the oldest rocky mountain blood lines, strong mountain horse type conformation, and the willing temperament which first brought us to the breed. Our horses have been carefully selected with those traits in mind. Every breeding is planned and every foal is eagerly awaited.

As many other owners of gaited mountain horses will tell you, “they are addictive” and if you aren’t careful you end up being a “collector”. Michael likes to say “Every thing is for sale”. Judy doesn’t always agree with him, but she is forced to put a price on everything. So, if you see something you like on these pages, contact us. (Michael is not for sale.) If we can't help you with our own horses, we will put you in touch with friends who can.